| Description | Edith Olivier spent all her life in Wiltshire, first at Wilton rectory until 1912, then at 20 The Close, Salisbury 1912-1920, then at The Fitz House in Teffont Magna 1920-1922, and finally from 1922 to her death in 1948 at the Daye House at Quidhampton, leased from the Wilton House Estate
She was deeply involved in the life of the county in general and Wilton in particular; had an abiding affection for the countryside and a rural way of life rapidly disappearing during her lifetime; was a prolific author of books and articles; and had a wide circle of friends of national importance in the literary and artistic world who eagerly flocked to visit her and to stay as guests at The Daye House – recorded in detail in her personal diaries and voluminous incoming correspondence.
The only available biography is Edith Olivier. From her Journals 1924-1948 by Penelope Middleboe, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1989. [ISBN 0-297-79640-2]. This contains a useful index and a “List of Characters” which are essential in identifying those mentioned in her diaries and her incoming correspondence. |