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What happened to Mary Shelley's sister?

Published in Literary Figures 2 mins read

Mary Shelley's stepsister, Claire Clairmont, lived a long life, eventually passing away in Florence, Italy, on March 19, 1879, at the remarkable age of 80. She outlived nearly all the prominent figures associated with the celebrated Shelley-Byron circle.

Who Was Claire Clairmont?

Claire Clairmont, born Clara Mary Jane Clairmont (later changing her name to Claire), was the stepsister of Mary Shelley. Her mother, Mary Jane Clairmont, later married Mary Shelley's father, William Godwin, making them stepsiblings. Claire became deeply intertwined with the lives of Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron, playing a significant role in their dramatic personal histories.

Key Facts about Claire Clairmont:

  • Full Name: Clara Mary Jane Clairmont (later Claire Clairmont)
  • Relationship to Mary Shelley: Stepsister
  • Connections: Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley
  • Notable for: Her romantic involvement with Lord Byron, with whom she had a daughter, Allegra Byron.

Her Later Life and Death

After the intense period of her youth spent alongside the Romantic poets in Italy, Claire Clairmont largely retreated from the public eye. She held various governess positions and traveled across Europe, including stops in Austria and Russia, before settling in Florence, Italy. She remained a repository of memories and documents concerning the Shelley and Byron families.

Summary of Claire Clairmont's Demise:

Event Detail
Date of Death March 19, 1879
Age at Death 80 years old
Location Florence, Italy
Significance Outlived most members of the Shelley-Byron circle

Her longevity meant she witnessed the passing of almost all her contemporaries from that famous literary and social circle, including Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron. She lived a quiet life in Florence during her later years, preserving what she could of her past, until her death.

For more information, you can refer to the Claire Clairmont Wikipedia page.