Hélène Bricka
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Hélène Bricka | |
|---|---|
 Bricka, photographed in 1893 | |
| Born | c. 1847 Alsace, France |
| Died | 15 September 1914 (aged 66–67) West Brompton, London, England |
| Occupations | Governess, tutor, reader |
| Employer(s) | Teck family; British royal family |
| Known for | Governess to Mary of Teck |
Hélène Bricka (c. 1847 – 15 September 1914) was a French governess and tutor who served in the household of the Duchess of Teck and became an influential figure in the education of Mary of Teck, later Queen Mary.[1]
Employment
Bricka entered the service of the Teck household in the mid-1880s, initially working as a reader and educational assistant to the Duchess of Teck. She soon became governess to Princess Victoria Mary ("May"), later Queen Mary, at White Lodge in Richmond Park.[1][2]
According to James Pope-Hennessy, Bricka assumed control of Princess Mary's education after earlier tutors, introducing a more modern curriculum.[3] This included literature, modern European history, and attention to contemporary social and industrial conditions, including government reports on labour and poverty.[4]
Bricka lived as a permanent member of the household at White Lodge, Richmond Park, where she became closely integrated into daily family life. She also served as a companion-secretary to the Duchess of Teck after Princess Mary's marriage to Prince George, Duke of York in 1893, assisting with correspondence and household duties.[1]
She is also recorded as having assisted in the early education of Queen Mary's children, including teaching French to the future Edward VIII.[5]
Bricka's role extended beyond formal instruction. She is described in contemporary accounts as a close confidante to Queen Mary, with whom she regularly exchanged personal letters in French.[4]