Gwen Somerset

Gwendolen Lucy Somerset (née Alley, 16 November 1894 – 31 October 1988) was a New Zealand teacher, adult education director, educationalist and writer.

Early life

Somerset was born in Springfield, New Zealand in 1895. She was the second of seven children of Frederick Alley and Clara (born Buckingham). Her brother Rewi Alley later became famous for his development work in China. Another brother, Geoff Alley, played rugby union for New Zealand as an All Black, and was later National Librarian.

The family moved to Amberley when Somerset was three, and her father became headmaster of the local high school there. and in 1975 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Victoria University of Wellington, becoming the first woman to receive an honorary degree from that institution.

In 1988, she published her autobiography, Sunshine and Shadow.