Albert Francis Cross

Albert Francis Cross (1863–1940) wrote under the pen name of A. F. Cross. He was a noted poet, playwright, journalist and author and the founder of several theatres and newspapers in the English Midlands area.

His most popular works include several books of verses and poetry, specifically ''Songs and Sonnets'', ''Virginia'' and ''Charnwood Poems'', inspired by a series of walks through Charnwood Forest. ''Charnwood Poems'' was published in 1928. He was also the author of several plays, including the musical comedy ''Dainty Diana''.

Born in Moor Lane, Loughborough, on 9 May 1863, Cross began his career as a school master but moved into journalism after contributing to the '' Leicester Advertiser''. In 1895, he became the editor of the '' Nuneaton Observer''.

In 1900, he formed the Nuneaton Theatre and Entertainment Company and became manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre, Nuneaton. He also built the Empire Skating Rink in Nuneaton and managed Rugby Theatre in Rugby.

In 1906, Cross bought the '' Nuneaton Chronicle'' from its founder F.D. Robertson. He remained proprietor and editor until his death in 1940.

In 1930, he founded the George Eliot Fellowship.

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1863 births
1940 deaths
People from Loughborough
20th-century English poets
English male journalists
20th-century English dramatists and playwrights
British male poets
British male dramatists and playwrights
20th-century English male writers

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