Notes from Dr. Julian's Hymnology:
"Mrs Bancroft was the daughter of the Rev. Sidney Smith. D.D. Rector of Drumragh, County Tyrone, Ireland. She was born at Bloomfield, Merrion, in the County of Dublin, June 21st. 1841, and married in 1869 to Arthur E. Bancroft. Her hymns have appeared in periodicals — Lyra Brit., Bishop Ryle's Spiritual Songs and other Collections and also on leaflets. 'Oh for [a] robes [robe] of whiteness!' (Heaven desired). This favourite children's hymn was first published as a leaflet in 1860. In 1867 it was included in Lyra Brit., and thence has passed into several collections in Great Britain and America".
Mrs. Bancroft's hymn in 'Spiritual Songs' is no. 460, "Oh for a robe of whiteness, To walk with Christ in light". Garments spotted by the flesh (Jude); filthy garments (Zechariah) — well might we all sing "Oh for a robe of whiteness". "They shall walk with Me in white" (Revelation).