Norton, Mary

People > Norton, Mary

Born in London, Mary Norton (nee Pearson) had four brothers. They had many childhood adventures as they grew up in Leighton Buzzard at the old Georgian Manor House and later at The Cedars in High Street (now Leighton Middle School). It was the Georgian Manor House, however, that Mary used as the setting for her 'Borrowers' stories, first published in 1952.

Mary began her career as an actress with the 'Old Vic', later marrying Robert Norton in 1927 and moving to Portugal.

Her children's stories began with 'The magic bed-knob' in 1943 which she wrote while living in New York.

'The Borrowers' stories featuring a community of tiny people who lived secretly in cavities in the fabric of houses, not only brought her rapid recognition as a leading children's author, but also brought her a dedicated following in Bedfordshire.

Sources:

• Mary Norton (Obituary in the Times) 7.9.92
• Mary's stories had a local inspiration (Obituary in the Leighton Buzzard Observer) 15.9.92
• Mary Norton (The Independent) 28.9.92

Page last updated: 3rd February 2104