Mary Wesley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Wesley
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Mary Aline Siepmann (born June 24, 1912 – died December 30, 2002) was a famous English writer. She was known by her pen name, Mary Wesley. She became one of Britain's most successful novelists. Her books sold over three million copies. Ten of her books became bestsellers in the last twenty years of her life.
Contents
About Mary Wesley
Her Early Life and Family
Mary Aline Mynors Farmar was born in Englefield Green, Surrey. She was the third child of Colonel Harold Mynors Farmar and Violet Hyacinth Dalby. As a child, she had many different governesses from other countries.
Mary Wesley had a difficult relationship with her family throughout her life. Her mother was known for being very direct. Her family did not approve of her books. Her brother called her writing "filth." Her sister, with whom she was not speaking, strongly disliked her book The Camomile Lawn. She believed some characters were based on their parents. Wesley once said that the mean grandparents in her book Harnessing Peacocks were the closest she came to describing her own parents in old age.
Becoming an Adult
Mary Wesley's first husband was Charles Swinfen Eady. They had a son named Roger. She also had another son, Toby Eady. Later, she married Eric Siepmann. With him, she had a third son, William Siepmann.
In 1970, Mary Wesley faced financial difficulties after her second husband, Eric Siepmann, passed away. It was at this time that she decided to become an author. Writing helped her to earn money and rebuild her finances.
Later Years and Legacy
Only in her final year did Mary Wesley agree to have her life story written. She worked with Patrick Marnham, a biographer. She asked that his book not be published until after she died. She shared her memories from her sickbed. The book about her life, published in 2006, is called Wild Mary.
Late in her life, Wesley ordered a special coffin. It was made by a local craftswoman and finished in red Chinese lacquer. For a while, she kept it in her living room and used it as a coffee table.
Mary Wesley was honored in 1995. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a special award in Britain. In 2007, she was chosen to appear on the 1 Totnes pound note. This was because of her connection to the town of Totnes.
Her Passing
Mary Wesley passed away from cancer on December 30, 2002. She was 90 years old. She died at her home in Totnes, Devon. She was buried next to her second husband at Buckfast Abbey.
