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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Mary Ann Bird

Author: Mary Ann Bird (born 1815)

Alternate Name(s): Atherstone (maiden name)

Biography: [Hadyn] Mary Ann Bird was born on 1 February 1815 in Taunton, the youngest daughter of poet Edwin Atherstone. In 1842, she married doctor George Hardacre Bird and the couple had two daughters. The marriage proved unhappy and they separated in 1854. Thereafter, Bird turned to writing for support. She mainly wrote stories for the penny press (nearly 160 by her report) and several longer novels. She unsuccessfully applied to the Royal Literary Fund in the 1860s who counseled she turn to her husband for support. Based on the census, she moved quite often, living apart from her husband and children. Her husband died in 1900 but her death cannot be traced. Most likely she died between mid 1891 and 1900.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1851, 1861, 1881, 1891); Ipswich Journal (9 April 1842); RLF (case number 1373)

Fiction Titles:

  1. The Fate of Thorsghyll.  3 vol.  London: John Maxwell, 1865.
  2. The Hawkshawes: A Novel.  2 vol.  London: John Maxwell, 1865.
  3. Spell-Bound: or, Tales of the Supernatural.  1 vol.  London: John Maxwell, 1865.
  4. Cozynook.  1 vol.  London: Ward and Lock, 1867.