Small image of a man handing a book to a women across a counter.

At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Mary H. Debenham

Author: Mary H. Debenham (1864–1947)

Biography: Mary Harriette Debenham was born in 1864 in London, the daughter of land agent and auctioneer Frank Gissing Debenham and Sarah Anne Bridgewater. Her father became wealthy developing property in Hertfordshire and the family resided in Cheshunt. As a young woman, Debenham began writing religious-themed fiction for young adults beginning with St. Helen's Well (1888). She continued writing fiction and some drama well into the twentieth century. She never married and continued to live with her parents or sisters until her death on 7 December 1947. At her death, she left a considerable fortune.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911); Probate

Fiction Titles:

  1. St. Helen's Well.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1888.
  2. A Little Candle.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1890.
  3. The Princesses of Penruth.  1 vol.  London: James Nisbet, 1890.
  4. Fairmeadows Farm.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1890.
  5. Mistress Phil.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1891.
  6. For King and Home.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1891.
  7. Moor and Moss.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1892.
  8. My Goddaughter.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1893.
  9. Three Little Maids from School.  1 vol.  London: Joseph Masters, 1893.
  10. Household Troops: or, Small Service is True Service.  1 vol.  London: S. P. C. K., 1893.
  11. Whispering Winds and the Tales that They Told.  1 vol.  London: Blackie, 1894.
  12. Two Maiden Aunts.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1895.
  13. The Captain of Five.  1 vol.  London: A. D. Innes, 1895.
  14. The Mavis and the Merlin.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1895.
  15. The Laird's Legacy.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1896.
  16. My Neighbour's Garden.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1896.
  17. Holiday Tasks: A Story for Children.  1 vol.  London: Jarrold and Son, 1897.
  18. One Red Rose.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1898.
  19. The Ruler of this House.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1898.
  20. My Lady's Slippers.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1899.
  21. Keepers of England: A Story of a Thousand Years Ago.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1900.
  22. Sowing and Harvesting.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1900.
  23. The Waterloo Lass.  1 vol.  London: National Society's Depository, 1901.