From Horsehay to Worldwide Fame: The Extraordinary Journey of Edith Pargeter

Discover the remarkable life and literary legacy of Shropshire’s own Edith Pargeter, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Brother Cadfael mysteries. From humble beginnings in Horsehay to international acclaim, her journey is as captivating as her novels.

Edith Mary Pargeter, born on 28 September 1913 in the small Shropshire hamlet of Horsehay, would go on to become one of the most celebrated authors of historical fiction and detective novels in the 20th century. Better known to millions of readers worldwide by her pen name Ellis Peters, Pargeter’s life and work were deeply rooted in the landscapes and history of Shropshire, particularly the Welsh borderlands.

Early Life and Education

Pargeter was the youngest of three children born to Edmund Valentine Pargeter, a clerk at the Horsehay ironworks, and his wife Edith. Despite modest means, the Pargeter household was rich in books and music, fostering young Edith’s love for literature and history from an early age.

Her formal education began at the local Church of England elementary school in Dawley, about a mile from her home. She later attended Coalbrookdale High School for Girls as a scholarship pupil, where her talents in English, Latin, and history flourished. Pargeter left school in 1930 at the age of 17, determined to pursue a career in writing.

Early Career and War Service

From 1933 to 1940, Pargeter worked as an assistant and dispenser at Bemrose’s chemist shop in Dawley High Street. This experience would later prove invaluable, providing her with knowledge of drugs and poisons that she would incorporate into her detective fiction.

During this time, Pargeter was already honing her craft as a writer. Her first novel, “Hortensius, Friend of Nero”, was published in 1936 when she was just 23 years old. By 1939, she had published six novels, including two crime novels under the pseudonym Jolyon Carr.

The outbreak of World War II saw Pargeter join the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1940. She served until 1945, rising to the rank of Petty Officer and being awarded the British Empire Medal for her meritorious service. Her wartime experiences informed several of her novels, including the best-selling “She Goes to War” (1942) and a trilogy comprising “The Eighth Champion of Christendom” (1945), “Reluctant Odyssey” (1946), and “Warfare Accomplished” (1947).

Post-War Career and Literary Success

After the war, Pargeter returned to Shropshire, where she lived with her mother until 1954. She and her brother Ellis then jointly purchased Parkville, an 18th-century house in Madeley, which they shared for the next 35 years.

It was during this post-war period that Pargeter’s literary career truly flourished. She wrote prolifically across various genres, including historical fiction, contemporary novels, and crime fiction. In 1959, she adopted the pseudonym Ellis Peters, under which she would publish her most famous works.

The Brother Cadfael Chronicles

In 1977, at the age of 64, Pargeter published “A Morbid Taste for Bones”, the first novel in what would become the immensely popular Brother Cadfael series. Set in 12th-century Shrewsbury during the tumultuous period known as The Anarchy, the series follows the investigations of Brother Cadfael, a Welsh Benedictine monk with a talent for solving murders.

Cadfael is a fascinating character — a man who entered monastic life in his forties after experiences as both a soldier and sailor. His worldly knowledge, combined with his skills as a herbalist and his innate sense of justice, make him a unique and compelling detective.

The Cadfael novels are notable not just for their engaging mysteries, but for their meticulous historical detail and vivid evocation of medieval life. Pargeter’s deep knowledge of and love for Shropshire shines through in her descriptions of the landscape and local culture.

The series was a phenomenal success, with 20 novels published between 1977 and 1994. By the time the 19th novel was released, sales of the series had exceeded 6.5 million copies. The books were adapted into a popular television series starring Sir Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael, further increasing their reach and popularity.

Other Literary Achievements

While the Cadfael series brought her the most fame, it represents only a fraction of Pargeter’s literary output. She wrote over 70 books in total, including historical novels set in various periods, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction works.

Pargeter was also an accomplished translator, particularly of Czech literature. Her interest in Czechoslovakia began after World War II, and she learned the Czech language to better understand and translate works by authors such as Jan Neruda and Bohumil Hrabal. Her translations were highly regarded, and she received several awards from the Czech government for her contributions to Czech culture.

Recognition and Legacy

Pargeter’s work received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 1963, she won the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for “Death and the Joyful Woman”. In 1980, the British Crime Writers Association awarded her the Silver Dagger for “Monk’s Hood”, one of the Cadfael novels. In 1993, she received the Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in the field of crime writing.

In the 1994 New Year Honours, Pargeter was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Literature, a remarkable achievement for a woman from a working-class background in Shropshire.

Pargeter’s impact on Shropshire, particularly Shrewsbury, cannot be overstated. The Cadfael Chronicles drew international attention to the town and its history, significantly boosting tourism. Today, visitors can follow in Cadfael’s footsteps, visiting locations mentioned in the books and learning about medieval Shrewsbury.

Personal Life and Final Years

Despite her fame, Pargeter remained a private person throughout her life. She never married, though she did fall in love with a Czech man and remained friends with him after he married another woman. She was proud of the fact that she could support herself through her writing from the end of World War II until her death.

Pargeter’s later years were marked by declining health. In 1992, she suffered a fall during the filming of a television programme at Shrewsbury Abbey. A further fall at home in 1994 led to the amputation of a leg. Despite these setbacks, she continued writing until shortly before her death.

Edith Pargeter passed away on 14 October 1995 at her home in Madeley, Shropshire, at the age of 82. Her ashes were scattered at the crematorium in Shrewsbury alongside those of her brother Ellis.

Remembering Edith Pargeter

Today, Edith Pargeter is remembered not just as a talented author, but as a proud daughter of Shropshire who brought international attention to the county’s rich history and beautiful landscapes. In Shrewsbury Abbey, a stained glass window depicting St Benedict includes an open book with a quill pen and the inscription ‘Cadfael’, a fitting tribute to Pargeter and her most famous creation.

In her home town, a residential road, Ellis Peters Drive, was named in her honour. The British Crime Writers Association established the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger award (later called the Ellis Peters Historical Award) in 1999 to commemorate her life and work.

Edith Pargeter’s legacy lives on through her books, which continue to captivate readers with their blend of historical detail, engaging characters, and compelling mysteries. Her life serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how talent, determination, and a deep love for one’s home can lead to extraordinary achievements.

For Shropshire residents, Pargeter’s work offers a unique window into the county’s past, bringing medieval Shrewsbury to life and highlighting the rich tapestry of history that surrounds us. Her success story is a source of local pride, showing that world-class literature can emerge from the most unassuming of beginnings.

As we walk the streets of Shrewsbury or gaze upon the Shropshire landscape, we can still feel the presence of Brother Cadfael and his creator, Edith Pargeter. Their stories are now woven into the fabric of our local history, enriching our understanding and appreciation of this beautiful corner of England.

Bob Lynn / 12-Sep-2024