Mary Webb: Shropshire’s Resurrected Literary Voice

Discover the captivating world of Mary Webb, Shropshire’s overlooked literary genius whose novels and poetry, steeped in nature and mysticism, found fame only after her untimely death.

In the rolling hills of Shropshire, a literary voice emerged that would captivate readers with its lyrical prose and profound connection to nature. Mary Webb, born Mary Gladys Meredith on 25 March 1881, near Shrewsbury, was a novelist and poet whose works were deeply rooted in the Shropshire countryside she loved so dearly. Despite her undeniable talent, Webb’s literary genius remained largely unrecognised during her lifetime, only to be celebrated posthumously.

Early Life and Influences

Mary Webb’s childhood was steeped in literature and nature, two elements that would profoundly shape her future works. Her father, George Edward Meredith, a schoolteacher, instilled in her a love for literature and the local countryside. This early exposure to the beauty of Shropshire’s landscapes would later become the canvas upon which Webb painted her vivid narratives.

The Celtic influence in Webb’s heritage played a significant role in her artistic development. Her father proudly claimed Welsh descent, while her mother, Sarah Alice Scott, hailed from an Edinburgh family with purported connections to Sir Walter Scott. This rich cultural tapestry wove itself into the fabric of Webb’s writing, infusing her work with a mystical quality that set her apart from her contemporaries.

As a young girl, Mary explored the countryside around her childhood home with an insatiable curiosity. She developed an extraordinary perception for minute details in nature, a skill that would later manifest in the richness of her poetry and prose. This keen observational ability became a hallmark of her writing, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the Shropshire landscapes she so lovingly described.

The Struggle with Health and Self-Consciousness

At the age of twenty, Webb’s life took a challenging turn when she developed Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder that caused bulging eyes and a throat goitre. This affliction not only affected her physical health but also had a profound impact on her emotional well-being. The disfiguring features of the disease led to increased self-consciousness, causing Webb to retreat into a solitary world of her own making.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of her condition, Webb found solace in her writing. Her struggles with health and self-image likely contributed to the empathy she showed for suffering characters in her works. The character of Prue Sarn in “Precious Bane”, with her disfiguring harelip, is often considered a fictional counterpart to Webb’s own experiences.

Literary Career and Artistic Development

Mary Webb’s literary journey began with poetry and essays, with nature as her primary muse. Her first published work was a five-verse poem inspired by the Shrewsbury rail accident in October 1907. This early piece, published anonymously in the Shrewsbury Chronicle, marked the beginning of a literary career that would span just over a decade.

In 1912, Mary married Henry Bertram Law Webb, a teacher who shared her interest in writing. Their marriage marked a new chapter in her life, one that would see her develop as a novelist. The couple’s move to Weston-super-Mare provided Webb with new experiences, but she found herself longing for her beloved Shropshire.

Webb’s first novel, “The Golden Arrow”, was based in the Church Stretton area and marked her debut as a novelist. Her subsequent works, including “Gone to Earth” and “The House in Dormer Forest”, further established her unique voice in the literary world. Each novel was deeply rooted in the Shropshire landscape, with Webb’s intimate knowledge of the region shining through in her vivid descriptions.

Themes and Style

Mary Webb’s writing is characterised by its poetic descriptions of nature, close observations of human psychology, and a mystical quality that sets her apart from her contemporaries. Her work often explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between civilisation and nature.

Webb’s novels frequently feature strong female protagonists who are closely connected to the land and struggle against societal expectations. In “Precious Bane”, for example, the protagonist Prue Sarn navigates a world of superstition and prejudice while maintaining a deep connection to the natural world around her.

The author’s style is notable for its lyricism and emotional intensity. Her prose often borders on the poetic, with rich, sensory descriptions that bring the Shropshire countryside to life on the page. This intensity of feeling and expression, while praised by some, has also been a point of criticism, with some readers finding her style overwrought or melodramatic.

Recognition and Legacy

Despite the quality of her work, Mary Webb struggled to gain recognition during her lifetime. Her novels, while appreciated by a small circle of admirers, failed to achieve commercial success. This lack of recognition took a toll on Webb, who moved to London in 1921 in hopes of gaining more literary acclaim.

Tragically, Webb’s health continued to decline, and she returned to Shropshire alone in 1927. She died on 8 October 1927 at the age of forty-six, her final novel “Armour Wherein He Trusted” remaining unfinished.

It was only after her death that Webb’s work began to receive the recognition it deserved. In 1928, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin praised her work at a dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, calling her a neglected genius. This posthumous acclaim led to a surge of interest in Webb’s novels, with her collected works being republished and becoming bestsellers in the 1930s.

Webb’s influence can be seen in the work of later authors, both directly and indirectly. Stella Gibbons’ famous parody “Cold Comfort Farm” (1932) was inspired in part by Webb’s work, along with that of other “loam and lovechild” writers. While Gibbons’ parody poked fun at some of the more melodramatic aspects of Webb’s style, it also helped to keep her name in the public consciousness.

Critical Reappraisal

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Mary Webb’s work, with critics and readers alike rediscovering the power and beauty of her writing. Her novels have been reprinted by various publishers, including Virago Press, bringing her work to a new generation of readers.

Modern critics have praised Webb’s ability to capture the essence of the Shropshire countryside and its people. Her work is now recognised for its ecological awareness, mystical qualities, and exploration of the human psyche. The intensity of feeling that was sometimes criticised in her lifetime is now often seen as a strength, reflecting Webb’s deep connection to the natural world and her characters’ inner lives.

Webb’s legacy extends beyond her novels. Her poetry, much of which was published posthumously, has also received critical acclaim. The collection “Fifty-One Poems”, published in 1946, showcases her skill as a poet and her profound connection to nature.

Mary Webb and Shropshire

Mary Webb’s relationship with Shropshire was central to her life and work. The county’s landscapes, folklore, and people provided the inspiration and backdrop for her novels. Places like Lyth Hill, where Webb lived in a small bungalow called Spring Cottage, became integral to her creative process.

Today, Webb’s connection to Shropshire is celebrated and remembered. The Mary Webb Society maintains her grave in Shrewsbury cemetery and works to promote her legacy. The Tourist Information Centre in Much Wenlock includes a display about Mary Webb, featuring photographs from the filming of her novel “Gone to Earth” in 1950.

Conclusion

Mary Webb’s life and work serve as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked talents that exist in every generation. Her deep connection to the Shropshire countryside, her unique voice, and her ability to capture the essence of rural life in early 20th century England make her a significant figure in English literature.

While recognition came too late for Webb to enjoy in her lifetime, her legacy continues to grow. Her novels, with their rich descriptions of nature, complex characters, and exploration of timeless themes, continue to resonate with readers today. As we face increasing environmental challenges and a growing disconnect from nature, Webb’s work serves as a powerful reminder of our intrinsic connection to the natural world.

Mary Webb may have been Shropshire’s forgotten literary gem for a time, but her star now shines brightly in the constellation of English literature. Her life and work remind us of the enduring power of literature to capture the beauty of the world around us and the complexities of the human heart.

Bob Lynn / 09-Sep-2024