Elisabeth Basford
I am very pleased to introduce our twelfth showcased writer of 2024, Elisabeth Basford. Elisabeth has written an excellent biography of Princess Mary, one of the lesser-known royals but a very interesting woman nonetheless. This is the first time I've focused on a biographer in this column, but I highly recommend her book.
Biography
Elisabeth Basford is a
writer, educator, and examiner with a diverse background in both creative and
academic fields. With nearly thirty years of experience in teaching and senior
management across various educational settings, she has balanced her
professional life with a deep passion for culture and history. Elisabeth has
contributed to a wide range of publications, including Majesty, Red, and
Goldie, and her short stories and non-fiction articles have been featured in
several published collections.
Although relatively new
to the world of royal biography, Elisabeth’s fascination with royal history
began in childhood. Her interest was sparked when she was given a book to
celebrate the Silver Jubilee of George V, where she first saw a photograph of
Princess Mary, whom she thought looked strikingly similar to the current
Princess Royal, Princess Anne. This early connection eventually led to her
debut book, Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess, which was published in
February 2021 by The History Press. Elisabeth is currently working on her
second royal biography. She often appears on podcasts and on local radio
speaking about the Royal Family and Royal History.
In addition to her
writing, Elisabeth manages two popular social media pages dedicated to Princess
Mary, one on Instagram and one on Facebook. She has recently expanded her
online presence to include a TikTok account as well.
A former student of
Nottingham High School for Girls, Elisabeth holds a Master’s degree from the
University of Sheffield. She has a strong passion for English and French
literature and is an active member of both the Brontë Society and the Philip
Larkin Society. Elisabeth is also a fan of Joe Orton, Leigh Bowery, and the
late Frank Sidebottom, even owning a life-size replica of Sidebottom’s iconic
papier-mâché head.
Elisabeth lives in South
Yorkshire with her husband and their four cats.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/princessmaryprincessroyal/
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Elisabeth has sent us a piece about Princess Mary. Enjoy!
A Quiet Devotion to
Duty
by Elisabeth Basford
The current Princess Royal's unwavering commitment to the Monarchy is truly exemplary. Last year, she completed over five hundred engagements, a remarkable feat, particularly given her age, when one might expect her to consider retirement. What is even more striking, however, is how much she mirrors her predecessor and great-aunt, Princess Mary, the Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, both in public and private life. The two princesses share more than just a physical resemblance. Both have been heavily involved in a wide range of patronages and charitable work, driven by a deep sense of duty. Both have had a passion for equestrianism and country pursuits, and both have fiercely protected their private lives. Moreover, both have faced public misunderstandings and been subjected to false rumours.
If any member of the Royal Family has been underestimated, it is Princess Mary. For such a private and reserved individual, it is astonishing that her public life was defined by a series of firsts. She was the first female Chancellor of a university, the first woman appointed as an honorary bencher of the Law Society in Canada, the first royal bride to acknowledge the war dead on her wedding day, the first daughter of a monarch to train and work as a nurse, the first female honorary general in the British Army, the first female member of the Royal Family to receive the freedom of Harrogate and Leeds, and the first to undertake a medical procedure in front of the press. Her unwavering devotion to duty set a standard for modern princesses to follow.
Princess Mary was born in 1897, during
Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. She was the third child and only daughter of
the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary. The family
lived in the cramped confines of York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate, with
George, a naval man, instilling a strict adherence to punctuality, behaviour,
and attire in his children. Despite this rather stifling environment, Mary was
educated with a broad and innovative curriculum, designed by Queen Mary, which
encompassed academic, practical, and domestic subjects to prepare her for all
eventualities and to develop her social conscience.
With five brothers, Mary rarely had the opportunity to interact with girls her own age, and she never overcame her inherent shyness or her slight speech impediment. For the rest of her life, she struggled with the demands of public engagements to the point that it sometimes affected her health, prompting her to guard her private life fiercely.
When the First World War broke out in 1914, George V knew that the family needed to be visible to counter any anti-German or pro-republican sentiment. He kept a record of public engagements carried out by each of his children. At just seventeen, the slightly awkward Mary regularly accompanied her parents on troop inspections and factory visits, though she longed to make her own contribution. Initially, she considered using her own money to send a Christmas gift to the Armed Services to lift morale. But she soon realised this would require more than just her personal funds and thus launched a public appeal for donations. The response was overwhelming, raising £152,691 (equivalent to £17 million today). The Princess Mary Gift Tin, a small brass box containing tobacco and a Christmas card, was sent to troops, and by the end of the war, over two million gifts had been distributed. Years later, veterans proudly showed Mary their treasured tins when she toured Canada.
Mary had always shown an interest in medicine, attending medical lectures at Buckingham Palace. In 1918, on her twenty-first birthday, she requested her father's permission to train as a paediatric nurse. While other royals had nursed before her, she was the first to undertake the rigorous training. She impressed the matron of the Alexandra Ward by requesting to be treated just like any other trainee. This commitment to nursing marked a significant part of her public life, and she would later visit nearly every hospital in the country.
Following the war, Mary faced challenges in finding a husband. Queen Mary was anxious that her daughter might marry a foreign prince, and move abroad and so in 1917, she and George V sought permission from the Privy Council for their children to marry into British aristocracy. In February 1922, Mary married the wealthy heir to the Earldom of Harewood, Henry ‘Harry’ Lascelles. Harry, fifteen years older than Mary, was not particularly attractive or outgoing, but their marriage was one of companionship. Sharing many interests, including horse racing, gardening, art, and culture, Mary found in Harry a partner who liberated her from the restrictive life she had known with her parents. Harry's wealth allowed Mary the freedom to pursue her own interests, both private and public.
Mary's marriage to Harry brought her to
the North of England. Initially, they lived at the romantic Goldsborough Hall,
before moving to Harewood House in 1930. The extensive renovations to Harewood
made it more akin to a royal palace, with masterpieces of art, Capability Brown
landscapes, Chippendale furniture, and Sèvres porcelain. During their time at
Harewood, Mary and Harry hosted royal guests, race meetings, and various social
events.
To the people of Yorkshire, Mary was their "Yorkshire Princess." While she could have withdrawn from public life after her marriage, her sense of duty to the Crown remained, and she continued to undertake a vast array of philanthropic, civic, and regimental engagements over the next forty years. She became involved in charities connected to agriculture, nursing, education, women’s services, and equestrianism, and maintained over fifty patronages. Her work in supporting wounded soldiers and their families led to her being named honorary general in the British Army in 1956. Throughout her life, she was a staunch advocate for female education and became the first female Chancellor of a university, when she was appointed to Leeds University in 1951.
During the Second World War, Mary wore
the uniform of Chief Controller and later Controller Commandant of the
Auxiliary Territorial Service. She toured the country visiting ATS units,
canteens, and military stations. It is not widely known that in 1941, Mary
encouraged people to donate blood to the Regional Blood Transfusion Service.
After recording a radio broadcast, she invited the press to watch her donate
blood herself, prompting a surge of donations, with over ten thousand recorded
within a week.
Throughout her life, Mary witnessed many historic events, including the Abdication crisis of 1936, when her brother, Prince Edward (David), gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. Mary’s letters reveal her personal struggle between loyalty to the monarchy and her desire for her brother's happiness.
In the 1950s and 1960s, after the death
of her husband in 1947, Mary’s public life saw a resurgence. She represented
the Queen at the Independence celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962 and
Zambia in 1964. Tragically, in March 1965, while walking with her eldest son at
Harewood, Mary suffered a heart attack and passed away quietly. Her passing was
marked by hundreds of tributes, one of which declared, "she personified
everything which to all of us simply seems to be good." There can be no
higher tribute.
And finally we come to The Big
Interview, in which Elisabeth kindly
answers writing-related
questions and lets us into
some of her writing secrets...
1.
How old were you when you first knew you wanted to be
a writer, and what set you off down that journey?
When I was in
Year 2, I had a wonderful and inspiring teacher named Mrs. Bradshaw. I vividly
remember writing a story called "The Square Robots." Mrs. Bradshaw
was so impressed by it that she said to me, “One day, you'll be on Jackanory, sharing your stories
with others.” Looking back as an adult, I don’t think my creative writing
skills are quite what they were back then, and I now prefer writing
non-fiction. But Mrs. Bradshaw played a key role in sparking my interest in
history, particularly Royal History. She kept a scrapbook about Princess Anne
in the reading corner of the classroom. If we finished our work early, we could
visit the special reading area and browse through it. That experience
definitely inspired me to learn more about the royal family.
Although I always knew I wanted to become a
writer, my career path took a different direction. In 2013, I experienced a
devastating loss when my brother passed away suddenly. It forced me to reassess
my life. At the time, I was in senior management in education and also a mother
to two children, one of whom had complex additional needs. I felt torn between
my career and my responsibilities as a parent, unable to give enough to either.
Working in senior management meant I was teaching less, and teaching had always
been my passion. Additionally, when parents came to complain about the current
education system, I found myself agreeing with their concerns. I grew
frustrated with the "one size fits all" approach that seemed to
dominate the system.
My brother had often encouraged me to pursue a
PhD, especially since I had enjoyed my Master’s in Education. However, I didn’t
want to pursue a PhD in Education; my true interests lay in literature and
Royal History. And when I saw how expensive a PhD would be, it made more sense
to write a book myself.
So, I made a bold decision to move from full-time
to part-time work, focusing on teaching rather than management. This shift also
allowed me to spend more time with my children and attend their parent-teacher
meetings and concerts. I also knew I wanted to develop my writing skills, so I
enrolled in writing courses with the Literary Agency Curtis Brown and honed my
media writing with popular Instagram writer Laura Jane Williams. In today’s
world, social media plays a crucial role for aspiring writers, so I established
a blog and began building my online presence.
2.
Tell us about the books and writers that have shaped
your life and your writing career.
My fascination
with the Brontë sisters began when I was just three years old, during my first
trip to Haworth with my dad. From that moment, I was hooked. Growing up, I was
always surrounded by books—both my parents were avid readers, and my mum was a
librarian—but it was studying A Level French that truly ignited my passion for
French literature. That course opened up a whole new world of storytelling for
me, deepening my love for literature in ways I hadn’t expected.
3.
Have your children, other family members, friends or
teachers inspired any of your writing? In what way?
I
wouldn't say that my family have directly inspired my writing, but their
support and understanding have been absolutely invaluable. They’ve created an
environment where I felt encouraged to pursue my writing and confident enough
to share my work. Their belief in me, particularly during times when I doubted
myself, has been a constant source of motivation. Whether it was offering
feedback, giving me the space to write, or simply cheering me on, their support
has allowed me to keep going and stay focused on my creative journey.
4.
How would you describe your own writing?
I’ve never claimed to be a literary biographer. There are far better writers than me. My writing is nothing extraordinary. In academic circles, it's often described as 'clear,' though one critic once referred to it as 'workaday.' When my book was released, it certainly divided opinion. Some journalists and critics appreciated the straightforward, no-nonsense style, while others felt it didn’t measure up to the great biographers, like Harold Nicholson.
5.
Tell us about how you approach your writing. Are
you a planner or a pantser?
When it comes to writing, I am definitely a planner, especially when it
comes to biography. Writing a biography is an extremely long and complex
process, and planning is absolutely essential. Unlike other types of writing,
where you may have more freedom to explore and evolve the narrative as you go,
biography demands a much more structured approach.
For starters, you need to conduct thorough
research, which involves visiting archives, historical sites, and tracking down
rare or out-of-print books. You also need to seek out people who may have known
the subject of your biography to gather personal anecdotes or insights that
help build a fuller picture of their life. All of this requires detailed
planning and organisation to keep track of sources, timelines, and the various
threads of information.
While I’ve always been a well-organised person,
writing a non-fiction biography has taken my organisational skills to another
level. The scope of the project is vast, and without a clear plan, it’s easy to
get lost in the sheer volume of material you need to sift through. You must
stay focused and disciplined to ensure that each piece of the puzzle fits
together to tell a cohesive and accurate story.
In my experience, some kinds of writing
definitely demand more planning than others. Creative writing, for example,
allows for more spontaneity and discovery along the way, whereas biography
requires a structured, methodical approach from the outset. That said, the
planning process for biography has taught me a lot about the importance of
patience and persistence—two qualities I’ve found to be invaluable in all types
of writing.
6.
Do you have any advice for someone who might be
thinking about starting to write creatively?
My advice for
anyone thinking about starting to write creatively would be just begin. Don’t
wait for the "perfect" moment or feel like you need to have
everything figured out before you start. Writing is a process, and it’s okay to
be messy and imperfect in the beginning. The most important thing is to develop
a consistent writing habit and allow yourself the freedom to explore different
styles, genres, and ideas.
Also, don’t be afraid of failure or
rejection—it’s part of the journey. Every writer has faced moments of doubt or
frustration, but persistence is key. Read widely, write regularly, and seek out
feedback from others, especially from those who can offer constructive
critique. Remember, writing is a craft that improves with practice, so be
patient with yourself and enjoy the creative process. Finally, trust your
unique voice and perspective—there is no one else who can tell the stories you
have to tell.
7.
What do you think about getting feedback on your work
from other writers and/or non-writers?
I believe that
feedback is an essential part of the writing process. It's vital to separate
your work from your personal identity and remember that feedback is about the
writing itself, not about you as a person. Receiving feedback from both writers
and non-writers can be invaluable. Writers, especially those familiar with your
genre, offer insights that can help you refine your craft, strengthen your
structure, and ensure your writing resonates with your target audience. Their
feedback tends to be more technical and can help you push your writing to a
higher level.
On the other hand, feedback from non-writers
provides a fresh perspective. These readers can highlight areas where your
writing might be unclear, confusing, or need more emotional depth—things that a
more experienced writer might overlook. Their feedback reminds you to keep your
writing accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Personally, I have received a fair amount of
feedback on my writing, and I find it incredibly helpful. While I value input
from experienced writers, particularly those in the same genre, I also
appreciate feedback from general readers. Both types of feedback offer
different advantages, and I try to take both into account. When it comes to
acting on suggestions, I do consider each piece of feedback carefully. If it
aligns with my vision for the work and will enhance the story or writing, I am
more than happy to implement changes. However, not every suggestion is right
for my writing, so I make sure to stay true to the essence of the piece while
integrating constructive feedback where it feels most fitting.
8.
If you have experience of self-publishing, what have
been its challenges and rewards?
Although I have no experience with self-publishing, I can speak to the
value I found in having a traditional publisher for my book. Working with a
publisher was incredibly rewarding, and while they do retain a significant
portion of the rights, the support they provided throughout the process was
invaluable. One of the most important aspects of publishing for me was the
editing process. It’s absolutely vital to have professionals involved who can
provide critical feedback and help refine your work. Having multiple eyes on
the manuscript—whether from editors, proofreaders, or other experts—ensures
that the final product is the best it can be, both in terms of content and
presentation.
For anyone thinking about self-publishing, my
advice would be to understand the level of commitment and work involved.
Self-publishing requires not only writing but also managing the production,
design, distribution, and marketing of your work. It can be challenging,
especially without the infrastructure and resources a traditional publisher
provides. However, the reward is the creative control and autonomy over your
own work.
9.
Where do you get your ideas from?
That’s
an excellent question, and honestly, I wish I had a more concrete answer. The
truth is, ideas just seem to come to me, often without any clear origin. I
don’t always know where they come from, but they’ve always appeared this
way—seemingly out of nowhere. I think it’s simply part of the creative process.
Inspiration can strike at any time, whether from a passing thought, an event,
or something I read. I’ve learned to trust these ideas when they come, as they
often lead to something meaningful. It’s a mystery I’ve come to embrace, and
it’s one of the things that makes the creative process so exciting.
10.
They say that successful writers need to be selfish.
How far do you agree with this?
I do agree that successful writers need to be selfish to some extent.
Writing is an intensely personal process, and in order to produce your best
work, you have to be willing to prioritise it, sometimes over other commitments
or distractions. For me, this means making sure I can sit down and focus
without interruptions. I can only write if I know nothing else is happening
that day—no appointments, no obligations—so I can fully dedicate my time and
energy to the task at hand.
In terms of my own writing habits, I would say I
am disciplined, but not in the sense of writing every single day. Instead, I
tend to block out large chunks of time when I know I can work uninterrupted.
Fitting writing around family and other work can
be challenging, but I’ve learned to be flexible. I often have to plan ahead and
be strategic about carving out those dedicated writing moments. My husband is
very supportive, and I make sure that the rest of the family is taken care of
so that I can truly focus when it’s time to write. Ultimately, being
disciplined means setting boundaries and ensuring that I protect that time to
immerse myself in the writing process, even if it means being a bit selfish.
11. Beyond your family
and your writing, what other things do you do?
Beyond my
family and my writing, I have a variety of interests and hobbies that keep me
busy and fulfilled. One of my biggest passions is gardening, which has become a
bit of an obsession. When my children grew up and we no longer needed to
maintain a lawn, I saw the perfect opportunity to redesign our garden. I
absolutely love hydrangeas and have cultivated around 40 different varieties.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing plants and watching
them grow. In addition to my love for flowers, I also grow vegetables in my
garden and have a greenhouse where I can nurture everything from tomatoes to
herbs. Gardening is not just a hobby for me; it’s a real passion that brings me
peace and joy.
I also
enjoy going to the theatre and have a special fondness for musicals. There’s
something magical about the energy and creativity of live performances, and I
try to attend whenever I can. Reading is another constant in my life—I find it
to be a wonderful way to relax and escape into different worlds.
As for
keeping fit, gardening itself provides a good amount of physical activity, but
I also enjoy walking and occasionally do yoga to stay flexible and active.
13. Would you describe yourself as a ‘cultured’ person?
Yes, I would
definitely describe myself as a ‘cultured’ person. Growing up, I was fortunate
to have a father who was deeply passionate about learning, even though he was
largely self-taught. He introduced me to a wide range of music, from classical
composers to iconic bands like The Beatles and The Kinks. His love for
politics, history, and art was something he shared with me, and it greatly
shaped my interests. He instilled in me a curiosity for the world around me and
a deep appreciation for various forms of culture.
I’ve always been an avid
reader and enjoy a variety of genres, though I do gravitate toward books that
are considered ‘literary.’ I also love going to the theatre, attending
concerts, and visiting art galleries. For me, engaging with the arts in all its
forms is essential for broadening my understanding of the world and keeping my
creative juices flowing.
When
it comes to films, I have a particular fondness for the work of Mike Leigh.. I
appreciate how he captures the human experience in such a raw and authentic
way.
I
think it’s incredibly important for writers to stay in touch with the
contemporary art world in all its forms—whether it’s literature, visual arts,
music, or theatre—because it keeps us attuned to the pulse of society and
current trends in creative expression. As for my own writing, while I may not
write in a traditionally literary style, I do enjoy exploring different aspects
of human experience and emotion.
14.
Are you interested in history and if so does it impact
on your writing?
Yes, I have always been deeply interested in history, particularly
Royal History, which has had a significant impact on my writing. As a
biographer, I spend a lot of time researching historical events and figures. My
research often involves digging into archives, reading historical texts, and
studying various sources to piece together the lives of the individuals I write
about. I believe that understanding the historical context of a person’s life
is essential to telling their story accurately and meaningfully.
I am also a firm believer in the value of
visiting old buildings and places of historical interest. These locations
provide a tangible connection to the past and can offer insights that books and
articles alone may not convey. There’s something incredibly powerful about
standing in a place where history unfolded, and it often sparks new ideas or
perspectives for my writing.
In my opinion, historical knowledge is crucial
for writers, especially those who write about the past. It allows writers to
create more authentic and believable worlds, whether they’re writing fiction or
non-fiction. Understanding history also helps writers to recognize patterns,
draw connections between events, and explore the long-term impact of historical
decisions on individuals and societies.
As for current affairs, science, technology, and
politics, I do think it’s important for writers to have a basic understanding
of these areas. The world is constantly changing, and a writer who is aware of
current events and how they influence society can create more relevant and
timely work. Even if a writer is focusing on a historical subject, knowledge of
current affairs can provide valuable context and help avoid anachronisms.
Writers, in my view, should have a broad knowledge of the world around them to
ensure their writing is informed, insightful, and resonates with readers.
15. There is a lot of
talk at the moment. in the publishing world and elsewhere, about political
correctness, the Woke movement, cultural appropriation, ‘cancel culture’,
‘trigger warnings’, sensitivity readers and the importance of diversity. What
are your thoughts on this, with regard to writing?
When I think about the current debates
surrounding political correctness, the Woke movement, and issues like cultural
appropriation and diversity, I draw a lot from the values my dad taught me
growing up. My dad was a socialist in his beliefs but, more fundamentally, he
was a liberal—a person who championed individual freedom and tolerance. One key
lesson I learned from him was the importance of respecting others' rights and
choices, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. In the 1970s, he
had a close friendship with Gerry, who was gay, and despite the unpleasant
comments they sometimes faced, my dad always stood by the principle of not
judging others for what they are. His perspective on this was simple: “I don’t
ask him about his sex life, and he doesn’t ask me about mine,” reflecting a
deep respect for personal boundaries and autonomy.
In the context of writing, I believe
that writers should have the freedom to explore different perspectives and
represent a wide range of voices. However, this freedom must come with
responsibility. Writers should be sensitive to the potential impact of their
work, especially when taking on personas or writing about cultures outside
their own. It’s not about silencing voices or stifling creativity; it’s about
ensuring that we are representing others with accuracy, respect, and
understanding. Writing should reflect the complexities of the world, and that
means engaging with diverse characters and experiences.
But, as with my dad’s approach to his friendship with Gerry, it’s important to approach these issues with respect and care. Writing about cultures or identities that are not our own requires humility and a willingness to learn. Writers should ask themselves: Are they writing to amplify voices, or are they perpetuating stereotypes? Are they making space for genuine representation, or are they appropriating someone else's narrative for their own gain? Diversity in writing is essential, but it must come from a place of true understanding, not just a desire to be 'politically correct.' The best writing opens up conversations, challenges assumptions, and broadens perspectives, all while maintaining a sense of empathy and respect for others.
16. Do you have any
particular health or other issue that affects your writing and if so how have
you overcome this?
Yes, I am registered disabled due to serious
spinal problems, which can make certain aspects of my writing process
challenging. For example, going to archives, which is a crucial part of my
research, can be difficult for me physically. However, I’m fortunate to have a
supportive husband who helps me in so many ways. He takes me wherever I need to
go, making sure I can access the resources I need for my writing.
I’m always pleasantly surprised by how helpful
and accommodating people are in general, whether it’s staff at archives or
others I encounter during my research. Their kindness and willingness to assist
make a big difference and help me overcome some of the practical challenges I
face. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to my work, and I’m grateful
for the support I have that enables me to continue writing and pursuing my
research.
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Thank you very much, Elisabeth, for such an interesting and informative showcase.
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In September, I will be showcasing
another fabulous writer:
Karen Honnor
Not to be missed!
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So far in this series, I’ve showcased the following writers:
Ruth Loten – March 2023
Jane Langan – March 2023
Beck Collett – April 2023
Ron Hardwick – June 2023
L.N.Hunter – July 2023
Katherine Blessan – August 2023
Jill Saudek – September 2023
Colin Johnson – October 2023
Sue Davnall – November 2023
Alain Li Wan Po – December 2023
Lily Lawson – January 2024
Philip Badger – February 2024
Glen Lee – March 2024
DHL Hewa - April 2024
Tonia Trainer - May 2024
Mike Poyzer – June 2024
Judith Worham - July 2024
Chrissie Poulter - August 2024
Adele Sullivan - September 2024
Lin De Laszlo - October 2024
Wendy Heydorn - November 2024
Elisabeth Basford - December 2024
You can find all these showcases by scrolling back through the material on this blog.
Interesting read about a biographer, especially as I'm interested in history and also in the past of the royal family.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth is a real inspiration, overcoming physical limitations to achieve her goals.
Thank you Elisabeth and Lou. xxxxx