Mary Lucy Pendered, daughter of Thomas Pendered, auctioneer, and Elizabeth (nee Hill), was born in Peckham, but she spent much of her life living in Wellingborough.

In 1892 she moved to London to become a journalist. Mary also wrote short stories for periodicals, and wrote letters to the newspapers on topics such as women’s suffrage and pacifism.

During the early years of the First World War, Mary lived at Herne Bay, where she became President of the Herne Bay Society for Women’s Suffrage. At a social club for soldiers, Mary offered the men tea, biscuits, and games.

As an accomplished pianist, Mary wrote articles for the Musical Times, and other publications.  

In 1917 Mary returned to Wellingborough, and here she was elected President of the Branch of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies.

In the 1920s she had influence on H.E. Bates, whilst he was working as a journalist for the Kettering 'Reminder'.  

In 1926 she wrote a play, which was first performed in Rushden.

Mary was also a friend of George Harrison, a Northamptonshire poet and artist. He gave Mary a copy of his book published in 1928, and added his inscription. George also wrote a poem about Rushden.