The Mary Webb Society was founded in 1972 following a public meeting at Meole Brace near Shrewsbury.

The society currently attracts members from throughout the UK and overseas who are devoted to the literature of Mary Webb and appreciate the Shropshire countryside which was so essential to the author’s creative spirit. At present there are 121 members (Apr 2019).

The committee plans a programme of about four events a year. These always include a birthday lunch, and a two-day summer school which includes lectures, tours, entertainment and a summer walk.

Events are held at various Shropshire locations related to the life and literature of Mary Webb.

The AGM and autumn gathering is held each year in September and a Christmas lunch is held in early December.

The society has a rota for placing fresh flowers on Mary Webb’s grave at Shrewsbury Cemetery each month.

The society has also compiled a Mary Webb archive from information previously held by individual members. This archive now has a permanent home at The Shropshire Archives, Shrewsbury,

Newsletters are sent out in spring and autumn, as well as details of forthcoming events.

The society is affiliated to The Alliance of Literary Societies. In 1997 the Mary Webb society hosted the A.G.M. in Birmingham

The society is proud to have as its president, Dr Gladys Mary Coles, author of The Flower of Light, the most comprehensive biography of Mary Webb, as well as other works on Mary Webb and her own extensive writing and poetry. Dr Coles is available to lecture to other literary societies and interested groups.

In 2000 the society commissioned local artist Humphrey Hallward to create a bronze plaque of Mary Webb to be mounted on Wenlock stone and erected in the garden area at the rear of the Guildhall in Much Wenlock, Mary Webb’s childhood home. The plaque was unveiled in the millenium year by two nephews of mary Webb, Donald and Ian Meredith.

In 2016, following a generous legacy from the late Muriel Furbank, a former member, the society commissioned a bronze bust of Mary Webb mounted on a Grinshill stone plinth in the garden at the front of Shrewsbury library.

The sculptor was Jemma Pearson of Clun and the stonemasons, Will and Lottie O’Leary.

You will also find The Mary Webb Society on Facebook, so please “like” us!