As I conducted research, preparing to write this manuscript, it wasn’t difficult finding information about the British press baron, and founder of my hometown, Lord Alfred Northcliffe (formerly Alfred Harmsworth). Many biographies, photographs, letters and newspaper articles about him are available to review. 

Finding information on Mary, Lady Northcliffe (formerly Mary Harmsworth, and before she was married, Mary Milner) was much more challenging. Sadly, it was normal for the times (early 20th century) for the man to receive the lion’s share of attention, and ink.

Yet, the few details I unearthed about Mary, known as Molly to those close to her, revealed a fascinating person. While described as diminutive, petite and graceful, she was strong and savvy. She was a driving force behind her husband’s publishing business; an intelligent and shrewd partner of Lord Northcliffe and the inspiration for him to market his newspapers and magazines to English women and the common members of British society. 

In addition to being very adept at navigating social circles (including with British royalty and families like the Astors and Vanderbilts in NYC), she could calm wild horses, enjoyed fast cars and was excited to be an early female passenger in aeroplanes.

She was told by medical experts there was no known medical reason why she couldn’t conceive a child, yet her marriage was childless. Society considered this her failure, something that weighed on her throughout her life. It resulted in her marriage becoming “open” – they each had lovers – quite unorthodox for the time.

She focused her attention on charitable activities including becoming the leader of a major fundraising effort of the British Red Cross during the latter years of WWI and operated her own private hospital in London for injured soldiers. As recognition for her significant efforts during the war years she was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE), awarded the title Dame of Justice of the Order of St. John and decorated as Associate Royal Red Cross. Her leadership in the famous “Pearls Campaign” has been written about by Rachel Trethewey in her wonderful book, Pearls Before Poppies – The History Press.

Mary largely remains a mystery. I felt drawn to her and decided she would be a fascinating character from which a great part of my story would be told.