Norah Lofts: A Celebration of the Life and Work of a Literary Giant from Bury St Edmunds
Norah Lofts was a renowned English novelist born on August 27, 1904, in Shipdham, Norfolk. Her work has touched many people’s lives and has continued to inspire both readers and writers alike. She wrote over 50 novels and more than 20 non-fiction books throughout her career, and her works have been translated into many languages. Despite her achievements, Norah Lofts was a relatively private person, and her life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at her life and work, particularly her connection to the town of Bury St Edmunds, where she spent a significant portion of her life.
Norah Lofts b
Early Life and Career
Norah Lofts was born as Norah Ethel Robinson in Shipdham, Norfolk, England. Her father was a country doctor, and her mother was a talented musician. Norah had an early passion for writing and wrote her first book when she was only nine years old. She went to school in Norwich and then to a secretarial college in London.
After college, Norah worked as a secretary for several years before she started writing full-time. Her first book, “I Met a Gypsy,” was published in 1935, and from then on, she became a prolific writer. Her most popular works include “Bless This House,” “The Lute Player,” “Madselin,” and “Jassy.”
Norah Lofts’ Connection to Bury St Edmunds
Norah Lofts moved to Bury St Edmunds with her husband, Arthur, in 1949. They purchased a house on Northgate Street, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Bury St Edmunds, a historic market town in Suffolk, played a significant role in Norah’s life and writing. She loved the town’s history, architecture, and people, and many of her novels were set in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area. She was particularly interested in the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they faced in their daily lives. She wrote about the struggles of women, the working classes, and the rural poor in her novels.
Norah Lofts was a well-respected member of the Bury St Edmunds community, and she was involved in many local organizations. She was a member of the Bury St Edmunds Society and the Bury St Edmunds Horticultural Society. She was also a supporter of the Bury St Edmunds Museum and the Theatre Royal.
Legacy
Norah Lofts died on September 10, 1983, at the age of 79. Her contribution to English literature has been significant, and her works continue to inspire readers and writers today. Her novels are known for their rich characterizations, attention to detail, and historical accuracy. She had a gift for bringing the past to life and making history accessible to a wider audience.
In 2013, the Bury St Edmunds Society unveiled a blue plaque in honor of Norah Lofts. The plaque is located on the wall of her former home on Northgate Street, where she lived for over 30 years. The plaque recognizes Norah Lofts’ contribution to English literature and her connection to Bury St Edmunds.
The Grave of Norah Lofts in Bury St Edmunds
Conclusion
Norah Lofts was a gifted writer and a remarkable person. She lived a relatively quiet life, but her work has left an indelible mark on English literature. Her connection to Bury St Edmunds was significant, and the town played a central role in her writing. The blue plaque in her honor is a testament to her legacy and her contribution to the cultural life of Bury St Edmunds.
Dr. Francis Young
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Lovely article.
Remembering Norah Lofts on the 40th anniversary of her death – 10th September 2023.