Dinah Dean (1928–2009)

Dinah Dean was born in Northhamptonshire but she has lived for most of her life in the Home Counties. She was a teacher until 1979, when she decided to give more time to her writing, and since then has fitted it in 'around local history studies, reading and conversation, well-seasoned with trips abroad, preferably to Scandinavia and Russia.' She lives at Waltham Abbey in Essex, and finds it a very stimulating place for a novelist. [bio blurb from Mills & Boon paperback]

An Only child, Miss Dean was Born in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, on November 28, 1928, to Herbert Dean, an engineer, and his wife, Marjory.

As a young child Miss Dean developed a lasting love of history and books, which was cemented by her first job as a bookseller in Bumpus, Booksellers of London’s Oxford Street.

After completing a teacher training course, she worked in schools in East London, teaching history, supervising sport, and even refereeing football matches. She eventually resigned from teaching to devote herself full-time to writing.

Miss Dean threw herself into life in Waltham Abbey, becoming Parish clerk and organising events for the Abbey Church She also joined Waltham Abbey Historical Society and held office as Chairman and, subsequently, as Secretary for more than thirty years to 2007.

Chairman of the Harlow Civic Society Stan Newens paid tribute to Miss Dean saying: “She was considered to be in the top rank, both for writing quality and historical accuracy.

"Although many of her stories were set in early 19th century Waltham Abbey, Essex, England or Russia, some were based in the mediaeval or other periods.

“To collect background information, she visited Russia and established close ties with the Assistant Director of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

"She also used her expertise to deliver fascinating lectures on her travels and various historic themes, such as the genealogy of the Godwinson family of King Harold.”