Mary Deverell (1731–1805) was an English moral and religious essayist active during the late eighteenth century. Born into the family of a clothier near Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, she spent much of her life in the region, eventually passing away in Nailsworth. Despite her provincial origins, Deverell managed to secure a respectable position within the literary landscape of her time, drawing attention and support from prominent intellectual figures in London.\n\nHer writings, which focused heavily on moral, ethical, and religious themes, attracted a notable following. Among her supporters and subscribers was the eminent lexicographer and writer Samuel Johnson, alongside other influential London personalities. This patronage highlights the contemporary respect her work commanded, allowing her to navigate the competitive literary market of the Georgian era as a female writer.\n\nDeverell is particularly recognized for her progressive views on gender roles. She actively raised objections to the prevailing social consensus of her era that "the female sphere is domestic." Through her essays, she advocated for a broader recognition of women's intellectual and social capabilities, challenging the restrictive boundaries placed upon her female contemporaries and contributing to early feminist discourse.
