Martha Harley

Martha Harley (later Hugill; fl. 1786—1798) was the successful author of six Gothic novels. Title page of Martha Harley's The castle of Mowbray, an English romance. London: C. Stalker, and H. Setchell, 1788.

Life Little is known of Harley's life other than that she published half a dozen popular novels and lived at least part of her life in London. Judging by her publishing history, she was born "Harley" and changed her name to "Hugill" at some point between 1794 and 1797, presumably through marriage.

Work Harley's first novel, St. Bernard's priory (1786), was printed privately, published anonymously, and sold by subscription. Her five subsequent novels were all handled by professional publishers and garnered her a degree of commercial success. The castle of Mowbray, an English romance. By the author of St. Bernard's priory. London: C. Stalker, and H. Setchell, 1788. Irish ed. 1789. The countess of Hennebon, an historical novel, in three volumes. By the author of the Priory of St. Bernard. London: William Lane, 1789. Juliana Ormeston: or, the fraternal victim. By Mrs. Harley, author of the Prince of Leon, St. Bernard's Priory, &c. &c. London: James Barker, 1793; Irish ed. 1793. The prince of Leon. A Spanish romance. In two volumes. By Mrs. Harley. Author of Juliana ormeston, &c. London: James Barker, 1794. Isidora of Gallicia: a novel. In two volumes. By Mrs. Hugill, author of Countess of Hennibon, Julia Ormeston, The Prince of Leon, &c. &c. London: Lee and Hurst, 1797.