Mary Powley

Mary Powley (bapt. 1811 – December 23, 1882) was a British antiquary and poet in Cumbria. She was an expert on dialect, and she is credited with discovering the history of Vikings in Cumbria.

Early life Powley was born in Langwathby, England, and baptised in 1811. She was to come to notice in her later life. She never married but she was involved in local politics. Her father died in 1827 and she was given an annuity which gave her financial independence. although she made contributions to other works. She was the first woman to contribute to the Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society.

Powley wrote for the academic journal Notes and Queries.