The daughter of commercial traveller Herbert Birkinshaw and Isabella née Garbutt, Mary was born in Bradford and was educated at King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) Birmingham, and Bedford College, University of London, graduating with a BA in philosophy in 1928.
The daughter of commercial traveller Herbert Birkinshaw and Isabella née Garbutt, Mary was born in Bradford. The family moved when she was four and she was educated at King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) Birmingham, and Bedford College, University of London, graduating with a BA in philosophy in 1928.