Mabel Besant-Scott is the daughter of celebrated union activist and later Theosophist Annie Besant and the Revd Frank Besant. Besant-Scott's childhood was punctuated by dramatic custody battles between her parents. She was made a Ward of Chancery under her father's guardianship, but was thrown out by him when, aged nearly 20, she visited her mother in London. Besant-Scott remained in London and moved in with her mother after her twentieth birthday. She supported herself through teaching and spent the winter months travelling on the Continent. During this period Besant-Scott met Theosophists, socialists, 'East End workers' and noted musicians.
In 1892 Besant-Scott married the journalist Ernest Scott and soon after travelled with him to Melbourne to begin their married life. Besant-Scott later returned alone to live in England where she continued to be involved in Theosophical, Masonic and witchcraft organisations.
Major source: A. G. Stephens 'Australian Autobiographies', vol.2.
