A Biography of Hector Hugh Munro

Hector Hugh Munro was born in Akyab, Burma on December 18, 1870. Hector's father was Inspector-General of the Burma Police. The youngest of three children, Hector spent most of his early childhood at Broadgate Villa, in Pilton village near Barnstaple, North Devon. Their father had left the children there in the care of his two sisters and mother before leaving for India. Charles, Ethel and Hector grew up in a house populated by three adults, their aunts Charlotte (Tom) and Augusta, and their grandmother. Some of Saki's characters come from this very household, his aunts were to serve as prototypes on which to base a number of his characters. Aunt Augusta is the inspiration for the women in both Sredni Vashtar and The Lumber Room while Aunt Tom was the creative impetus for The Sex that never Shops. Ethel Munro recalls that their tastes in reading (or being read to) centered around Robinson Crusoe,Masterman Ready, Alice in Wonderland. Saki was especially fond of Johnnykin and the Goblins.
Hector was not a very strong child, neither of the three children were. The family doctor had declared that neither of the siblings would reach adulthood. Out of concern for Hector's health his departure for school was delayed and he was coached for many years by governesses. The children lived insular lives rarely meeting other children their age, both aunts lacked the demeanor necessary to raise young children. The three children got by on regular doses of excitement supplied by their Uncle Wellesly (who visited once a year), trips to family on their mothers side and visits from their father (who could only come down once every four years). Hector was finally sent to Exmouth at age 12, the year after his grandmother passed away. Charlie had been to Exmouth as well and Hector spent three enjoyable years there before moving to Bedford Grammar at age 15. By the time he was 16, Hector's father had reitred and was back to spend more time with his children. FOr the next few years