Corelli's father, Charles Mackay, who suffered a stoke in 1883 becoming incapable of providing for 'Minnie', and spurring her on to begin to write. He died in 1889

Corelli's companion, Bertha Vyver, who joined the household in 1877 when 'Minnie' was 22, and devoted her life to Marie's service and friendship.

Oscar Wilde who told Corelli not to worry about all the bad reviews as it was good to be talked about.

Annie Davis, Corelli's secretary in Straford. The daughter of the local boatman who looked after Corelli's gondola, she was a a young reporter on the local paper and also taught in the town's technical school.

W.T. Stead, one of the leading literary critics who published the Review of Reviews. He visited and was charmed by Corelli before sadly losing his life on the S.S. Titanic.

Arthur Severn, with whom Corelli had a platonic love affair.

John Ruskin with Arthur Severn.

Thomas Lipton, the well-to-do grocer, yachting aficionado and perennial bachelor who invited Marie Corelli sailing on his steam yacht.

Edward Morris (Harvard House), Thomas Lipton, Lord Houston (courted by Lady Byron), and Marie Corelli onboard Lipton's yacht in 1905. © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

The redoubtable Lady Fanny Byron circa 1909 (later Lady Houston) by Bassano Ltd © National Portrait Gallery London.

Archibald Flower, the head of the local brewing family and with whom Corelli regularly crossed swords.

Sydney Lee, at one time chairman of the Birthplace Trust, who wrote a eulogyy for Corelli in the Times on her death.