This chronology provides access to the Companion through people, places, institutions in the life of H.E, Bates. It also includes links to the various topical entries for such subjects as "religion" and "education." It is not a complete list of works by Bates, although major works are listed.
1905
Herbert Ernest Bates born on 16 May in Rushden, Northamptonshire, England, to Albert Bates (son of Charles Lawrence and Emma Bates) and Lucy Bates (daughter of George William Lucas and Elizabeth Lucas). Bates's childhood was influenced chiefly by his grandfather, George William Lucas, who had a farm at nearby Higham Ferrers, his father's library and love of music, the church, the environment of shoemaking, and the surrounding countryside.
Bates attends Newton Road Junior School until 3 August 1916. See Education.
Bates family moves from Grove Road to Grandfather Lawrence's house on Essex Road, Bate's home until 1931.
Bates attends Kettering Grammar School until 1921 (age 16-1/2). See Education.
Bates meets Harry Byrom, important childhood friend.
Bates meets Edmund (E.E.) Kirby, influential literature teacher, and Constance Ginns, first girlfriend.
1921
Bates quits school in December.
1922
Bates works for several months as a reporter for the Northamptonshire Chronicle. Several weeks after quitting the job, Bates takes a warehouse job, which he keeps until 1925. During this period he writes poetry and works on a huge unnamed first novel.
1924
Bates has six poems published in the Kettering Reminder and from July to about October writes a regular column "At the Sign of the Rainbow." Bates meets Mary L. Pendered, an early literary influence. Begins his second novel, The Two Sisters.
1925
Bates finishes the Two Sisters, and sends it out to publishers. It is accepted by Jonathan Cape, whom Bates meets in December. Bates also meets Edward Garnett, who will serve as his editor and friend for many years.
1926
The Last Bread published. Bates's play Loyalty is broadcast on the BBC. He begins to publish short stories. Bates socializes wtih Edward and Constance Garnett, meeting their son David Garnett in March. The Two Sisters published in June. In late Summer Bates moves to London to work at Bumpus's Book Store, meeting Charles Lahr.
1927
Bates meets Marjorie Cox in February. Works on abortive novel The Voyagers. Bates meets Douglas Clayton, Bernard Harris, travels to Germany with Lahr, Rhys Davies, William Roberts, and others.
1928
Travels to Brittany with Madge.Day's end and other stories published (first story collection).
1929
Catherine Foster published. Seven tales and alexander. Douglas Clayton sells manuscripts. Bates meets Harriet Cohen.
1931
Marries Marjorie Helen Cox. Charlotte's Row.
1932
Country life column. Spectator column. Anne Catharine born. Black Boxer, Fallow Land
1933
Judith born
1935.
Cut and Come Again, The Poaher
1936
House of Women
1937
Richard Lucas born
1938
Spella Ho. trip to America
1939
various books
1940
Jonathan born.
1941
literary editor Spectator. Air Ministry commission
1942
Great People in the world...
1943
How sleep the brave. leaves Cape to Michael Joseph. Laurence Pollinger
1945
Demobilized
1969
Vanished world
1971 Blossoming world
1972
World in ripeness
1974
Dies 31 January
