Mary Besford was born at Birtley, Northumberland, the sixth child of John Besford (1717-1788) and his wife Mary Besford (née Felton). She was baptised in May 1755 at St. Giles Parish Church, Birtley.

Mary Besford married John Herdman at St. Giles Parish Church, Chollerton, Northumberland, on 14^th October 1787. 

John  and Mary lived at Colwell, Northumberland and had the following children who were all baptised at St. Giles Parish Church, Chollerton:

• John Herdman, baptised 4^th September 1791
• Edward Herdman, baptised 30^th March 1794
• Thomas Herdman, baptised 17^th April 1796
• Robert Herdman, baptised 6^th January 1799

Mary Herdman (née Besford) died at Great Swinburne (a hamlet just over a mile from Colwell) in 1833 at the age of 78. She was buried at St. Giles Church, Chollerton on 8^th April 1833.