Her father William Osburn was a wine and spirits merchant but his passion was for Egyptology, writing books and social reform. When Lucy was around five years old, her father became bankrupt and reputedly moved to Manchester.
William Osburn, who ran a wine and spirits business, had a keen interest in Egyptology, publishing books and promoting social reforms. At the age of about five, Lucy's father became financially distressed and is believed to have moved to Manchester.