Martin Lee Gore was born in London, England. Gore's biological father was an African American G.I. stationed in Britain. Gore was raised by his stepfather David Gore and biological mother Pamela who both worked at the Ford of Britain motor plant in Dagenham. He believed his stepfather was his biological father until age 13, when he learned of his biological father. As an adult, Gore met his biological father in the American South. Gore has described his upbringing as "normal" and "stable" but said he was also an introvert and preferred to spend time reading alone rather than with school peers. However, he also stated that he enjoyed his time at school and took part in foreign exchange trips.