She was born Margaret Askew at the family seat of Marsh Grange in the parish of Kirkby Ireleth, Lancashire (now in Cumbria). She married Thomas Fell, a barrister, in 1632, and became the lady of Swarthmoor Hall. In 1641, Thomas became a Justice of the Peace for Lancashire, and in 1645 a member of the Long Parliament.Ross 1984: 3 He ceased to be a member from 1647 to 1649, disapproving of Oliver Cromwell's assumption of authority.Ross 1984: 4 Margaret and Thomas had seven daughters and one son; only Thomas and their son were not convinced to the Quaker faith perspective.
