Born Nora Ratcliff Blakesley, she was educated at Ashby-de-la-Zouch Girls' Grammar School and at St. Felix School, Southwold before going up to Newnham College, Cambridge to study English from where she graduated in 1935. In the same year, she married Richard William David (died 1993) with whom she had two sons and two daughters.
She was raised to the life peerage as Baroness David, of Romsey in the City of Cambridge, in 1978. She was an opposition spokesperson on education from 1979 until 1985 and again from 1987-1997, and for the environment (1985-1987). She was also a government and opposition whip from 1978 to 1987. Her political interests include education, the environment, home affairs, and children.
She is a fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge. She lists her recreations as walking, swimming, theatre and travel.
At the age of 94, Lady David remains an active member of the House of Lords. On Wednesday 31st January 2007, Lady David slipped and fell down an escalator on the parliamentary estate, and was subsequently rushed to hospital.
