R

Raab, Esther – (1899 – 1981)
Jewish poet
Raab was born in Palestine. Her lyrical poetry utilizes imagery from the rugged Palestinian landscape. Her best known works were Kimshonin (Thorns) (1930), and a collection of her poems Shirey Esther Raab (The Poems of Esther Raab) (1963).

Rabia – (c1671 – 1713)
Ottoman concubine
Rabia was one of the wives of Sultan Ahmed II (1643 – 1695). Apart from several daughters, Rabia bore the sultan twin sons (1692) and was granted the rank of Haseki Sultan (Princess Favourite). Rabia survived her husband nearly two decades, and died (Jan 3, 1713), aged about forty. Of her sons, Prince Ibrahim Osman died unmarried (1714) and Prince Selim Osman died young (1693).

Rabia of Balkh – (fl. c950 – c1000)
Iranian poet
Rabia was the daughter of Ka’ab, King of Balkh. Her surviving verses were translated into English in the twentieth century.

Rabia Gulnus Ummetullah – (1642 – 1715)
Ottoman Valide Sultan (queen mother)
Born Retimo Verzizi in Crete, of Greek birth, she was captured and sold into slavery she became concubine to the Ottoman sultan Mehemet IV, and consolidated her position at court by bearing him two sons. When her husband was deposed (1687) she was forced to retire from the court to the dower palace of the Old Saray, but with the accession of her elder son Mustafa II (1695), Rabia was accorded the title of Valide Sultan. With Mustafa’s removal from power (1703) she retained this rank into the reign of her younger son Ahmed III (1703 – 1736). Sultana Rabia did not achieve any particular political status during the reigns of her sons, though she was considered the senior representative of the Ottoman dynasty. It was in this capacity that she was consulted to approve the removal of her elder son from power because of his erratic behaviour, and his replacement with her younger. For the good of the empire the queen mother agreed to this arrangement. Sultana Rabia Gulnus Ummetullah died (Nov, 1715) in Constantinople.

Rabi’ah al-Adawiyyah – (712 – 801)
Arab poet and religious scholar
Rabi’ah was born a peasant member of the Suni al-Atik tribe. Captured during childhood, she was sold into slavery, but later escaped and managed to find refuge in a desert hermitage, before renouncing the world and retiring to live a life of religious contemplation at Basra. Rabi’ah refused all proferred offers of marriage, and determined upon the Muslim path of ascetism (zahid). Visited by many distinguished persons over the years of her retreat, her poetic verses concerned the Sufi theme of mystic love. With the development of Sufism within Islam, women were permitted to attain the rank of sainthood. Rabi’ah died aged eighty-nine, at Basra, and was buried there.

Rabin, Leah – (1928 – 2000)
Isareli political wife and peace campaigner
Leah Schlossberg was born (April 28, 1928) in Konigsberg, Germany and fled to Palestine with her family in 1933. She became the wife of Yitzhak Rabin, then an officer with the militia and they were married (1948). She became a more prominent figure as her husband’s career developed and she accompanied him to Washington when he was appointed as ambassador (1968 – 1973). Mrs Rabin also accompanied her husband on his visit to West Germany (1975) as prime minister, the first ever visit to that country made by an Israeli leader. Rabin was forced to resign over a scandal concerning funds Mrs Rabin kept in Washington for their personal use. Yitzhak stood by his wife, who attracted undue attention due to her love of jewellery and haute couture clothing, and she never forgave Benjamin Netanyahu and his party for their treatment of her husband. With her husband’s assassination (1995) Leah Rabin became a tireless campaigner for peace in the Middle East region, and gave lectures at the Rabin Memorial Centre for Research. Mrs Rabin published the memoir Rabin: Our Life, His Legacy. Leah Rabin died (Nov 12, 2001) aged seventy-two, in Tel Aviv.

Rabinovitch, Dina – (1963 – 2007)
Jewish-Anglo journalist, activist and writer
Rabinovitch was born (June 9, 1963), the daughter of the prominent rabbi, Nahum Rabinovitch, who was born in Palestine. She worked in London where she wrote a column for The Guardian newspaper. When she was diagnosed as sufferring from breast cancer Dina used her column to inform readers of her progress, and to provide information for other sufferers. These columns were later put together in the book Take Off Your Party Dress (2007) published five months prior to her death. Dina Rabinovitch died (Oct 30, 2007) aged forty-four, in London.

Rabodonimerina – (c1750 – c1794)
Madagascan queen regnant
Rabodonimerina was the daughter of Princess Renibodonimerina, herself the daughter of Andrianbelomasina, King of Ambohimanga. Rabodimerina was rased to the throne as sole ruler for seven years (c1787 – c1794) but was later deposed and executed. Queen Rabodonimerina was buried at Namehana.

Rachel (1) – (fl. c1750 BC)
Hebrew Biblical matriarch
Rachel was the daughter of Laban and the wife of the patriarch Jacob. Jacob was tricked into working for Laban for seven years in order to gain Rachel as his wife, but instead, Laban made him take her elder, less-favoured sister Leah to wife, and forced him to labour another seven years before he could finally marry Rachel. Rachel was the mother of Jacob’s son Joseph, who was later sold into slavery in Egypt by his half-brothers, and died giving birth to his younger brother Benjamin during the arduous journey to Ephrathath (later Bethlehem) in Palestine.

Rachel (2) – (1821 – 1858)
Jewish-French actress
Born Elisa Felix at Mumpf, in Aargau, Switzerland, she was the daughter of itinerant Jewish pedlars, and came to Paris at the age of nine (1830) with her sister, where they sang in the streets in order to survive. There she received vocal and elocution training under Etienne Choron, and later at the Paris Conservatoire. She achieved notable success with her first debut in Paul Duport’s La Vendenne (1837). However, she really established her fame the following year when she appeared as Camille in Pierre Corneille’s Horace at the Theatre Francais (1838), and maintained till her death her position as the premiere classical actress in France, being especially admired in the roles of Roxane in Racine’s Bajazet and in Phedre which she first performed at the age of twenty-one (1843).
Rachel also achieved immeasurable success in Adrienne Lecouvreur (1849) which was been written especially for her by Eugene Scribe and Ernest Legouve. Small of stature but imposing of prescence, Rachel remained the life force of the Comedie Francais for nearly twenty years. Rachel toured extensively, visiting Brussels, Berlin, London, and St Petersburg, in Russia, and America, before her delicate health finally collapsed under the pressure. Madamoiselle Rachel died of consumption (Jan 4, 1858) aged only thirty-six, at Cannet, near Nice. She was interred in the Jewish section of Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

Rachevskaia, Zinaida Sergievna – (1898 – 1963)
Russian aristocrat and émigré
Zinaida was born (Oct 22, 1898) at Dvinsk, the daughter of Sergei Rachevski. Her first marriage ended in divorce, and as Madame Jelissejev she was morganatically married to the Roman grand duke Boris (1919) in Genoa, Italy. The marriage remained childless with his death (1943), she remarried thirdly (1946) to Konstantin Djanumov in New York. Zinaida Rachevskaia died (Jan 30, 1963) aged sixty-four, in Paris.

Rachilda (Rachilde) – (c900 – 946)
German religious recluse
Rachilda was born in Frickthal, and was related to Count Ekkehard I of Aargau and of the saint Viborada. A sickly child, she was later cured of a debilitating illness by Viborada, which led Rachilda to forsake the world, and live as a recluse in a cell attached to the monastery of St Gall in Switzerland. During a barbarian invasion the monks fled the abbey ahead of the invaders, but Viborada advised Rachilda to remain where she was. She remained unhurt though Viborada was killed (925). She survived her teacher by some years and was afflicted with a terrible skin disease. Rachilda was interred in the church of St Magnus beside Viborada. Viborada was revered as a saint (May 2).

Rachilde – (1862 – 1938)
French novelist
Born Margeurite Eymery at Le Cros, in Perigord, she was the daughter of a cavalry officer. She attempted suicide when her family tried to force her into marriage with a soldier much her senior, and thereafer devoted herself to serious writing, publishing her stories under the pseudonym ‘Rachilde.’ Rachilde joined the literary world of Paris, and sometimes donned male attire. She made her reputation by producing a series of powerful and sensational novels such as Monsieur Venus (1884) which created a sensation and caused her to be threatened with imprisonment in Belgium, The Marquis de Sade (1887) which explored the effect that misogyny had developing a young woman’s views on life, Les Hors Nature (Nature’s Outcasts) (1897), La Tour d’Amour (1899), La Souris japonaise (The Japanese Mouse) (1912) which centred on the theme of paedophilia, La Maison Verge (1920), Les Rageac (1921) and Le Grand Seigneur (1922) which dealt with unusual and abnormal personalities. A talented and perceptive literary critic, she was for several decades one of the most influential critics arrached to the Mercure de France.whose editor Alfred Vallette, she married. She also wrote the autobiographical pamphlet Pourquois je ne suis pas feministe (Why I Am Not a Feminist) (1928).

Racilia – (fl. 458 BC)
Roman Republican patrician
Racilia was the wife of Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (died after 439 BC) (consul 460 BC), military tribune, and dictator of Rome. Racilia was the mother of three sons, Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus the younger, Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus, consul (431 BC), and of Quintus Quinctius. She is mentioned briefly by Livy in his Early History of Rome where she is merely identified as the wife of the elder Cincinnatus.

Rackham, Clara Dorothea – (1875 – 1966)
British feminist
Born Clara Tabor in London, she was the daughter of a farmer from Essex. Educated at Newnham College in Cambridge, her interest in politics developed early, and she quickly recognized the need for women to become involved with local government. She was married (1901) to Harris Rackham (died 1944), a tutor at Christ’s College. Rackham served as secretary of the Cambridge Women’s Co-operative Guild, and was later appointed as one of the first official factory inspectors, in Lancashire, and then in London, where she was elected to the Cambridge Borough Council (1919). Elected to the City Council she stood as the Labour parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford (1922) and Saffron Walden, in Essex (1935), and became a popular political and literary hostess. She was later appointed the Royal Commissioner on Unemployment Insurance (1930). Rackham wrote the publication Factory Law (1938). Clara Rackham died (March 11, 1966) at Meadowcroft, Cambridge.

Racster, Olga – (c1879 – 1955)
South African writer and biographer
Born Elizabeth Olga Racster, with Jessica Grove she co-wrote The Phases of Felicity (1916) and Dr James Barry: Her Secret Story (1932). The second work concerned the famous case of a woman who lived her life as a male in order to be able to practice medicine.

Radcliffe, Ann – (1764 – 1823)
British novelist
Ann was born in London and was educated at a private girls’ school in Bath, Somerset. She was married (1787) William Radcliffe, the proprietor and editor of the weekly publication, the English Chronicle. Until 1795 she supported herself by writing, and her first Gothic romance novel was The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne (1789) and A Sicilian Romance (1790). Her most famous novel in the genre was The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and her works were extremely popular. Other work included The Romance of the Forest (1791) and The Italian (1797). Mrs Radcliffe was an enthusiastic traveller and her travelogue A Journey through Holland and the Western Frontier of Germany (1795) revealed her discerning eye for scenery and ancient ruins in which to place her characters. Mrs Radcliffe gave up her writing career and retired to her estate in Leicester (1797). Her romance Gaston de Blondeville, with a short attached biography of the author, was published posthumously (1826). Highly regarded by Sir Walter Scott, her work was the impetus behind Jane Austen’s satirical novel Northanger Abbey (1812).

Radcliffe, Mary Ann – (c1746 – after 1810)
British feminist writer
Mary Ann was the daughter of an Anglican merchant. She was raised by nuns in York after the death of her mother. Mary Ann eloped with Joseph Radcliffe at the age of fourteen, and bore him eight children. Her husband’s failing financial fortunes caused Mary to find employment, and she held several positions including that of governess, before becoming housekeeper to Mary Stewart, Countess of Traquair (1781 – 1783). Her first polemic work The Female Advocate, or an Attempt to Recover the Rights of Woman from Male Usurpation, appeared anonymously (1799). Her Memoirs which were written in Edinburgh (1807 – 1810) were published by subscription (1810). Mary Ann Radcliffe died at Portobello, near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Radclyffe-Hall, Margeurite Antonia     see    Hall, Radclyffe

Raddington, Idonia Stodeye, Lady – (c1347 – c1398)
English mediaeval gentlewoman
Idonia Stodeye was the eldest of the four daughters of John Stodeye, vintner of London, and his wife Joan, who was the granddaughter of John Gisors (died 1351), grocer of London. Two of her younger sisters were Margaret Stodeye, Lady Philipot, and Joan Goodlake. Idonia was married firstly (before 1369) to to Sir Nicholas Brembre, grocer of London, a politically powerful and controversial public figure, involved with the finances of the Plantagenet royal family. Soon after her marriage, her husband, father, and brother-in-law, John Berlingham, were involved in property transactions connected with Idonia’s inheritance in Middlesex (1370).
When her father made his will (March, 1376), his considerable estates including property and plate, were divided between his four daughters. This marriage remained childless. Brembre was later condemned to be hanged by the Merciless Parliament (1388). Idonia Brembre remarried secondly (1389) to Sir Baldwin Raddington (died 1401), of Enfield, Middlesex, a leading member of King Richard II’s household, who held the keepership of the city of London (1392). Lady Raddington thus became an important figure at the court, and would have attended Richard’s queen, Anne of Bohemia, on various public occasions. This marriage also remained childless. Lady Idonia died (c1398) aged about fifty, before her younger sisters, and her share of the Stodeye inheritance passed to them.

Radegonde (Radegund) – (518 – 587)
Merovingian queen and saint
Radegonde was the daughter of Berchtharius, king of Thuringia. Captured with the rest of her family, she was taken hostage to the Merovingian court with her young brother (531). Radegonde was forced into marriage with Clotaire I (496 AD – 561), the son of Clovis I and St Clotilda (535), but their union remained childless. When Clotaire killed her brother (550), the queen finally left the court with her setpdaughter Basina, and escaped to Noyon, where she became a deaconess. She then removed to Poitiers, in Aquitaine, where she founded the abbey of Sainte-Croix (Holy Cross) at Poitiers, which followed the rule of St Caesarius of Arles.
Radegonde refused to become the first abbess and instead appointed her friend Agnes to head the new convent, which attracted many royal and high-born women as nuns. Austere to herself, but kindly towards the nuns in her charge, Radegonde had a great respect for cleanliness and installed baths in the convent. Her curing of a sick nun by making her bathe in hot water was considered a miracle. The former queen gained a reputation as a peacemaker, and tried to promote reconciliation between the different warring factions within the royal house. Her biography was written by the nun Baudonivia and by Venantius Fortunatus, the famous Latin poet, who later became Bishop of Poitiers, one of his hymns Vexilla Regis Prodeunt being inspired by a fragment of the True Cross that Radegonde was sent by the Byzantine emperor Justin II. Cambridge College in England (Jesus College) was dedicated to St Radegonde, whose feast was observed (Aug 13), the date of her death.

Radegonde de Valois – (1427 – 1444)
Princess of France
Radegonde was the daughter of Charles VII (1422 – 1461) and his wife Marie, the daughter of Louis II of Anjou, King of Naples. Well educated and beautiful, she was called Regine in some sources, and was desired as a bride by Enrique (later Enrique IV), Prince of the Asturias, the eldest son and heir of Juan II, king of Castile (1406 – 1454), but the negotiations came to nothing. Princess Radegonde died unmarried.

Radegund of Chelles – (670 – 678)
Merovingian nun
Radegund was the goddaughter of Queen Balthilde, the widow of Clovis II of Neustria. When the queen retired from the court she took Radegund with her to the abbey of St Marie at Chelles, near Paris, where she was raised as a nun, and Balthilde supervised the child’s education. Radegund died (Jan 26, 678) aged seven, after the queen had prayed that the child would not survive her and fall into temptation. Godmother and goddaughter were interred together. Radegund of Chelles was revered as a saint (Feb 3).

Radegunda of Wolfratshausen – (fl. c1250)
German saint
Radegunda was born at Wolfratshausen in Bavaria, and became a servant at the castle of Wellenburg. She served the poor and sick of the region, and save her own food rations to share with them and the members of the local leper colony. During one of her errand she was attacked by wolves, and died of her injuries three days later. She was interred at Wellenburg and was revered as a saint (Aug 13), her memory being particularly revered by the later owners of Wellenburg Castle, the famous Fugger family.

Raden Adjeng Kartini    see    Kartini, Raden Adjeng

Raden Vijaya    see    Vijaya, Raden

Radiana    see   Radegunda of Wolfratshausen

Radicati, Gertrude – (c1737 – 1772)
Italian dancer
Gertrude Radicati received dance instruction prior to her appearance with the French Theatre, in Vienna, Austria (1757). Radicati travelled to England where she appeared at the King’s Theatre, in London (1762) and she performed in Orphee et Euridice at the Opera Comique on Paris (1763). She made several return performances to the London theatre, though her health began to fail to such an extent that she was forced to cancel performances. Her last public performance was at Wells (April, 1772) and she is believed to have died soon afterwards.

Radiyya Begum (Raziya Jalalat al-Din, Razia Sultana) – (1205 – 1246) 
Queen of Delhi
Radiyya Begum was the daughter of King Shams al-Din al-Qutbi (Iltutmish) of the Slave Dynasty and the sister to Faruz Shah I. Her father named Radiyya as his successor, as he considered her brothers to be unworthy of the position. Radiyya finally gained the throne (Nov, 1236) after organizing the assasination of her half-brother Rukn al-Din. The only female ruler of Mohammedan India, according to Muslim tradition Radiyya was a wise and firm ruler, though most of her reign remained disturbed by revolts. She established the law and encouraged trade, and well as organizing the construction of schools. As queen she was a great patron of the arts, and attempted to protect the minority Hindu population. Radiyya Begum adopted male dress as was fitting for a ruler, and appointed her personal Ethiopian slave Jalal-ud-din Yaqut as her sole adviser in order to curb the influence,  power, and ambition of the nobility. Responsible also for the removal by assassination of her brother Mu’izzal-Din Bahram Shah (May, 1242), after the nobles unsuccessfully attempted to place him on the throne, the queen was married to Malik Altuniya, the governor of Bhatinda. Her plans were ultimately defeated by the powerful nobles, and the queen was forced to flee for her life. Queen Radiyya was murdered in her sleep by a peasant, and was buried at Delhi.

Radley, Eleanor   see   Fitzgerald, Eleanor

Radley, Virginia – (1927 – 1998)
American educator
Virginia Radley was born in Marion, New York and attended the Russell Sage College in Troy, and the universities of Rochester and Syracuse. She was a specialist in nineteenth century poetry and published several works concerning romantic and Victorian writers. Miss Radley remained unmarried and served as dean of Russell Sage College and the Nazareth College of Rochester before moving to Oswego in New York where she became professor of English (1974). Radley was appointed as the first female president of the State University College at Oswego (1976 – 1988). After leaving Oswego she returned to Russell Sage as a teaching scholar. Virginia Radley died (Dec 20, 1998) aged seventy-one, at Poestenkill near Albany.

Radner, Gilda – (1946 – 1989)
American actress and comedienne
Radner became known for her appearances on the popular television program Saturday Night Live. She was married to the film producer and actor Gene Wilder (born 1934). She received an Emmy Award (1978). Her film credits included First Family (1980), It Came from Hollywood (1982), The Woman in Red (1984) and Movers and Shakers (1985). She published the autobiography It’s Always Something (1989). Gilda Radner died of cancer.

Radnor, Isobel Oakley, Countess of – (1908 – 1998)
British peeress and civic leader
Anne Isobel Graham Oakley was the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Oakley of Lawrence End in Bedforshire. She was married firstly to Richard Thomas Reynolds Sowerby of Lilley Manor in Luton, and after his death she became the second wife (1943) of William Pleydell-Bouverie (1895 – 1968), seventh Earl of Radnor and bore him a son Richard Oakley Pleydell-Bouverie (born 1947). Lady Radnor was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1961) in recognition of her valuable volunteer work in civic circles. She survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Radnor for three decades (1968 – 1998) and was the stepmother of Jacob Pleydell-bouverie (born 1927), the eighth Earl of Radnor. The Dowager Lady Radnor was appointed as the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire (1987). She died (July 27, 1998).

Radnor, Letitia Isabella Smith, Countess of – (c1626 – 1714)
English Stuart courtier
Letitia Smith was the daughter of Sir John Smith, of Bidborough, Kent. She was married firstly to John Robartes (1606 – 1685), first Earl of Radnor (1679 – 1685), as his second wife, and secondly to Charles Cheyne (1625 – 1678), first viscount Newhaven, as his second wife. Her portrait was painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller. The countess died (July 9, 1714) aged about eighty-seven. She left two children by her first husband,

• Hon. (Honourable) Francis Robartes. He was married to Lady Anne Fitzgerald, the widow of Hugh Boscawen. Francis and Anne were the parents of John Robartes (died 1764), the fourth Earl of Radnor.
• Lady Letitia Isabella Robartes (1651 – 1681). She married firstly to Charles Moore (1645 – 1679), the second Earl of Drogheda, and secondly to the dramatist William Wycherley (1640 – 1716).

Radstock, Esther Caroline Puget, Lady – (1800 – 1874)
British peeress
Esther Puget was the daughter of James Puget, of Totteridge, Hertfordshire. Esther became the wife (1823) of Granville George Waldegrave (1786 – 1857) who succeeded his father as second Baron Radstock (1825 – 1857) and Esther became Baroness Radstock. Esther survived her husband as the Dowager Baroness Radstock (1857 – 1874). Lady Radstock died (March 16, 1874). Her children were,

• Granville Augustus Waldegrave (1833 – 1913). He succeeded his father as the third Baron Radstock (1857 – 1913) and left issue.
• Hon. (Honourable) Elizabeth Cornelia Waldegrave (1824 – 1903). She died unmarried.
• Hon. Caroline Esther Waldegrave – (1826 – 1898). She became the wife of Sir Thomas Brograve Proctor-Beauchamp (1815 – 1874), fourth baronet, and left descendants.

Radvanyi, Netty    see   Seghers, Anna

Radziwill, Anna     see also     Anna Radziwill

Radziwill, Anna – (1939 – 2009)
Polish historian and politician
Princess Anna Radziwill was born (April 20, 1939) at Sichow, the daughter of Princess Krzysztof Mikolaj Radziwill and his wife Zofia Popiel. She studied history at Warsaw University and was then employed as a school teacher. Her first published work Educational ideology of the Sanacja and its reflection in education policies of 1926 – 1939 (1967) was banned by the Communist authorities.
Though she continued in her career as a teacher, most of Radziwill’s works concerning the history of Polish education were also banned. She later became associated with the opposition newspapers like Wiez and Res Publica and became an advisor to the Solidarity movement. This resulted in an overhaul in the teaching of history in Poland and she was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit (1981). With the removal of the Communist regime Anna Radziwill was elected to the Polish senate, and was appointed as sub-secretary of state in the ministry of education in the government of Tadeusz Mazowiecki (1989 – 1992). She resigned this post in order to return to teaching. She collaborated with Wojciech Roszkowski to produce history teaching manuals for primary schools. Anna Radziwill died (Jan 23, 2009) aged sixty-nine.

Radziwill, Catherine Maria Rzewska, Princess – (1858 – 1941)
Polish memoirst and novelist
Countess Catherine Rzewska was born into the highest Polish aristocracy (March 30, 1858) in St Petersburg, Russia, the daughter of Count Adam Rzewski and his wife Countess Anna Dashkova. Countess Catherine (Ekaterina) was married firstly (1873) in the Ukraine, to Prince Wilhelm Radziwill (1841 – 1911), to whom she bore four children, a son Prince Nikolaj Radziwill (1880 – 1914), and three daughters, and secondly to an American Charles Emile Kolb. A passionate admirer of the South African statesman Cecil Rhodes, she was the author of Cecil Rhodes, Man and Empire Builder (1918). Princess Radziwill wrote political and court memoirs using the pseudonym of Count Paul Vassili including Sovereigns and Statesmen of Europe (1915), The Royal Marriage Market of Europe (1915), The Austrian Court from Within (1916) and Germany under Three Emperors (1917). Princess Radziwill died (Oct 26, 1941) aged eighty-three, in New York, USA.

Radziwill, Elisa – (1803 – 1834)
German princess
Princess Elisabeth Frederica Louisa Martha Radziwill was born (Oct 28, 1803) in Berlin, Prussia, the eldest daughter of Prince Anton Radziwill, Duke of Nieswiez, the wealthy Polish magnate and his royal wife Princess Louise of Prussia, the daughter of King Friedrich Wilhelm III (1786 – 1797) and niece to King Friedrich II the Great (1740 – 1786). Her cousin Prince Wilhelm of Prussia (later Kaiser Wilhelm I) formed a romantic attachment for his cousin Elisa and wished to marry her. However the romance was thwarted by the royal family and his brother Friedrich Wilhlem IV, under pressure from the rest of the family, refused to give permission for them to marry. Elisa remained unmarried and died (Sept 27, 1834) aged thirty at Frienwalde. Only after her death did Wilhlem agree to make a dynastic marriage with a suitable princess, Augusta of Saxe-Weimar.

Radziwill, Franciszka – (1705 – 1753)
Polish author
Franciszka was the wife of Prince Radziwill of Nieswiez Castle, and wrote plays, pastorals, and adapted popular myths that were performed in the castle theatre. She became the first Polish woman to translate the works of Moliere from the French. Princess Radziwill wrote several novels that were published posthumously as Komedie i tragedie (Comedies and Tragedies) (1754).

Radziwill, Gabriela – (1878 – 1968)
Polish princess and international peace worker
Gabriela Radziwill was born (March 14, 1878) in Berlin, Prussia, the third daughter of Prince Wilhelm Radziwill and his wife, the noted writer and memoirist, Countess Catherine Rzewska. Gabriela remained unmarried and had a distinguished career working as representative to the UN (United Nations). She later retired to live in England. Gabriela Radziwill died (Jan 9, 1968) aged ninety, at Havilland Hall, Guernsey.

Radziwill, Krystyna – (1560 – 1580)
Polisn patrician and saint
Krystyna Radziwill was born (Sept 11, 1560) at Lawryczki, the daughter of Mikolay Radziwill, nicknamed Czarny, and his wife Elzbieta Sydlowska. She was married (1577) to Jan Zamoyski in Warsaw. Just prior to her death (Feb 28, 1580) at the age of nineteen, Krystyna converted from Calvinism to the Roman Catholic faith. The church regarded her as a saint.

Radziwill, Marie Nikolaievna de Barnardakaya, Princess (Marja) – (1874 – 1949)
Polish-French salonniere and society figure
Marie Barnardakaya was born (July 24, 1874) in Pavlovsk, the daughter of aristocrat Nikolai de Barnardaky and his wife Marie Lebroc. She was married in St Petersburg (1898) to Prince Michael Radziwill (1870 – 1955), to whom she bore two children. The princess and her husband were later divorced (1915). Princess Marie was well known to the novelist Marcel Proust, who met her in Paris, and referred to her as; ‘the intoxication and despair of my youth.’ Proust used the princess as the basis for his character ‘Gilberte,’ and she herself was the author of the volume of personal reminiscences entitled This Was Germany (1937). Princess Marie Radziwill died (Aug 28, 1949) aged seventy-five, in Paris. Her children were,

• Prince Antony Radziwill (1899 – 1920). He died unmarried, being killed in an air crash in Krakow, Poland.
• Princess Leontyna Radziwill (born 1904). She was married to Count Zygmunt Skorzewski (born 1894).

Radziwill, Marie Dorothea Elisabeth de Castellane, Princess – (1840 – 1915)
French-Polish salonniere and letter writer
Marie Dorothea de Castellane was born (Feb 19, 1840) at Rochette, the daughter of Henri, Marquis de Castellane, and his wife Pauline de Talleyrand-Perigord, the daughter of Edmond de Talleyrand-Perigord, Duc de Dino. Dorothea became the wife (1857) of Prince Antony Radziwill (1833 – 1904) at Sagan, Poland, and bore him four children. Her elder daughter was Princess Elisabeth Radziwill (1861 – 1950) who became the wife of Count Roman Potocki (1852 – 1915). She survived her husband as Dowager Princess Radziwill (1904 – 1915). Princess Radziwill resided mainly in Berlin where she was a prominent member of contemporary high society. She restored the Radziwill family castle at Nieswiez, preserving the archives and library and redesigned the park in the English style. Princess Radziwill died (July 10, 1915) aged seventy-five, at Kleinitz. She published the Souvenirs of the paternal grandmother the Duchess Dorothea de Dino (1906) and her own correspondence with the noted general, Mario Antonio Nicolis di Robilant was later published posthumously in Bologna in four volumes (1933 – 1934) and entitled Une Grande Dame d’Avant Guerre: Lettres de La Princesse Radziwill au General de Robilant, 1889 – 1914. This work was edited and compiled by Irene di Robilant. Her own memoirs Souvenirs de la princesse Radziwill (nee castellane) 1840 – 1873 (1931) were also published posthumously.

Rae, Gwynedd – (1892 – 1977)
British children’s writer and activist
Gwynedd Rae was born (July 23, 1892) in London, the daughter of a stockbroker. She attended school at Brondesbury in London prior to travellin abroad to finish her education in Paris. During WW I Rae worked with the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) in Kent and then became a social worker for the Girls Diocesan Association and the Invalid Children’s Association. Rae published over a dozen novels in the popular Mary Plain series of children’s books (1930 – 1965) about a bear such as Mary Plain in Trouble (1940) and Mary Plain’s Big Adventure (1944). A selection appeared in The Mary Plain Omnibus (1976) and she published two volumes of adult fiction And Timothy Too (1934) and Leap Year Born (1935). Gwynedd Rae died (Nov 14, 1977) aged eighty-five.

Raeburn, Agnes Middleton – (1872 – 1955)
Scottish painter
Raeburn was born in Glasgow and studied art at the Glasgow School of Art. She contributed the the publication Magazine from the age of twenty (1893). Agnes Raeburn’s landscapes which depicted France and Holland were influenced by the Glasgow symbolism associated with Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his circle, as were her flower paintings. She was elected to the Royal Scottish Water Colour Society (RSW) (1901) and several examples of her work were exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Raedburh     see    Redburga of Neustria

Raedt-De Canter, Eva – (1900 – 1975)
Dutch novelist and translator
Born Anna Elisabeth Johanna de Mooy in Breda, she became editorial secretary to the Groot Nederland periodical and adopted a pseudonym under which she published her novels, which explored the psychological result of restrictions placed upon young women in society. Examples of this are Huwelijk (1932) which dealt with the restrictions of married life, and Vrouwengevangenis (1935) which dealt with life inside a women’s prison. Her last novel, Englenen Dieven (Angels and Thieves) (1962) was a travel-detective story. Eva Raedt-De Canter died (Feb 27, 1975) aged seventy-five, at Edam.

Rafanelli, Leda – (1880 – 1971)
Italian novelist and poet
Leda Rafanelli was born in Tuscany. After finishing her education she went to Alexandria in Egypt to reside, and there converted to Islam. Rafanelli later removed to reside in Florence and then to Milan, where she established the publishing company Societa Editrice Milanese, as a means of distributing anarchist ideals and principles. She particularly opposed the oppression of the Catholic Church. Her politically themed works included Seme nuovo (New Seed) (1905 – 1908) and Una donna e Mussolini (1946) which was a condemnation of fascism. Rafanelli’s other published works included Donne e femmine (Women and Females) (1922).

Raffald, Elizabeth – (1733 – 1781)
British cook, businesswoman and culinary writer
Born Elizabeth Whitaker in Doncaster, she received an excellent education before going into domestic service. Elizabeth Raffald eventually became the housekeeper (1760) of Lady Warburton at Ardley Hall, Cheshire. It was to Lady Warburton that Elizabeth dedicated her work The Experienced English Housekeeper (1769) which was written in a pleasingly plain, and easy to understand style. It was reprinted thirteen times prior to 1784, and there were many illegal copies. Her work was admired by Queen Victoria, who copied portions into her private diary.

Rafferty, Frances – (1922 – 2004)
American film and television actress
Rafferty was born (June 16, 1922) in Sioux City, Iowa, and became a leading lady of the cinema during the 1940’s. Her film credits included Dragon Seed (1944), Abbott and Costello in Hollywood (1945), The Hidden Eye (1945) and Lady at Midnight (1948). Rafferty also appeared in several popular television programs such as December Bride (1954 – 1958) and Pete and Gladys (1961 – 1962). Frances Rafferty died (April 18, 2004) aged eighty-one, at Paso Robles in California.

Rafiah – (1858 – 1905)
Muslim Princess consort of Tunis (1902 – 1906)
Rafiah was the daughter of Anwar Harouba, and was married (1876) to Prince Muhammad al-Hadi bin Ali (1855 – 1906), the Bey and Possessor of Tunis in Africa. Princess Rafiah died (Dec 5, 1905) aged forty-seven, at Bardo. She left three children,

• Prince Muhammad al-Tahir (1877 – 1941). He held the rank of Bey al-mahalla (heir presumptive) (1939 – 1941) but died childless.
• Princess Zubeida Beya (1879 – 1928). She became the first wife of her cousin Prince sidi Muhammad Azzedine al Kasr-as-Said of Tunis (1875 – 1931) and left children.
• Prince Muhammad al-Bashir (1881 – 1942). He was married and left descendants.

Raftor, Catherine    see    Clive, Kitty

Raglan, Ethel Jemima Ponsonby, Lady – (1857 – 1940)
British courtier and memoirist
Lady Ethel Ponsonby was born (April 8, 1857) and baptized at Cranford, the second daughter of Walter William Brabazon Ponsonby, seventh Earl of Bessborough and his wife Lady Louisa Susan Cornwallis Eliot, the daughter of Edward Granville Eliot, third Earl of St Germans. Lady Ethel became the wife (1883) at the Church of St James at Westminster, of her cousin George Somerset (1857 – 1921), the third Baron Raglan from 1884. She survived her husband as the Dowager Baroness Raglan (1921 – 1940) and published a volume of personal reminiscences entitled Memories of Three Reigns. Lady Raglan died (June 22, 1940) aged eighty-three, in London and was buried with her husband at Llandenny. She left six children,

• Hon. (Honourable) Fitzroy Richard Somerset (1885 – 1964). He succeeded his father as fourth Baron Raglan (1921 – 1964). He married and left descendants.
• Hon. Wellesley Fitzroy Somerset (1887 – 1969). He served with military during both World Wars and was married and left two daughters.
• Hon. Ethel Georgiana Frances Somerset (1889 – 1981). She was married to Hon. William Sholto Douglas (1886 – 1932) of the family of the earls of Morton and left issue.
• Hon. Frederica Susan Katherine Somerset (1891 – 1967). She was married to Commander Bertram Hughes Hallett (1883 – 1942) and left issue.
• Hon. Nigel Fitzroy Somerset (1893 – 1990). He served with the military during both World Wars and was then ADC (aide-de-camp) to the Governor of South Australia (1920 – 1922). He was married and left children.
• Hon. Ivy Felicia Somerset (1897 – 1986). She became the second wife of Raymond Marwood-Elton Carey.

Raglan, Julia Hamilton, Lady – (1901 – 1977)
British aristocrat
Julia Hamilton was born (Jan 7, 1901), the elder daughter of Robert Edward Hamilton-Udney (1871 – 1950), the eleventh Baron Belhaven and Stenton, and his first wife, Kathleen Gonville Bromhead. She was married (1923) to Fitzroy Richard Somerset (1885 – 1964), the fourth Baron Raglan (1921 – 1964), whom she survived as Dowager Baroness (1964 – 1971). Lady Raglan left five children,

• Fitzroy Somerset (born & died 1924). He died in infancy.
• Hon. (Honourable) Janetta Somerset (born 1925). She was married (1956) to Joseph Vincent Ridgely, and left issue.
• Fitzroy John Somerset (born 1927). He succeeded his father as fifth Baron Raglan (1964). He was married to Alice Bayly but had no children.
• Hon. Geoffrey Somerset (born 1932), the heir to the barony of Raglan. He was married and left issue.
• Hon. Cicely Somerset (born 1938). She was married to Dutch national, Jan Steengracht van Moyland, and left issue.

Ragnahilda – (fl. c465 – 484 AD) 
Visigothic queen
Ragnahilda was probably the wife of King Euric (466 – 484 AD) and was the mother of King Alaric II (484 AD – 507). Ragnahilda was styled regina in a letter from Sidonius Apollinaris (c477 AD), preserved in his Epistulae. It expressed the desire for her son to rule jointly with his father. Apollinaris composed verses on a silver chalice for one Evodius, his friend, who visited the Visigothic court at Toulouse, in order to present the chalice to Ragnahilda in order to obtain royal favour.

Ragnetrude – (c672 – c740)
Merovingian princess
Ragnetrude was the daughter of Dagobert II, King of Austrasia (675 – 679) and his second wife Giselle of Razes, the granddaughter of the Visigothic king Tulca. Unmarried, she became a nun at the abbey of Pfalzel, at Treves, in Austrasia, founded by her sister Adela, whom she eventually succeeded as abbess (c734 – c740). Ragnetrude was venerated as a saint.

Ragnhild Sigurdsdotter – (c833 – c864)
Scandinavian queen
Ragnhild was the daughter of Sigurd Helgasson, King of Ringerike, and his wife Thyra Haraldsdotter, daughter of Harald, King of Jutland. Ragnhild was married to King Halfdan Svarte (the Black) (c825 – 867) who ruled Vestfold and large parts of Norway, after he gallantly rescued her from being kidnapped. She later had visionary dreams concerning their famous son, Harald I Haarfager (Fair-hair) (853 – 936).

Ragnhilda Rognvaldovna (Rogneda) – (c963 – 1002)
Russian princess
Ragnhilda was the daughter of Ragnvald, Prince of Polotsk. When Vladimir I of Kiev sent an embassy to gain Ragnhilda as his bride, she haughtily repulsed them, refusing to consider marriage to ‘the son of a bondswoman.’  Vladimir attacked and conquered Polotsk, slaying Ragnvald and married Ragnhilda by force (980). Ragnhilda bore Vladimir a son, Viezeslav, Prince of Novgorod, who died childless (1010), and two daughters, one of whom became the wife of Bernard II, margrave of Nordmark. Her younger daughter Predslava remained unmarried. Vladimir later divorced her (989) so he could make a political advantageous marriage with the Byzantine princess Anna. She was forced to become a nun and died in a convent.

Ragnoara – (c505 – c550)
Merovingian princess
Ragnoara was the daughter of Ragnachar, king of Cambrai, and was niece to kings Richar and Rignomer. Her father and uncles were all killed at the instigation of Clovis I of the Salian Franks (508), who slew her father with his own axe. Possibly raised in the royal household of Clovis and his Christian wife Clotilda, Ragnoara made a suitable marriage (c525) with Pastor, a nobleman from Orleans who was himself the grandson of King Baderic of Thuringia. He was related to Queen Radegonde, the wife of Clotaire I of Neustria. Ragnoara and Pastor had three children,

• Austrenus (c527 – c595). He was appointed Bishop of Orleans (587 – c595).
• Aurarius (also called Auriacharius) (c529 – 605). He was appointed Bishop of Auxerre in Burgundy (561 – 605).
• Agia (Austregilde) (c535 – 609). She was the wife of Betto, an important Merovingian lord and was the mother of St Lupus (died 623), Bishop of Sens.

Rahab – (fl. c1150 BC) 
Hebrew heroine
Rahab was a prostitute who protected the spies of Joshua, when they were sent to survey the defences of the city of Jericho. In return for her help, Rahab and her family were protected when the city eventually fell to the Israelites. Rahab later became the wife of Joshua and their son Boaz was the ancestor of King David (1000 – 966 BC) and of Jesus Christ.

Rahmat-un-Nissa   see   Nawab Bai

Raiche, Bessica Medlar – (1875 – 1932)
American aviatrix
Born Bessica Medlar (April, 1875) in Wisconsin, and was raised in Rockford, Illinois. She trained as a dentist and became an admired sportswoman and was also a talented amateur musician. She studied in Paris and was fluent in several languages. With the help of her husband Frank Raiche she contructed a small, fragile plane in their home in Mineola, New York, and made the first solo flight (Sept 16, 1910) with no previous flight training. Her success made her the first American female pilot, being acknowledged as such by the Aeronautical Society, which presented her with a gold medal to mark her achievement. Bessica is credited with the introduction of riding breeches for female aviators, instead of skirts. Later forced to give up aviation because of ill-health, she successfully trained as a physician and served as president of the Orange County Medical Association (1923). Bessica Raiche died (April 11, 1932) aged fifty-seven, in Newport Beach, California.

Raicho Hiratsuka     see   Hiratsuka, Raicho

Raievskaia, Irina Mikhailovna     see    Irina Raievskaia

Raigecourt, Louise Marie de Vincens de Mauleon Causans, Marquise de – (1758 – 1832)
French Bourbon courtier
Louise de Vincens de Mauleon attended the court of Louis XVI (1774 – 1792) and Queen Marie Antoinette at Versailles. Prior to her marriage with the Marquis de Raigecourt, Louise was a close friend to Princesse Elisabeth, the king’s unmarried sister from childhood, serving her at court as lady-in-waiting, and received loving mentions in her surviving letters. Madame de Raigecourt emigrated during the Revolution, and survived the ensuing horrors.

Railinda of Piacenza – (c956 – c1010)
Italian mediaeval princess
Railinda was the daughter of Riprando (Wiprando) (c927 – 999), Count of Piacenza and Como, himself the son of Count Olderado of Como and his wife Railinda of Verticilio. Railinda was married (c971) to Oberto II d’Este (c945 – c1014), Margrave of Tuscany, whom she predeceased. Her daughter, Bertha of Tuscany (c990 – 1037) became the wife of Odalrico Manfredo II, Margrave of Susa and Turin, and left issue. Railinda was the maternal grandmother of the famous heiress, Adelaide of Turin, and through her she was ancestress of the counts and dukes of Savoy, and the kings of Sardinia and Italy.

Railinda of Verticilio – (fl. c920 – c930)
Italian mediaeval countess
Railinda was the daughter of Auprando (living c900), the Lombard count of Verticilio. Railinda became the wife (c925) of Count Olderado of Como (living c950), and their son Riprando (Wiprando) (c927 – 999) became Count of Piacenza and Como. Countess Railinda was the maternal great-great-grandmother of the famous Adelaide of Turin, heiress of Susa, and through her she was the direct ancestress of the countly, ducal, and royal house of Savoy and their many descendants.

Railton, Dame Mary – (1906 – 1992)
British WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps) director
Mary Railton was born (May 28, 1906), the daughter of James Railton, and was educated privately by governesses. She remained unmarried and joined FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) (1938) and was commissioned with the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) (1940), which later became the WRAC (1949). Mary Railton served as the director of the WRAC (1954 – 1957) before rising to become Deputy Controller Commandant (1961 – 1967). For her service she was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) (1953) and later DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) (1956) by Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her valuable work.

Raimond, C.E.    see   Robins, Elizabeth

Raine, Allen       see      Puddicombe, Anne Adalisa

Raine, Kathleen Jessie – (1908 – 2003)
British poet, scholar, translator and founder
Raine was born (June 14, 1908) at Ilford in Essex, and attended school at Ilford before studying natural science at Girton College at Cambridge. Her first husband was the writer Hugh Sykes Davies and her second was the poet Charles Madge. Raine later became involved in a tempestuous relationship with the writer Gavin Maxwell (died 1969) which finally ended in 1956. Maxwell’s famous novel Ring of Bright Water was taken from a line in Kathleen’s poem ‘The Marriage of Psyche.’ Raine published the childhood memoir Farewell, Happy Fields (1978) which was followed by the autobiographical works The Land Unknown (1975) and The Lion’s Mouth (1977). She published the volumes of verse entitled Stone And Flower (1943), Living in Time (1946), The Pythoness (1949), Collected Poems (1981) and Selected Poems (1988).
Kathleen Raine was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry (1993) and appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by the queen for her contribution to the arts and literature (2000). Raine translated Honore de Balzac’s Cousine Bette (Cousin Bette) (1948) and Illusions perdues (Lost Illusions) (1951) into English. She wrote articles for the Studies in Comparative Religion journal and established the Temenos Academy of Integral Studies (1982), which concentrated on a universalist approach to philosophy, poetry and general culture. Raine was a particular specialist on the works of the poets William Blake and W.B. Yeats and published Blake and Tradition (1968), Yeats, the Tarot and the Golden Dawn (1973) and Blake and The New Age (1979). Kathleen Raine died (July 6, 2003) aged ninety-five.

Raines, Ella – (1920 – 1988)
American film actress
Born Ella Wallace Raubes (Aug 6, 1920) in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, she attended the University of Washington. The director Howard Hawks (1896 – 1977), who was then her lover, arranged for Ella to join (1943) the film company directed by actor Charles Boyer (1899 – 1978). Raines later worked for Universal Studios, but her career declined to minor movie roles. Raines later left the screen altogether, and was employed by her old alma mater, The University of Washington, as a drama teacher. Her film credits include Cry Havoc (1943), Hail the Conquering Hero (1944), Tall in the Saddle (1944), Brute Force (1947) and Impact (1947). Her husband was the famous fighter pilot, Robin Olds (1922 – 2007). Raines also worked in television, appearing in popular programs such as the Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (1950), Janet Dean Registered Nurse (1953 – 1955) in which she appeared in the title role and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Presents (1956). She retired after her last film The Man in the Road (1957) and worked as an acting teacher. Ella Raines died (May 30, 1988) aged sixty-seven, at Sherman Oaks, California.

Rainey, Gertrude Malissa Pridgett (Ma Rainey) – (1886 – 1939)
Black American blues vocalist
Gertrude Pridgett was born into a performing family in Columbus, Georgia, and made her debut at the Columbus Opera House at the age of twelve (1888). She married the dancing comedian William ‘Pa’ Rainey (1904). Rainey began her musical career working with Nego minstrel troupes throughout the South such as the Rabbit Foot Minstrels and Tolliver’s Circus. Rainey really only achieved fame when she made ninety recordings with Paramount over a five year period (1923 – 1928). Her great contribution to jazz music, with songs such as See the Rider and Slow Driving Moan, was only acknowleged after her death. Rainey was forced to retire because of the Great Depression (1933) and retired to act as housekeeper for her brother and to administrate the two theatres she owned in Rome, Georgia.

Rainfrede – (c757 – c805)
Carolingian abbess
Rainfrede was the daughter of Adalbert, Count of Ostrevant and his wife Regina, the daughter of Bernard, Count of Austrasia, the illegitimate uncle of the Emperor Charlemagne. Rainfrede remained unmarried and became a nun. She was appointed as the first abbess of canonesses at the convent of St Marie and St Martin at Denain, in Valenciennes, Hainault, which was built by her mother. Rainfrede was venerated as a saint (Oct 8) and considered the especial patron of Denain.

Raingarde of Dijon – (c910 – before 954)
French Capetian royal mistress
Raingarde was the daughter of Raoul I, Count of Dijon in Burgundy, and his wife Raingarde, later the wife of Archimbald. She was sister to Count Raoul II of Dijon. Raingarde became the mistress of Hugh Capet (895 – 956), Duke of Paris, the progenitor of the Capetian royal house, whom she predeceased. When her relationship with Duke Hugh was ended, he provided for her future by arranging for her marriage with the rich Burgundian lord, Ansaud I the Rich, Count of Auxerre. Their son Ansaud II (died after 996) later served as counsellor to King Hugh of France (987 – 996), the legitimate son of Raingarde’s royal lover.

Rainier, Priaulx – (1903 – 1986)
Anglo-South African composer and violinist
Rainier was born (Feb 3, 1903) in Howick, Natal, and studied the violin at the South African College of Music in Cape Town before going on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she later worked for almost two decades (1943 – 1961) as a professor of composition. Priaulx studied in France under Nadia Boulanger and then composed her work First String Quartet (1939) followed by the Barbaric Dance Suite, for the piano (1949). Others works included the orchestral suite Aequora Lunae (1967), which she dedicated to her friend Dame Barbara Hepworth, and The Bee Oracles (1969), an instrumental work written for Dame Edith Sitwell. The premiere of her Requiem took place at the Aldeburgh Festival (1956). Yehudi Menuhin commissioned her to produce the Violin Duo, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival (1977). Priaulx Rainier died (Oct 10, 1986) aged eighty-three, at Besse-en-Chandesse, France.

Raisa, Rosa – (1893 – 1963)
Polish-American dramatic soprano
Born Raitza Burchstein (May 30, 1893) in Bialyosk, she later immigrated with her family to Italy (1907), where she was sponsored to study at the Naples Conservatory under the direction of Barbara Marchisio. Raisa worked for the noted conductor, Cleofonte Campanini at the Chicago Opera, and made her public debuts in American, Italy, London, and Paris, with great success. She performed with Enrico Caruso, who much admired her talent, and she was best known for her roles in Aida, Norma, and Rachel in La Juive.
Raisa played the role of Asteria Arturo Toscanini’s. Nerone (1924) at La Scala in Milan, and the title role in Puccini’s Turandot (1926). She was later married (1920) to the Italian baritone Giacomo Rimini (1888 – 1952). When they both retired (1938) the couple established an opera school in Chicago, Illinois. Rosa Raisa died (Sept 28, 1963) aged sixty-nine, in Los Angeles, California.

Raisin, Catherine Alice – (1855 – 1945)
British geologist and educator
Catherine Raisin was born (April 24, 1855) in Camden New Town, and was educated at the North London Collegiate School before attending the University College there, where she studied botany. After completing degrees in geology and zoology, Raisin became a professor’s assistant at University College, where she was later elected a fellow (1902). Catherine Raisin worked as a botanical demonstrator at the Bedford College for Women (1886 – 1890) and was then appointed to head the geology department, becoming the first woman to head a geology department in any British university. She later served as vice-principal (1898 – 1901). She was awarded the Lyell Fund by the London Geological society (1893). Raisin’s research dealt with mineralogy and miscroscopic petrology, and published twenty-four scientific papers concerning rocks from all parts of the world (1887 – 1905). She remained unmarried and retired in 1920. Catherine Raisin died (July 12, 1945) aged ninety, at Cheltenham, London.

Rajalladevi – (1347 – 1385) 
Queen regnant of Nepal
Rajalladevi was the daughter of Queen Nayakadevi and her husband Jagatsimha, Prince of Tirhut.  Her mother died at her birth, her father a few days later, and her grandmother Devaladevi ruled for several years as regent. Later the regency devolved upon her husband Jayasthitimalla, who was prince-consort at Bhatgaon from 1354. He eventually ruled as king from Sept, 1382 till his death in 1395 or 1396, though the queen herself predeceased him.

Rajecka, Anna – (1760 – 1832)
Polish painter
Anna Rajecka was the daughter of the painter Rajecki. She studied under Louis Marteau, and was then sent to Paris to study as a pensioner of King Stanislas II Augustus. There she married and later returned to Warsaw as Madame Gault de Saint-Germain (1788), and established a career for herself producing pastel portraits and ministures of the royal family and members of the aristocracy.

Rakefaka – (fl. c1850 – 1863)
Queen regnant of Moheli
Originally named Jombe Soudy, she was the daughter of the Madagascan prince Ramanetaka, governor of Bembatooka and Majunga. Her father established himself as ruler of the Moheli, in the Comoro Islands off Madagascar. She succeeded him as queen (1861), taking the more regal name of Rakefaka, and was courted by Radama II, King of Madagascar.

Rakusen, Philippa (Pippa) – (1922 – 2006)
British horticulturalist
Philippa Rakusen served on the council of the National Gardens Scheme for a decade (1984 – 1994). Born Philippa Stross (Sept 14, 1922) in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, she was the daughter of Polish emigrants. She later married Arnold Rakusen, a solicitor from Leeds, Yorkshire, to whom she bore two children. Mrs Raskusen established a tended for six decades a two-acre woodland garden at the family estate of Ling Beeches, near Wetherby, which was opened to the public. She later served as the director of the the Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens at Harrogate, which was organized by the Royal Horticultural Society. Philippa Rakusen died (Oct 29, 2006) aged eighty-four.

Raleigh, Elizabeth Throckmorton, Lady (Bess) – (1565 – 1647)
English Tudor courtier
Elizabeth Throckmorton was baptized (April 16, 1565) at Beddington, the eldest daughter of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton (1515 – 1571) and his wife Anne, the daughter of Sir Nicholas Carew, and the sister of Sir Arthur Throckmorton (1557 – 1626). Possessed of blonde hair and middling beauty, but no fortune, Arthur Throckmorton secured a post at court for Bess as lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. She later became involved in a liasion with the queen’s favourite, the noted military and naval commander, Sir Walter Raleigh (1552 – 1618) and eventually secretly married him (1592). Bess and Raleigh managed to maintain their secret for some time and the queen did not discover the truth until after the birth of the couple’s first child. Furious, Elizabeth caused them both to be imprisoned within the Tower of London. They were released several months afterwards and settled at Sherborne Castle. Though Sir Walter was quickly received into the queen’s favour again, Bess was not, and a later attempt to return to the court ended in failure.
When Sir Walter was arrested and imprisoned again the Tower (1603 – 1616), accused of treason against James I. During this time the family estates were forfeited to the Crown, and it was only after a private interview with the king at Hampton Court Palace, that Bess received a pension of four thousand pounds annually for her own lifetime and that of her son. Sir Walter was later released (1616) but with the failure of his expedition to Orinoco, he was arrested, imprisoned, and then beheaded (Oct 29, 1618). Despite her own wishes he was interred in the Church of St Margaret at Westminster. Lady Raleigh survived her husband almost three decades and died aged eighty-two. Some of her letters have survived. Elizabeth Raleigh was portrayed on the screen by actress Joan Collins in the film The Virgin Queen (1940), which starred Bette Davis, Richard Todd and Jay Robinson, and by Abbie Cornish in Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) which starred Cate Blanchett as the queen and Clive Owen as Raleigh. Lady Elizabeth and Sir Walter had two sons,

• Walter Raleigh (1592 – 1618). He was killed during his father’s last expedition.
• Carew Raleigh (1605 – 1666). He was born in the Tower of London. He attained some reputation as a poet and remained in the service of Charles I until 1645. He later refused a knighthood from Charles II (which was granted instead to his son).

Raleigh, Lady Katherine    see   Champernowne, Katherine

Ralph, Annabella – (1884 – 1962)
Scottish nurse and military matron
Annabella Ralph was born (July 13, 1884) at Rothes in Morayshire and was educated at Hopeman. She trained as a nurse at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and joined Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (1914). Ralph served on hospital ships in the east and after the war was appointed as the superintending sister at the Royal Naval Hospital in Hong Kong (1933 – 1936). She returned to England prior to WW II and served as matron in Plymouth and Malta (1938 – 1940) before being appointed as matron-in-chief at the naval hospital at Haslar (1940 – 1941). Her last post was as matron of the naval hospital at Kilmacolm (1942 – 1946). Her work was recognized with her appointment as CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by King George VI (1942). Annabella Ralph died (June 28, 1962) aged seventy-seven, at Cullen House in Banffshire, Scotland.

Ralph, Helen Douglas Guest – (1892 – 1961)
British educator
Helen Ralph was born (July 31, 1892) at Bristol, and attended school in Nottingham prior to studying the classics at Westfield College at the University of London. She was appointed as the mistress of classics at The Mount School in York (1916 – 1919) and was then made the assistant mistress at St Paul’s School for Girls (1919 – 1928). Miss Ralph was then the headmistress of the Guildford High School (1929 – 1937) and was the secretary to the Society for the Equal Ministry of Men and Women in the church (1946 – 1947). She remained unmarried. Helen Ralph died (Sept 9, 1961) aged sixty-nine, at Long Crendon, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

Ralph, Jessie – (1864 – 1944)
American stage and film actress
Born Jessie Ralph Chambers, she played notable elderly character roles, and appeared in several silent films including Such a Little Queen (1921). Her notable sound film credits included David Copperfield (1935) as Peggotty, San Francisco (1936) in which she appeared with Jeannette MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, and Clark Gable, Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) as the old apple seller, The Blue Bird (1940), The Bank Dick (1940) and They Met in Bombay (1941).

Ralston, Esther – (1902 – 1994)
American silent and sound actress
Esther Ralston was a leading lady of the 1920’s. Ralston made her first appearance in the silent serial The Phantom Fortune (1923). Some of her other silent film credits included A Kiss for Cinderella (1925), Lucky Devil (1926) and Old Ironsides (1926). Her sound films included Sadie McKee (1933) and Tin Pan Alley (1940).

Ralston, Jobyna – (1902 – 1967)
American silent film actress
Jobyna Ralston appeared as leading lady with noted comedian Harold Lloyd (1893 – 1971) during her hey-day in the 1920’s. Her many film credits included Why Worry (1923), The Freshman (1924) and For Heaven’s Sake (1926).

Ramabai, Pandita (Sarasvati) – (1858 – 1922) 
Indian Christian educator, social activist and campaigner for women’s rights
Sarasvati Dongre was born (April 23, 1858) at Maharashtra, near Mangalore, the daughter of Anant Shastri Dongre, an Ayurvedic physician. Pandita was married (1880) Mahadev Gorind Ranade, a Bengali lawyer. The nickname ‘Pandita’ (mistress of learning) was given in reference to her scholarship of Hindu literature and sacred texts. Deeply committed to the improvement of welfare for women, with the death of her husband she went to England (1883), where she taught Sanskrit at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College, and then to America with her daughter (1886 – 1888). Upon her return to India she established the Mukti Sadan (House of Salvation) (1889) for women and children at Kedgaon, near the city of Pune (Poona). She was president of the Bombay Sera Sadan (1908 – 1922) and under her leadership women eventually received the franchise (1923). Ramabai was the author of The High Caste Hindu Woman (1887), whilst her autobiography Testimony (1917) was published in Marathi. She also translated the Bible into Marathi. She received the Kaiser-i-Hind award (1919) from King George V of England in recognition of her valuable social work. The Indian government later placed her portrait on a commemorative postal stamp issued in her honour (1989). Pandita Ramabai died (April 5, 1922) aged sixty-three.

Ramann, Lina – (1833 – 1912)
German composer and musical writer
Lina Ramann was born (June 24, 1833) at Mainstockheim, near Kitzingen. She studied music and composition under Franz Brendel in Leipzig, Saxony, and then Franz Liszt. Ramann established a musical seminary for women in Gluckstadt, Holstein, which she later moved to Nuremburg (1864). Her published works included Bach und Handel (1868), Allgemaine musikalische Erziehungs-und Unterrichtslehre (1870), Franz Liszts Oratorium Christus (1874) and Grundriss der Technik des Klavespiels (1885). Lina Ramann died (March 30, 1912) aged seventy-eight, in Munich, Bavaria.

Rama Rau, Lady    see   Rau, Dhanvanthi Rama

Rambeau, Marjorie – (1889 – 1970)
American stage and film character actress
Marjorie Rambeau made her fist cinema appearance in the silent film The Dazzling Miss Davison (1916). Her film credits included Her Man (1930), The Rains Came (1939) with Myrna Loy, George Brent and Maria Ouspenskaya, The Primrose Path (1940) for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, the title role in Tugboat Annie Sails Again (1941), Torch Song (1953), in which she appeared with Joan Crawford, and was nominated for an Academy Award and Man of a Thousand Faces (1957).

Rambehisht – (fl. c180 – c200 AD)
Sassanid queen
Rambehisht was born at Nisayek (later Bayda), daughter of the king of Bazrangi. She married Sasan, King of Persis, and hereditary priest of the fire goddess Anahita, at Persepolis. Their son Papak (Babek in Persian) was prince of Khir until he succeeded his father, and died c212 AD. Rambehisht and Papak were the paternal grandparents of King Ardashir I, and thus she was the ancestress of the Sassanid dynasty.

Rambert, Dame Marie – (1888 – 1982)
Polish-Anglo ballerina, choreographer and teacher
Born Cyvia Rambam in Warsaw, Poland, she was the daughter of a bookseller. Fluent in several languages, she studied medicine at the Sorbonne in Paris before deciding upon a career in dance. Marie was trained by Enrico Cecchetti (1850 – 1928) and Serafina Astafieva, and then worked with Diaghilev’s company (1912 – 1913), but devoted much of her career to teaching. She was married (1918) to to the dramatist Ashley Dukes (died 1959), director of the Mercy Theatre, and was sometimes referred to by her married name. Marie Rambert established the Ballet Rambert in London (1931), which later evolved into the Modern Dance Company, and gave public performances during WW II. She assisted Vaslav Nijinsky choreograph his Rite of Spring. Her pupils included Antony Tudor and Dame Alicia Markova. Rambert was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (1954), the Legion d’Honneur by the French government (1957) and was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1962) because of her contribution to ballet.  Dame Marie Rambeau was appointed as vice-president of the Royal Academy of Dancing (1972) and received the Order of Merit of the Polish People’s Republic (1979). She published her autobiography Quicksilver (1972). Dame Marie Rambert died (June 12, 1982) aged ninety-four.

Rambolamasoandro – (c1770 – 1828)
Queen consort of Madagascar
Rambolamasoandro was the daughter of Rabezaka and his wife Ramanandnanjaka, Queen of Ambohidrarimo. She was married (c1787) to Andrianampoinimerina (c1745 – 1810), King of Madagascar and became the mother of King Radama I (1792 – 1828). Her daughter Rabodosahondra (born c1790) became the wife of Ratefy of Imamo, governor of Tamatave. After the death of her son she was murdered by the order of Queen Ranavalona I during a dynastic struggle, along with her daughter and son-in-law.

Rambouillet, Catherine de Vivonne, Marquise de – (1588 – 1665)
French salonniere
Catherine de Vivonne was born in Rome, and was the daughter and heiress of Jean de Vivonne, Marquis de Pisani, and his wife Italian Giulia Savelli. She married (1600) Charles d’Argennes, marquis de Rambouillet. Their daughter Julie d’Argennes was married Charles, Duc de Montausier. The marquise inaugrated a popular salon in her famous ‘chambre bleue’ (blue chamber) at her Paris town-house, the Hotel de Rambouillet, a society of elegant men and women, wits, writers, and devotees of literature, who fell under the influence of  la preciosite, precosity of speech, costume, manners and writing. This was a world-wide movement in art and letters represented by Euphism in England, Gangarism in Spain, and Marinism in Italy.  Despite the excessive artificiality and affectation of the precieux which later drew the ridicule of Moliere and Boileau, they proved useful in helping to raise the level of taste in French society, thus preparing the way for the cultivated audiences of the age of Louis XIV. Her salon declined in popularity after 1645, but her friends remained devoted to Madame de Rambouillet till her death. Madame de Rambouillet died in Paris (Dec 6, 1665).

Rambova, Natacha – (1897 – 1966)
Russian ballerina, actress and designer
Born Winifred Shaunessey Hudnut in Salt Lake City, Utah, Natacha Rambova was married to the great silent star Rudolph Valentino (1895 – 1926), but their association proved detrimental to Valentino’s film career. Rambova based her famous creation for the film Salome (1923) which starred Alla Nazimova, on the Drawings of the English artist Aubrey Beardsley. Natacha Rambova was portrayed on the screen by the French actress Yvette Mimieux in Melville Shavelson’s television film The Legend of Valentino (1975), and by Michelle Phillips in Ken Russell’s film Valentino (1977).

Ramee, Marie Louise de la     see    Ouida

Rametta – (fl. 1236)
English mediaeval nun
Rametta was the prioress of the convent of Kinsmead in Derby. She is attested by surviving charter evidence as holding that office in 1236 in the Victoria History of the Counties of England (1907). She is the first leader of that religious community on record which was also known as the abbey ‘de Pratis.’ Another extant Derbyshire charter in the Descriptive Catalogue of Derbyshire Charters in Public and Private Libraries (1906) which mentions a prioress named ‘Raimon’ most probably refers to this lady. Her successor the prioress Sybil had succeeded to office by 1248.

Ramiangaly – (c1795 – 1881)
Queen consort of Madasgascar (c1800 – 1810)
Ramiangaly was the daughter of Prince Andriankotonavalona, and was the great-niece of Andriambelosmasina, king of the Madagascan kingdom of Ambohimanga. Ramiangaly was married as a child (c1800) to her cousin, the reigning chief-king Andrianampoinimerina (c1745 – 1810). The marriage was childess. Ramiangaly was widowed aged about fifteen and never remarried. She survived her husband over seventy years as queen dowager.

Ramis – (fl. 17 AD)
Germanic barbarian queen
Ramis was the daughter of Urcomeri, prince of the Chatti (Chattorum), and became the wife of Sesithacus (Arpus), king of the Chattorusci. The geographer Strabo recorded that Ramis and her daughter were captured and brought to Rome to be paraded in the triumph of Germanicus (17 AD), nephew of the Emperor Tiberius.

Ramona of Toulouse – (fl. c960 – c980)
French mediaeval dynastic figure and heiress
Ramona was the youngest daughter of Raymond III Pons (923 – c962), Count of Toulouse, and his second wife, Gersende of Gascony. She was sister to the long-lived Count William III Taillefer of Toulouse (947 – 1037). Ramona was married (c970) to Loup Aton (c950 – c1020) a powerful Gason lord, who received the vicomte of Soule as her dower. He ruled as vicomte in her right. Through their unnamed daughter, the wife of Fort Aner (c970 – c1034), vicomte of Lavedan, Ramona was ancestress of the later vicomtes of Lavedan and Soule.

Ramos, Luisel – (1983 – 2006)
Uruguayan model
Ramos entered beauty contests and later trained as a fashion model. Influenced by the popular trend for ‘thinness’ and seeking to become an international success she reduced her food intake to green leafy vegetables and diet Coke. She subsisted on this punishing diet for several months and eventually collapsed and died of heart failure caused by malnutrition (Aug 2, 2006), aged twenty-two, whilst appearing in Fashion Week in Montevideo. Her sister Eliana Ramos (born 1988) died from using the same diet the following year (2007). A spate of such deaths caused intense debate within the fashion industry worldwide over what were popularly known as ‘O-sized’ models.

Ramsay, Charlotte – (1942 – 1995)
American philanthropist and wildlife conservationist
Charlotte Randolph Kidder was born in Australia, the daughter of an American official with the Foreign Service. Her first marriage ended in divorce (1983) and she then remarried (1988) to the scientist and writer William Ramsay. Mrs Ramsay was a member of the advisory council of the African Wildlife Foundation and established the Jordan Conservation and Research Center, serving as chairwoman of that organization which provided training for wildlife researchers. Charlotte Ramsay died (Sept 16, 1995) aged fifty-three, in Washington.

Ramsay, Martha Laurens – (1759 – 1811)
American memoirist
Martha was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Her diary for the period (1791 – 1808) included her own religious meditations, reflections and observations, as well as her personal correspondence. Her work Memoirs of the Life of Martha Laurens Ramsay (1812) appeared posthumously.

Ramsay, Lady Patricia – (1886 – 1974)
British royal
Born Princess Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth of Connaught (March 17, 1886) at Buckingham Palace, London, she was the younger daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and his wife Louise Margaret, the daughter of Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia, and was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Despite being tall and attractive, the princess was aainfully shy she refused the suit of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who married (1906) her cousin, Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg instead. Whilst her father served as governor-general of Canda (1911 – 1916), Princess Patricia acted as hostess due to her mother’s continued ill-health. During the war many small portraits of the princess were sold in order to raise money for the Red Cross and she was appointed as colonel-in-chief of the Canadian Light Infantry regiment.
Princess Patricia was married (1919) at Westminster Abbey, London to Admiral Sir Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay (1881 – 1972), a younger son of Lord Dalhousie. Two days before the wedding, with the permission of King George V, Princess Patricia renounced her royal titles and assumed the style of Lady Patricia Ramsay after the wedding, the first since the reign of Henry VIII (1509 – 1547), four hundred years earlier, to be held in the abbey. After her marriage Lady Patricia retired to private life and became a painter of numerous still-life and flower paintings which were exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy. These works were done in oils, water colour, and ink. Her later works included marine and tropical genres, and then abstract works. Her portrait was painted by Ambrose McEvoy (1926) and by Charles Sims. Her only child was Captain Alexander Arthur Alfonso David Maule Ramsay (1919 – 2000) who left descendants. Lady Ramsay died (Jan 12, 1974) aged eighty-seven. She was interred at Frogmore.

Ramsay, Peggy – (1908 – 1991)
Australian theatrical agent
Born Margaret Venniker, near Sydney, New South Wales, she was raised on an ostrich farm in South Africa. She was married to a psychologist and academic, Norman Ramsay, but they quickly divorced after moving to reside in London. Peggy Ramsay decided on a career in the theatre and began as a vocalist and then became an actress, before becoming more involved with the management side of theatre production. After some years she opened her own theatrical agency, and specialized in representing the more avant-garde dramatists of the period, many of whose works were produced at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Her list of prominent clients was long, and she represented such famous dramatists as the Romanian Eugene Ionesco, Alan Ayckbourn, Edward Bond, and Robert Bolt, amongst others. Her most famous client was Joe Orton, and in the film of his life Prick Up Your Ears (1987) produced by Stephen Frears, Ramsay was played by Vanessa Redgrave. Peggy Ramsay died (Sept 4, 1991) aged eighty-three, in London.

Ramsden, Diana – (fl. 1890 – 1900)
British diarist and traveller
Diana Ramsden kept a private journal entitled Beautiful Queensland and Leaves From My Diary. This volume included water colour illustrations produced by Diana, which included examples of Australian fauna and flora. Her prose depicts well the beauty of the Australian outback, and was written whilst she was in Queensland visiting relatives (1899 – 1900). She commented on the complete lack of boredom she experienced, ‘as women in the bush were required to be far more self-reliant, and readily accepted that role.’ Diana highly recommended emigration to her fellow countrywomen.

Ramsden, Guendolen Seymour, Lady – (1846 – 1910)
British author and painter
Born Lady Helen Guendolen Seymour (Nov 14, 1846), she was the third daughter of the twelfth Duke of Somerset. She was married (1865) to Sir John William Ramsden (1831 – 1914), fifth baronet (1839) and bore him two children. Lady Guendolen left several published works such as Smile Within a Tear, and Other Fairy Stories (1897), and The Correspondence of Two Brothers, the 11th Duke of Somerset and his brother Lord Webb Seymour, 1800 – 1809 (1906). Lady Ramsden died (Aug 28, 1910) aged sixty-three.

Ramsey, Anne – (1929 – 1988)
American actress
Ramsay appeared in films such as The Sporting Club (1971), Goin’ South (1978) and Any Which Way You Can (1980) with Clint Eastwood. Anne Ramsey was best known as Danny DeVito’s horrible mother in the comedy flick Throw Momma from the Train (1987) for which she was nominated for an Academy Award (1988).

Ramsey, Elizabeth M. – (1900 – 1993)
American embryologist
Elizabeth Ramsey was born in New York, and graduated from Mills College, California (1928). She studied abroad in Hamburg, Germany before returning to Yale Medical School, graduating as one of only two women in her class (1932). Whilst at Yale, Elizabeth discovered a two week old human embryo, later known as the Yale Embryo. This discovery led to further research on the anatomy of human embryos, which involved the study of rape embryos and placentas. She used radio-active dyes and x-rays to reveal the inherent similarities between the circulatory system of the human embryo and placenta, and that of apes. Dr Ramsey lectured extensively at John Hopkins, Georgetown, and George Washington Universities, and also served on the board of the National Symphony Orchestra. Her work was recognized by her inclusion in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and being named as scientist of the year (1987) by the Society of Gynaecologic Investigation. She was the author of The Placenta of Laboratory Animals and Man (1975) and Placental Vasculature and Circulation (1982), which she co-authored with her colleague Martin Donner, of John Hopkins University.

Ramsey, JonBenet – (1990 – 1996)
American child beauty pageant queen and murder victim
JonBenet Ramsey was born (Aug 6, 1990) and made many appearances with her mother as an entrant and winner in child beauty pageants. The six year old child was found bludgeoned and strangled to death in the basement of her parents’ home in Boulder, Colorado (Dec 26, 1996) with a ransom note left in the kitchen, which made it look like a ransom abduction gone wrong. The parents remained suspects mainly because of the lack of any unidentifiable intruder. Also the FBI noted that this was the only murder case in US history in which the body of an alleged kidnap victim was discovered in the same house as the ransom note. The case engendered enormous national and international media attention and when a tape of JonBenet dressed in pink and performing the song I Wanna be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart was played on national television it created further and continued interest in the case. A grand jury convened to consider the case (1998 – 1999) later adjourned it without making any charges due to lack of evidence. Her parents were officially cleared as suspects in her murder (2008) though her mother had died of cancer prior to this (2006). The case remains unsolved.

Ramson, Joyce – (c1915 – 1941)
Jamaican author
Joyce Ramson penned devotional verse and religious hymns, and died young. Her verses were published posthumously by her father as Poems and Hymns (1941) which included the poem ‘Harvest Hymn.’

Ranavalona I – (c1790 – 1861)
Queen regnant of Madagascar (1828 – 1861)
Ranavalona I was originally named Ramavo, and was the daughter of Rabofonandriantompo, king of Ambatomanoina, and his wife Andriantsalamanjaka. Ranavalona I was married firstly (c1810) King Radama I (1792 – 1828) whom she succeeded and then initiated a series of dynastic assassinations in order to secure herself on the throne. She remarried secondly to Rainiharo (c1770 – 1852) who served as her prime minister for two decades (c1833 – 1852), and married thirdly to Rainijohary. She was the mother of King Radama II (1829 – 1863), the posthumous child of her first marriage. The queen died (Aug 16, 1861) aged about seventy, at Tananarive.

Ranavalona II – (1829 – 1883)
Queen regnant of Madagascar (1868 – 1883)
Originally named Ramona, she was the daughter of Razakaratrimo, ruler of Ambohitrantenaina, and his wife Princess Rafarasoa, the sister of Queen Ranavalona I. Ranavalona II was married firstly (c1845) to King Radama II, whose death left her childless (1863). Five years later she succeeded her cousin Rasoherina as queen. She remarried secondly, at Tananarive (1869) the Prime Minister Rainilaiarivrony (1828 – 1896), her cousin’s widower. Queen Ranavalona II died childless (July 13, 1883) aged sixty-three, at Tananarive.

Ranavalona III – (1861 – 1917)
Queen regnant of Madagascar (1883 – 1897)
Ranavalona III was the daughter of King Radama II and his third wife Ranavalena II, and was originally named Razafinrahety. She was married firstly her cousin Prince Ratrimo, and secondly (1883) the Prime Minister Raninilairivony (1828 – 1896). Neither union produced children. Ranavalona succeeded her mother as queen (1883), and was crowned at Tananarive. Her second husband, the prime minister, was also her stepfather. The queen made several attempts to assert her own power over that exercised by her consort, but possessed little real power, remaining at her palace of Antananarivo. Rainilaiarivivony died in 1896, and Queen Ranavalona finally ruled alone. However, after exercising sole power for only six months, Madagascar became a French colony, and the queen was formally deposed (Feb 28, 1897). She was gently forced to leave the country and retreat into comfortable exile, first to Reunion, and later to Algiers in Morocco, where she died (May 23, 1917). Her remains were interred at Tananarive twenty years later (1938).

Rancon, Anne    see    Becu, Anne

Rand, Ayn – (1905 – 1982)
American novelist, screenwriter, editor and philosopher
Born Alissa Rosenbaum in Petrograd, Russia, Ayn Rand introduced and explored the philosophy of ‘objectivism’ and she was the editor of The Objectivist publication from 1962. Rand was married to the actor Frank O’Connor, and was a founding member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. Her published works included We, the Living (1936), Atlas Shrugged (1957), and The Virtue of Selfishness (1965). She was portrayed on the screen by Dame Helen Mirren (1999).

Rand, Judith Lane – (1931 – 1995) 
American novelist
Rand had an impressive career in radio, producing daily shows for Arlene Francis, Dorothy and Mary Rodgers and Dione Lucas, amongst others. Her novels included Fevered Sands and Paper Castles, which was the basis of a 1984 CBS movie He’s Fired, She’s Hired. Judith Lane Rand died at Bridgehampton, New York.

Rand, Marie Gertrude – (1886 – 1970)
American experimental psychologist
Marie Rand was born (Oct 29, 1886) in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of a manufacturer. She studied psychology at Cornell University and at Bryn Mawr College. She was was married (1918) to psychologist Clarence Errol Ferree, her former teacher, with whom she collaborated in research. Rand became an associate professor of research ophthalmology and of physiological optics at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, before being appointed an associate director of the Research Laboratory of Physiological Optics in Baltimore, Maryland (1935). With her husband’s death (died 1942) Rand removed to New York, where she became a research associate at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. With Legrand Hardy and Catherine Rittler she conducted experiments on the detection and measurement of colour blindness. Together they developed the Hardy-Rand-Rittler plates for testing colour vision. Marie Rand became the first woman to be elected a fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society (1952), and was later awarded the society’s gold medal (1963). Marie Rand died (June 30, 1970) aged eighty-three, at Stony Brook, Long Island.

Rand, Sally – (1903 – 1979)
American fan dancer and actress
Born Helen Gould Beck, she firstly obtained work as a chorus gilr in Kansas City, before she attracted the attention of the drama critic Goodman Ace. Beck then adopted the stage name of ‘Sally Rand,’ supposedly at the suggestionof Cecil D. De Mille, and later appeared in the silent film The Dressmaker from Paris (1924), as well as in several sound films such as The Fighting Eagle (1928) and Bolero (1934). Rand worked briefly with Ringling Brothers Circus as an acrobat before returning to vaudeville, which was her true forte. Rand created an international sensation when she fan dances ro Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune and Frederic Chopin’s Waltz in C Sharp Minor at the Chicago World’s Fair (1933). Her subsequent performances gained her enormous fees in nightclubs. Her notorious bubble dance caused Rand to be convicted of indecency, though this ruling was later overturned. She continued to work until 1978. Sally Rand died (Aug 31, 1979) aged seventy-five, in Glendora, California.

Randall, Eliza – (fl. c1840 – c1870)
Anglo-Australian colonial diarist
With her husband David Randall, and her parents and forty servants Eliza came to live for several decades on a station at Mount Crawford in South Australia. Her personal account of this period was published posthumously as Mrs David Randall’s Reminiscences (1939).

Randan, Marie Catherine de La Rochefoucald, Duchesse de – (1588 – 1677)
French literary patron and peeress
A member of the Precieuses, Marie Catherine de La Rochefoucald was the daughter and heiress of Jean Louis de La Rochefoucauld, Comte de Randan (died 1590), and was married to Henry de Bauffremont, Marquis de Senecy. Marie Catherine inherited the seigneurie of Randan in the Auvergne, which passed to the family of her daughter Marie Claire de Bauffremont, the wife of Gaston Jean Baptiste I de Grailly, Comte de Fleix, who perished at the siege of Marseilles (1646). She and her daughter were both granted the rank and title of duchesse by King Louis XIV (1663), with the reversion to Marie Catherine’s grandson, Gaston Jean Baptiste II de Grailly. The duchesse de Randan died aged almost ninety.

Randan, Marie Claire de Bauffremont de Senecy, Duchesse de – (1610 – 1680)
French peeress
Marie Claire de Bauffremont was the daughter of Henry de Bauffremont, Marquis de Senecy, and his wife Marie Catherine de La Rochefoucauld, Duchesse de Randan, the daughter and heiress of Jean Louis de La Rochefoucauld, Comte de Randan. Marie Claire was married to Gaston Jean Baptiste I de Grailly, Comte de Fleix, who was killed at the siege of Marseilles (1646). The comtesse and her mother were both granted the rank and title of duchesse by Louis XIV (1663), which gave the right of tabouret at the court of Versailles (permission sit in the royal prescence). The reversion of the dukedom of Randan passed to Marie Claire’s elder son, Gaston Jean Baptiste II de Grailly. However he died childless (1665) and with the duchesse’s eventual death, her younger son Henry Francois de Grailly (died 1714), took the title of Duc de Randan-Foix.

Rande, Mary     see    Cary, Mary

Randolph, Agnes     see    Dunbar, Agnes Randolph, Countess of

Randolph, Elsie – (1901 – 1982)
British stage and film actress
Born Elsie Florence Killick, Elsie Randolph was in various revues and stage productions before becoming popular during the 1930’s with singer and actor Jack Buchanan (1891 – 1957). She was best remembered for such movies as Brother Alfred (1932), Yes, Mr Brown (1933), That’s a Good Girl (1935) and This’ll Make You Whistle (1937). During her later years she returned to the screen for roles in films like Frenzy (1972) and Charleston (1977).

Randolph, Hellen   see   Fairfax, Nell Virginia

Randolph, Nancy    see   Robb, Inez Calloway

Randolph, Sarah Nicholas – (1839 – 1892)
American editor, biographer and author
Randolph was born (Oct 12, 1839) in Albemarle County, Virginia. Her published work included The Domestic Life of Thomas Jefferson (1871) and The Life of General T.J. Jackson (1876). Sarah Randolph died (April 25, 1892) aged fifty-two.

Ranelagh, Lady    see    Jones, Katherine Boyle, Lady

Ranfurly, Hermione Llewellyn, Countess of – (1913 – 2001)
British memoirist
Hermione Llewellyn was born in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, the daughter of a Weelsh landowner, Griffith Llewellyn, of Baglan Hall, Abergavenny, in Monmouthshire. She worked as a saleswoman and typist before becoming private secretary to Lady Wakehurst, wife of the governor-general of Australia. She was married (1939) to Lord Wakehurst’s aide-de-camp, Thomas Knox, sixth earl of Ranfurly. With the outbreak of World War II, Lord Ranfurly was posted to Palestine with his batman, Whitaker. Not being able to bear the seperation, the countess managed to join him there. Ordered home, she managed to find war time employment with the secret Operation Executive and resided in Cairo where she acted as personal assistant to several high-ranking generals.
Retiring to England after the war she later accompanied Ranfurly to the Bahamas as his first lady during his appointment as governor there (1953 – 1956). During this time Lady Ranfurly established the Ranfurly Library Service, which organization was extended eventually to Australia (1986) to serve the peoples of the south-west Pacific region. For this work she was appointed OBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1970) and later the Rotary award (1987). Lady Ranfurly left two volumes of memoirs entitled The Ugly One (1998) and To War With Whitaker (1994) which included her wartime diaries. Lady Ranfurly died (Feb 11, 2001) aged eighty-seven, at Great Pednor, near Chesham in Buckinghamshire.

Rangarda – (c1022 – after 1070)
French dynastic heiress
Rangarda was the daughter of William III Taillefer, Count of Toulouse, and his second wife Emma of Provence. She married (c1036) Pedro Raymond, Count of Carcassone and Vicomte of Beziers, to whom she bore four children, Raymond Roger II, Count of Carcassone (c1060 – 1067), and three daughters. With the death of Count Raymond II of Razes (1067), and in default of any closer heirs, Rangarda inherited the county. She then gave Razes to her daughter Adelaide, the wife of Guillaume Roger, count of Cerdagne, who in turn sold it to the count of Barcelona. Rangarda later verified this arrangement by charter (1070), but the county was later recovered by her grandson, Bernard Aton IV of Albigeois.

Ranichilda (Ranichildis) – (fl. c530 – c540)
Merovingian royal
Ranichilda was the daughter of Sigivaldus the dux (duke) of the Auvergne and his wife Lantechilde, the daughter of Childeric I, King of the Salian Franks, and was niece to King Clovis I and first cousin to Theuderic I, King of Austrasia (511 – 534). Her father was executed by Theuderic (533) and Ranichilda then bequeathed estates to a monastery in Auvergne of which the Abbot Brachio had formerly been a servant to Sigivald. Ranichilda was mentioned by Gregory of Tours in his Vitae Partrum.

Ranicunda – (fl. c530)
Lombard queen consort
Ranicunda was the first wife of King Vaccho, and was the daughter of King Pisen of the Thuringians. She was thus a connection to the famous Radegonde (518 – 587), the Christian wife of Clotaire I of Neustria. Her marriage is recorded by Paul the Deacon (Paulus Diakonus) in his Historia Langobardorum, and in the Origo Gentis Langobardorum.

Ranigunda – (c705 – after 731)
Italian duchess consort (c722 – 731)
Ranigunda was the daughter of Gaidoald, Duke of Brescia. She was the second wife (c722) of Romuald II (690 – 731), Duke of Benevento (706 – 731). Their marriage remained childless and Ranigunda survived her husband as Dowager Duchess. Details of her later life remain unrecorded. The historian Paulus Diakonus recorded their marriage in his chronicle the Historia gentis Langobardorum.

Rankin, Dame Annabelle Jane Mary – (1908 – 1986)
Australian politician, high commissioner, senator and diplomat
Annabelle Rankin was born (July 28, 1908) in Brisbane, Queensland, and was the daughter of an army officer who served as a government minister. Rankin was an assistant commissioner with the YWCA (Young Womens Christian Association) before she herself entered politics and was appointed as senator for Queensland (1946), the first Australian woman to enter federal politics. She served as whip for both the opposition (1947 – 1949) and then the government (1951 – 1966), and was the first woman in Australia to be a cabinet minister when she was named Minister of Housing (1966 – 1971). Annabelle Rankin was appointed as DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1957) in recognition of her contribution to politics. Her last official post was as high commissioner to New Zealand (1971 – 1974). Dame Annabelle Rankin died (Aug 30, 1986) aged seventy-eight.

Rankin, Jeannette Pickering – (1880 – 1973)
American suffragist, pacifist and politician
Jeannette Rankin was bborn (June 11, 1880) near Missoula in Montana. She was educated at the University of Montana, where she studied biology, and at the New York School of Philanthropy, and trained as a social worker. Rankin was closely associated with the female suffrage campaign, and was appointed as legislative secretary of the NAWSA (National American Woman Suffrage Association (1914). She entered politics in 1916 and twice served as US Republican Representative for Montana in (1917 – 1919) and (1941 – 1943). Rankin was the first woman to be elected to the US Congress, and was the first winner of the Susan B. Anthony Award from the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.). Later in her career she organized and led the Jeannette Rankin March to protest against US involvement in the Vietnam War (1968). Jeannette Pickering Rankin died (May 18, 1973) aged ninety-two, at Carmel, California.

Ranous, Dora Knowlton Thompson – (1859 – 1916) 
American stage actress, editor, author, translator and memoirist
Dora Ranous was born at Ashfield, Massachusetts. Her published work included Diary of a Daly Debutante (1910) and Good English in Good Form (1916). Together with Rossiter Johnson (1840 – 1931), she co-edited the sixteen volume work The Literature of Italy (1907), and the twenty volume work Authors Digest (1908). Ranous translated the works of the French authors Gustave Flaubert and Guy de Maupassant into English. Dora Thompson Ranous died (Jan 19, 1916) aged sixty-six.

Ransome-Kuti, Olufunmilayo – (1900 – 1978)
Nigerian educator and politician
Born Olufunmilayo Thomas in Abokuta, she was attended school in Abokuta and later travelled to England to complete her education at Wincham Hall College. Olufunmilayo was married to Israel Ransome-Kuti, a clergyman, to whom she bore four children. Ransome-Kuti was a dedicated campaigner for female suffrage and equality and became well known abroad for her work for the enfranchisement of Nigerian women.

Rapke, Julia Rachel – (1886 – 1959)
Australian civil rights activist
Born Julia Levoi in Christchurch, New Zealand, she was the founding president of the (WJA) Women Justice’s Association (1938). She served as vice-president of the (NCW) National Council of Women in Victoria, and served as a Justice of the Peace. Julia Rachel Rapke died (Oct 9, 1959) in Melbourne, Victoria.

Rapoport, Lydia – (1923 – 1971)
American social work educator
Lydia Rapoport was born (March 8, 1923) in Vienna, Austria. She immigrated to the USA with her mother and siblings in 1932, and she attended Hunter College and the Smith College School for Social Work. Rapoport then trained as a child psychologist at the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis, and specialized in the treatment of disturbed children. She became a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she founded the Community Mental Health Program (1969). Lydia Rapoport died (Sept 6, 1971) in New York, only a few months afterwards, being appointed as the first Inter-Regional Adviser on Family Welfare and Family Planning at the United Nations.

Rappoldi-Kahrer, Laura – (1853 – 1925)
Austrian pianist
Born Laura Kahrer (Jan 14, 1853) at Mistelbach, near Vienna, she attended the Vienna Conservatory as a pupil, and was later trained by Franz Liszt. Laura was married to the violinist and teacher Eduard Rappoldi (1831 – 1903) whom she survived twenty years. Laura Rappoldi-Kahrer died (Aug 1, 1925) aged seventy-two, in Dresden, Saxony.

Rasch, Albertina – (1896 – 1967)
Austrian-American ballerina, choreographer and actress
Albertina Rasch was born in Vienna, and was married to the Russian composer and film producer Dimitri Tiomkin (1894 – 1979). After dance instruction she established herself as a dancer of credit, and established the Albertina Rasch Balet, in which she performed in the film The Hollywood Revue of 1929 and the Albertina Rasch Girls who appeared in Hello Pop! (1933). She staged the ‘Lucky Star’ ballet in the film Broadway Melodies of 1936 (1935) and directed the ballet scene in The King Steps Out (1937). Other credits included the dance ensembles in Rosalie (1937) and the court scenes at the Palace of Versailles in Marie Antoinette (1938) which starred Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power. Albertina’s last film choreography was for the films Sweethearts (1938), The Great Waltz (1938) and Broadway Melody of 1940. As an actress she played the dance troupe leader in Broadway to Hollywood (1933) and made uncredited appearances in Devil-May-Care (1929), Lord Byron of Broadway (1930) and Our Blushing Brides (1930). Alberina Rasch died (Oct 2, 1967) aged seventy-one, in Woodland Hills, California.

Raschenau, Maria Anna de – (fl. 1703)
Austrian composer
Maria de Raschenau was probably a native of Vienna, and may have been a canoness. She composed the oratorio Le Sacre visioni di Santa Teresa, which was publicly performed (1703), though the score is now lost.

Rasendra – (c1790 – c1827)
Queen consort of Madagascar (c1807 – 1810)
Rasendra was the niece of Queen Rambolamasoandro, the wife of King Andrianampoinimerina (died 1810). She was married to her uncle and accorded the title of queen. Rasendra survived her husband as queen dowager but remained a prominent figure in court politics. This involvement led to the queen being assassinated late in the reign of King Radama II (1810 – 1828).

Raskin, Barbara – (1936 – 1999)
American feminist and author
She was born Barbara Bellman and was raised in Minneapolis. She attended the universities of Minnesota and Chicago and then became a flight attendant with Delta Airlines (1956). She married twice and kept the surname of her first husband Marcus Raskin. Barbara raskin wrote articles for such publications as The New York Times and was the author of the best-selling novel Hot Flashes (1987) which dealt with three middle-aged women drawn together for a funeral. This was followed by the novel Current Affairs (1990) which did not prove as successful as her first. She received a fiction award from the National endowment for the Arts. Barbara Raskin died (July 23, 1999) aged sixty-three, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Raskin, Judith – (1928 – 1984)
American soprano
Judith Raskin studied under Anna Hamlin and performed with the New York Opera, the Metropolital Opera and at the Glyndebourne Festival in England. Raskin sang in concert and was later a teacher at the Manhattan School and at the Mannes College in New York.

Rasmussen, Luise Christine – (1815 – 1874)
Danish dancer and political figure
Luise Rasmussen was born in Copenhagen (April 21, 1815), the illegitimate daughter of Juliana Caroline Rasmussen. Her father’s name was Kopper. She was employed as a milliner before she managed to train as a dancer. Luise attracted the attention of King Frederick VII whose mistress she became. Popular with the common people, who saw her influence over the king as a guarantee of their democracy, the king eventually married her morganatically (1850) after divorcing his wife Charlotte of Mecklenburg. Luise was created countess of Danner, and aligned herself politically with the Bondeverner (Peasant’s Party) against the National Liberals, who despised her influence and position. With the king’s death at Glucksburg Castle (1863), Luise was forced to retire from the court by his successor Christian IX, and his wife Queen Louise. She devoted herself to the future of her children. Luise Rasmussen died (March 6, 1874) aged fifty-eight, at Cannes, France.

Rasoherina – (c1813 – 1868)
Queen regnant of Madagascar (1863 – 1868)
Originally named Rabodo, she was the daughter of Andriatsalama, ruler of Ambohitraina by his wife Princess Rafaramanjaka, the sister of Queen Ranavalona I. Rasoherina married firstly to Rahorolahy, the minister of the Interior, from whom she was divorced, and secondly (c1847) her first cousin, King Radama II (1861 – 1863), who was some fifteen years her junior. The marriage remained childless, and she succeeded Radama as sovereign. Queen Rasoherina was remarried several months later to her third husband, the Prime Minister Rainivoninahitriniony (1824 – 1869). This marriage also ended in divorce and the queen remarried fourthly to her last Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony (1828 – 1896), her own brother-in-law. Queen Rasoherina died (April 1, 1868) aged abourt fifty-five, at Amboditsiry. Her last husband remarried to her cousin and successor Ranavalona III.

Rasoolan Bai – (1902 – 1974)
Indian musician
Rasoolan Bai was taught by Ustad Shammu Khan, the acknowkledged master of the Tappa style. She became famous for the rich and melodious quality of her voice, and was equally at home singing either thumri or gayaki styles of songs. She was recognized as musician of the Year (1957) and became a professor of singing at Darpana in Ahmedabad. Rasoolan Bai died (Dec 15, 1974) aged seventy-two, at Allahabad.

Rasp, Agnes Maria Luisa – (1861 – 1936)
German-Australian socialite
Born Agnes Klaversahl in Waldenburg, Germany, she immigrated to Adelaide, South Australia with her family. She employed there as a waitress when she met the famous millionaire boundary rider and fellow German Charles Rasp (1846 – 1907), who discovered silver at Broken Hill in New South Wales (1883). Agnes and Rasp were married in Adelaide (1886) and settled there in the suburb of Menindie, after travelling in Europe. The famous silver centrepiece model of the Broken Hill mine was said to have been commissioned by Agnes Rasp as a gift to her husband at their wedding. The couple remained childless and her husband died in Menindie at their famous mansion ‘Willyama’ (May 22, 1907).
Mrs Rasp inherited her husband’s estate and travelled to Germany (1908) where she entered society. She became engaged to Baron Richard von Eisenstein on the condition that she agreed to pay the debts of his son, but he unexpectedly killed himself in front of her, shooting himself in the head with his gun. Several years after this tragedy, Agnes was remarried in London (1914), to Count von Zedtwitz, the aide-de-camp of her former fiance. She was resident in Berlin throughout the duration of WW I (1914 – 1919), after which she returned to Adelaide. With her death her ‘Willyama’ estate, both house and contents, were publicly auctioneed (Nov, 1936). Her portrait was preserved in the Broken Hill City Library.

Rasponi, Louise Julie Caroline Murat, Contessa – (1805 – 1889)
French-Italian princess and memoirist
Louise Murat, Princess of Naples was born (March 21, 1805) in Paris, the second daughter of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, and his wife Caroline, the sister of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. With her father’es expulsion from the kingdom of Naples Louise resided with her mother in Austria and was granted the rank and style of Princesse Murat. She was married at Trieste (1825) to the Italian peer, Conte Giulio Rasponi (1787 – 1876), to whom she bore five sons and a daughter. Devoting herself to writing the princess became the author of a volume of personal reminiscences, which were published by her great-grandson, Conte Gian Battista Spaletti-Trivelli as Souvenirs d’enfance d’une fille de Joachim Murat. La Princesse Louise Murat, Comtesse Rasponi, 1805 – 1875 (1929). Contessa Rasponi died (Dec 1, 1889) aged eighty-four, in Ravenna.

Rastragena – (c110 – c135 AD)
Gallo-Roman Christian martyr
Rastragena was of barbarian birth and was converted in her youth, taking a vow of chastity. Refusing to abjure the Christian faith and take a husband, she was put to death at Coincy, between Rheims and Meux in France, probably during the perseutions instigated by the Emperor Hadrian. Rastragena was long venerated as a saint (May 12) at Coincy.

Ratcliffe, Dorothy Una – (1891 – 1967)
British traveller and writer
Born of parents from Yorkshire, Dorothy was educated abroad in Paris and Vienna. After her marriage to Charles Ratcliffe she settled in Leeds, Yorkshire. Dorothy Ratcliffe travelled abroad extensively during the decades (1920 – 1940), visiting Canada, South Africa, Greece, and Iceland. She also sailed around France and the Baltic Sea in her own two-masted sailing ship, the Sea Swallow. Her published work included The Babes of the Sea: Being an Account of their First Voyage in the Sea Swallow (1929), Equatorial Dawn: Travel Letters from North, East and Central Africa (1936), News of Persephone: Impressions in Northern and Southern Greece with a Car, a Kettle and Cameras (1939) and Icelandic Spring (1950).

Rath, Gisela von    see   Nienburg, Countess von

Rathbone, Eleanor Florence – (1872 – 1946)
British feminist, social reformer, academic, memoirist and pacifist
Eleanor Rathbone was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, the daughter of William Rathbone, a Quaker merchant and philanthropist who became a member of parliament. Eleanor studied the classics at Somerville College at Oxford and was an active campaigner for the reform of the poor laws. To this end she published The Disinherited Family (1924) and The Case for Family Allowances (1940). Rathbone worked to gain rights for Indian women, and denounced the practice of child marriage in Child Marriage: The Indian Minotaur (1934). Eleanor Rathbone succeeded Millicent Fawcett Garrett as preident of the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenshup (1919) and during WW II she worked for the benefit of refugees and displaced persons. Rathbone’s other published works included How the Casual Labourer Lives (1909) and War Can Be Averted (1937), which argued against the appeasement of the Germans.

Rathbone, Hannah Mary – (1798 – 1878)
British Quaker novelist, poet and author
Hannah Rathbone was best known as the author of the fictitious journal of s seventeenth century lady of quality entitled So Much of the Diary of Lady Willoughby as relates to her Domestic History and to the Eventful Period of the Reign of Charles the First (1844).

Rathbone, Josephine Adams – (1864 – 1941)
American author, librarian and educator
Rathbone was born (Sept 10, 1864) in Jamestown, New York. She was trained as a librarian and worked for the Pratt Institute Library in Brooklyn for over four decades (1893 – 1938). She also worked as a lecturer and was later appointed as vice-director of the library school (1911 – 1938). She served as president of the American Library Association (1931 – 1932) and was the author of Viewpoints in Travel (1919). Josephine Rathbone died (May 17, 1941) aged seventy-six.

Rathbone, Ouida    see    Bergere, Ouida

Rathebe, Dolly – (1928 – 2004)
South African actress and musician
Rathebe made her film debut as a nightclub vocalist in Jim Comes to Jo’burg (1949). She performed with touring bands such as the Harlem Swingsters and Alf Herbert’s African Jazz and Variety. Dolly Rathebe achieved international fame when she performed with the Elite Swingsters (1964). She later ran an illegal nightclub and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African music Awards (2001). Dolly Rathebe died (Sept 16, 2004) aged seventy-six.

Ratia, Armi – (1912 – 1979) 
Finnish designer and businesswoman
Armi was born in Karelia and studied at the Art Industry Central School before studying textile manufacture in Tubingen, Germany. Ratia established her own weaving design business prior to WW II when she worked for the ministry of Defence. Madame Ratia fled Finland ahead of the German invasion (1944) and joined her husband Viljo Ratia in Helsinki. With him she co-founded Marimekko clothing line (1951), and became famous as textile designers. Armi remained managing director until 1969, when she and her husband seperated. She later resumed control of the company (1971), and remained in charge till her death. Ratia was awarded the Order of the White Rose by the Finnish government and the USA presented her with the Nieman Marcus Award (1968). Armia Ratia died (Oct 3, 1979) aged sixty-seven, in Helsinki.

Ratperga – (c688 – after 757)
Lombard princess
Ratperga was the only daughter of King Ansprand (701 – 712) and his Carolingian wife Theuderada, the daughter of Pepin II of Heristal, Duke of Austrasia. She was the sister of King Luitprand (712 – 744) and of Prince Sigiprand, who was blinded by King Arpert (701). Princess Ratperga was married to Duke Pemmo of Friuli (c680 – 737), who was later dispossessed of his domains (731).  Her son Aistulf (c710 – 757) later briefly succeeded to the Lombard throne (756), and she survived his death. According to ancient tradition Ratperga was red-haired and unattractive in person.

Ratrude (Petrude) – (fl. 750)
Lombard princess
Ratrude was the daughter of King Ratichis and his Roman wife Tesia. As an unmarried princess, she was falsely accused of sexual depravity to her father, but her innocence was revealed to Ratichis through a heavenly vision. The king would have put her accuser to death, but Ratrude procured his pardon. When Ratichis had reigned for six years, he abdicated and became a monk. Queen Tesia and her two daughters followed his example, and became nuns, Ratrude taking the religious name of Epiphania. Afterwards she was once again accused of wickedness, and one again she proved her innocence by holding fire in her lap for half-an-hour, without injury to herself or her clothes, to the great humiliation of her enemies. Ratrude was honoured as a saint (Oct 6) in Pavia.

Ratsimiantahasoa – (fl. c1794 – 1796)
Queen consort of Madagascar
She was the daughter of Andrianjafy, King of Ambohimanga and his wife Ranavalordrajaka. She became the wife (c1794) of andrianamboatsimarofy, King of Tananarive (died 1796) and was the mother of Ramaromanompo, King of Fenoarivo. Queen Ratsmiantahasoa then became the fourth wife (c1796) of Andrianampoinimerina (c1745 – 1810), King of Madagascar.

Rattazi, Maria    see   Solms, Comtesse Bonaparte de

Rattenbury, Alma Victoria – (1897 – 1935) 
British murderess
Alma met and married the British architect Francis Rattenbury (1867 – 1935) in Canada (1928), he being thirty years her senior. After Rattenbury retired the couple resided in England. Glamorous and bored, she became involved in a passionate liasion with her chauffuer/handyman George Stoner, himself two deacdes her own junior. Together they plotted her husband’s murder, and he was bludgeoned to death with a mallet at their home in Bournemouth (March, 1935). Both confessed, and Stoner was sentenced to death, but later reprieved. Alma Rattenbury was acquitted and then committed suicide by drowning herself.

Rau, Dhanvanthi Rama – (1893 – 1987)
Indian feminist and campaigner for birth control
Dhanvanthi Handoo was born (May 10, 1893) at Hubli, in south-west India, into an upper class family, the daughter of Rup Krishna Handoo, and became one of the first Indian women permitted to study at the University of Madras. She attended the University of Madras and then became a lecturer at Queen Mary’s College in Madras (1917 – 1921). Dhanvanthi was married to the noted diplomat Sir Bengal Rama Rau (died 1969) and became actively involved in various areas of social reform. She was an advocate of birth control as well as a strong campaigner for the rights of women, and worked hard to prevent child marriages.
Lady Rama Rau supported the Indian Family Planning Association of India (1949 – 1963) and the International Planned Parenthood Association (1963 – 1971). Dhanvanthi Rama Rau was the mother of the famous novelist and author, Santha Rama Rau (1923 – 2009) and grandmother of Aisha Wayle (born 1944), a financial director at Rothchild’s bank. She published her memoirs, An Inheritance (1977). She received several distinguished honours in recognition of her work, such as the Kaiser-i-Hind medal from King George VI (1938), the bicentenary medal from Columbia University (1953) and the Padma Bhusan Award (1959). Lady Rama Rau died (July 19, 1987) aged ninety-four, at Bombay (Moombai).

Rau, Santha Rama – (1923 – 2009)
Indian travel writer and novelist
Santha Rama Rau was born (Jan 24, 1923) in Madras (Chennai), the younger daughter of Sir Bengal Rama Rau, the famous diplomat and his wife Dhanvanthi Handoo. Her initial education took place in England but she then studied at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, being the first Indian student ever to be accepted there. After India’s independence from Britain (1947) she accompanied her father on his diplomatic posting to Tokyo in Japan. Her first husband was an American and Rau later became a teacher of English at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. Rau adapted the famous novel A Passage to India by E.M. Forster for the stage with great success (1960). Apart from short stories her own published works included East of Home, A Princess Remembers and the novels This is India (1953), Remember the House and The Adventuress (1971). Her first marriage produced a son but ended in divorce (1966). Rau then remarried another American (1977) but this union remained childless. Santha Rama Rau died (April 21, 2009) aged eighty-six at Amenia in New York.

Raubel, Celi – (1908 – 1931)
German Reich figure
Born Angela Maria Raubel, Celi was the niece of Adolf Hitler, being daughter of his widowed half-sister Angela. With Hitler’s rise to power, he provided for them and Celi’s mother ran his household in Munich, Bavaria. Celi Raubel was believed to be involved in an incestuous relationship with her uncle, who granted her substantial amounst of money to spend on clothes and jewels. However, the affair faltered, and Celi began conducting an illicit affair with one of Hitler’s officers. She railed against his interest in Eva Braun, and finally shot herself outside the house with Adolf’s own revolver. The mysterious circumstances surrounding her death have never been entirely explained.

Raubes, Ella Wallace    see   Raines, Ella

Rausell i Soriano, Manuela – (1839 – after 1892)
Spanish poet, dramatist and journalist
Manuela Raunsell was born in Valencia and was educated privately at home. Manuela wrote verses, some of which was translated into Portugese, plays, and folk-tales, and contributed to various periodicals such as Valencia ilustrada, El comercio and La revista del Turia. She was the first Valencian poet to write in Catalan and was elected an honorary member of the Lo Rat Penat. Her collection of devotional verses Cent i un cantars (A Hundred and One Canticles), was awarded aliterary prize by the Jocs Florals of Valencia (1883).

Ravenel, Harriott Horry Rutledge – (1832 – 1912)
American author and historian
Harriott Ravenel was born (Aug 12, 1832) in Charlestown, South Carolina. She was best known for her works concerning the history of her hometown and state such as Life and Times of William Lowndes of South Carolina, 1782 – 1822 (1901) and Charleston: The Place and the People (1906). Harriott Rutledge Ravenel died (July 2, 1912) aged seventy-nine.

Ravenholt, Marjorie Severyns – (1920 – 1992)
American political specialist
Marjorie Ravenholt was born in Sunnyside, Washington, D.C., and attended the University of Washington and at Tufts University. At the outbreak of World War II she was employed by the US Board of Economic Warfare and served as an intelligence agent for the United States Office of Strategic Services. Marjorie Ravenholt later became a journalist and was a correspondent for Life magazine in China. Over three decades she established herself as an expert on Asian affairs, whose advice was saught by government, media, and other organizations. She served as an economics analyst for the US government in China, and was appointed the director of information and education for the Sino-American Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction in Taiwan. Marjorie Ravenholt died (May 25, 1992) aged seventy-one, in Seattle, Washington.

Ravensdale, Irene Curzon, Lady – (1896 – 1966)
British civic activist and philanthropist
Lady Mary Irene Curzon was born (Jan 20, 1896) the eldest daughter of George, Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, Viceroy of India, and his first wife, the American heiress Mary Victoria Leiter, the daughter of Levi Zeigler Leiter of Washington, D.C., USA. With her father’s death (1925) the marquessate of Curzon became extinct, but Lady Irene succeeded as second holderof the barony of Ravensdale, which she held till her death. Having spent some years of her youth in India, Lady Ravensdale became vice-chairman of the Royal India, Pakistan and Ceylon Society. In England she championed the cause of clubs for girls, becoming vice-president of the National Association of Girls Clubs, and as chairman of the Highways Clubs of East London. Irene was also treasurer of the Musicians Benevolent Fund. She remained unmarried. In recognition of her life-long service she was created a life peer (1958) as Baroness Ravensdale of Kedleston, Derby. She was the author of the autobiographical work In Many Rhythms (1953). Lady Ravensdale died (Feb 9, 1966) aged seventy, and the barony of Ravensdale devolved upon her nephew Sir Nicholas Mosley, seventh baronet.

Ravenstein, Anne de Bourgogne, Comtesse de – (1453 – 1508)
French courtier
Anne de Bourgogne was the illegitimate daughter of Philip III, Duke of Burgundy and a mistress. She was recognized by her father and was raised and educated in the household of her stepmother, Isabella of Portugal. Anne was married firstly (1457) at Le Quesnoy to Adrian van Borsselen (died 1468), a Flemish nobleman, to whom she bore a daughter, Anna van Borsselen (c1467 – 1518) who was later to be married to her cousin, Philippe de Bourgogne (c1463 – 1498), Comte de La Roche, and who left many descendants. She was married secondly (1470) to Prince Adolf of Cleves (1425 – 1492), Comte de Ravenstein, an impressive dynastic union, as his second wife. This marriage remained childless. Anne de Ravenstein was appointed governess to Philip and Margaret, the children of Marie, Duchess of Burgundy, her half-niece, who exhorted the countess on her deathbed, to care for and raise her children (1482). She survived her husband as Dowager Comtesse de Ravenstein (1498 – 1508). The Comtesse de Ravenstein died (Jan 18, 1508) aged fifty-four, at Soubourg Castle.

Ravera, Camilla – (1889 – 1988)
Italian communist and journalist
Camilla Ravera was born in Acqui, and was raised an atheist. She trained as a teacher and worked in Turin, Piedmont before joining the Italian Communist Party (1917) and turning to journalism. Ravera paid a visit to Russia where she was received by Lenin, but upon her return to her native land she was kept under house arrest by the Fascist government as a subversive (1930 – 1943). With her release she became a radio broadcaster, and was later elected to the Chamber of Deputies. Her published work included La donna italiana dal primo al secondo Risorgimento (1951) and Breve storia del movimento femminile in Italia (1978).

Raverat, Gwendolen Mary – (1885 – 1957)
British landscape painter, critic, wood engraver and memoirist
Born Gwendolen Darwin (Aug 26, 1885) in Cambridge, she was the granddaughter of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. She studied at the Slade School of Art under Frederick Brown and was married in France to the French painter Jacques Pierre Raverat, whom she had met whilst studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. The couple had two daughters before Jacques’s early death (1925). Raverat then worked as a critic for the Time and Tide publication (1928 – 1939). She was the co-founder of the Society of Wood engravers. Gwen Raverat later suffered a stroke (1951) which ended her artistic career. She left memoirs entitled Period Piece: A Cambridge Childhood (1952). Her younger daughter became the wife of the Norwegian politician Edvard Hambro. Her grandson William Pryor edited the correspondence between Gwen and her husband and author Virginia Woolf as Virginia Woolf and the Raverats (2004). Gwen Raverat died (Feb 11, 1957) aged seventy-one.

Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnan – (1896 – 1953) 
American novelist
Marjorie Kinnan was born (Aug 8, 1896) in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Arthur Kinnan, a prominent attorney. She was educated at home with a governess before she attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Prior to her marriage she was employed as a journalist and editor before devoting herself to a full time writing career. She received the O Henry Award for her short story, ‘Gal Young Un’ (1933), but was best remembered for her novel, The Yearling, for which she received the Pulitzer Prize for literature (1938). Her other published works included When the Whippoorwill (1940), The Sojourner (1953) and her autobiography entitled Cross Creek (1942). Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings died (Dec 14, 1953) aged fifty-seven.

Rawlinson, Gloria Jasmine – (1918 – 1995)
New Zealand novelist, poet and editor
Gloria Rawlinson was born in Tonga. She came to live in New Zealand with her parents as a small child (1924). Due to a severe illness soon afterwards she was confined to a wheelchair, but still managed to travel extensively and lead a vigorously active lifestyle. Her first collection of verse was Gloria’s Book (1933), published when she was only fifteen. It proved enormously successful, as did the next volume The Perfume Vendor (1935), which was translated into several languages including Japanese. Rawlinson wrote articles for the Australian Bulletin (1947 – 1954) and her last collection of verse was Of Clouds and Pebbles (1963). Apart from the novel Music in the Listening Place (1938) she also edited and published a novel and a collection of verse written by her friend, the journalist and poet Robin Hyde, who had committed suicide.

Ray, Anna Chapin – (1865 – 1945)
British author and children’s writer
Anna Ray was born (Jan 3, 1865) in Westfield, Massachusetts. Her published works included the six volume Teddy series (1898 – 1904), the six volume Sidney series (1905 – 1910) and Buddie (1911). Anna Chapin Ray died (Dec 13, 1945) aged eighty.

Ray, Caroline Miller – (1903 – 1992)
American novelist
Caroline was married firstly to William Miller of Baxley, Georgia. After their divorce (1936) she remarried (1937) to the businessman Clyde Ray (died 1976), of Waynesville, North Carolina. Caroline Ray won the Pulitzer Prize for Lamb in His Bosom (1934), which dealt with the history of her own family in Georgia, and also wrote, Lebanon (1944), which dealt with the natural beauty of rural life. Caroline Miller Ray died (July 12, 1992) aged eighty-eight, in Waynesville.

Ray, Florence Rebecca – (1883 – 1975)
American author
Florence Ray was born (Jan 4, 1883) at Valley Hill in Carroll County, Mississippi and was educated privately before attending Potter College in Kentucky. She remained unmarried and published the historical work Chieftain Greenwood Leflore and the Choctaw Indians of the Mississippi Valley (1936). Florence Ray died (Oct 26, 1975) aged ninety-two.

Ray, Martha – (1742 – 1779)
British Hanoverian courtesan
Martha Ray was the daughter of a corsetmaker and a domestic servant. She grew to be both beautiful and vocally talented and became the mistress of John Montagu, foruth Earl of sandwich (1759) who installed her as his mistress in a house at Westminster as Lady Sandwich was suffering from mental derangement. She bore him five children and Lord Sandwich patronized Martha’s public singing career and arranged for her educational improvement. Her portrait by Nathaniel Dance (1777) is preserved in the National Portrait Gallery and she was mentioned in the correspondence of Horace Walpole. A soldier named James Hackman is said to have proposed marriage to Martha on several occasions but though she indulged in a minor affair with him she refused to consider marriage. Hackman became obsessed with Martha and after becoming a clergyman, and believing her to be involved in another affair, he continued to pursue her and watched her movements. He then stabbed her death (April 7, 1779) in the foyer of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Hackman was arrested and condemned and then hanged at Tyburn (April 19).

Ray, Rene – (1911 – 1993)
British stage and film actress and author
Rene Ray was born (Sept 22, 1911) in London, and made her stage debut in a minor role at the Savoy Theatre (1930). She graduated to films from the Broadway stage. During the years preceeding and after WW II Ray appeared in over three dozen movies such as The Passing of the Third Floor (1935), The Green Cockatoo (1947), If Winter Comes (1947) in which she appeared with Walter Pidgeon and Deborah Kerr and Women of Twilight (1953). Her last film role was in Substitution (1969). Ray also wrote the novels Wraxtoon Marne and The Strange World of Planet X (1957) which she adapted for television (1958). Rene Ray later married George St John Brodrick (1888 – 1979) the second Earl of Midleton (1975), and became the Countess of Midleton. There were no children and she survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Midleton (1979 – 1993). Rene Ray died (Aug 28, 1993) aged eighty-one, at Jersey in the Chanel Islands.

Raye, Martha – (1916 – 1994)
American vocalist and comic actress
Born Maggie O’Reed, she appeared on stage from early childhood. She became a popular performer on film and television, as well as being enormously popular in broadcasting. Raye made her film debut in Rhythmn on the Range (1936), and went on to appear in Waikiki Wedding (1937), The Boys from Syracuse (1940), Hellzapoppin (1941), Four Jills in a Jeep (1944) and Monsieur Verdoux (1947). Her later film credits included Jumbo (1962) and Pufnstuf (1970). Her comic talents were especially suited to television and she began her career there as star of The Martha Raye Show (1959). She later appeared with Linda Lavin in the comic series Alice (1982 – 1984).

Rayleigh, Charlotte Mary Gertrude Fitzgerald, Lady – (1758 – 1836)
British peeress
Lady Charlotte Fitzgerald was born (May 29, 1758) the daughter of James Fitzgerald, first Duke of Leinster and his wife Emilia Mary, the daughter of Charles Lennox, second Duke of Richmond, the grandson of Charles II (1660 – 1685) and Louise de Keroualle. Lady Charlotte was married (1789) in Toulouse, France, to Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Holden Strutt (1758 – 1825), to whom she bore four children. In consideration of her husband’s military service Lady Charlotte was created, at her husband’s own request, Baroness Rayleigh of Terling Place, Witham, Essex by King George IV (1821 – 1836), with the remainder of that title to her sons. Lady Rayleigh died (Sept 13, 1836) aged seventy-eight, in Bath, Somerset.

Raymond, Eleanor – (1887 – 1989)
American landscape architect and writer
Eleanor Raymond attended Wellesley College and then studied at the Cambridge School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture for Women. She established her won business and then worked as a partner with the architect Henry Atherton Frost for some years. She published Early Domestic Architecture of Pennsylvania: Photographs and Measured Drawings (1931). Known also for her restoration and remodeling work she received many commissions from wealthy society clients. Together with Maria Telkes she designed the Dover Sun House (1948) the first solar powered house ever built in the USA. She was made a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (1961).

Rayner, Betty – (1907 – 1981)
New Zealand vaudeville performer and theatre manager
Betty Rayner was born (May, 1907) in Wellington. She performed from her early youth with her sister Joan Rayner (born 1899), with whom she managed the TOY (Theatre of Youth) in Sydney, Australia (1929 – 1931). Betty Rayner later established the ACT (Australian Children’s Theatre). Betty Rayner died (Oct 1, 1981) in Melbourne, Victoria.

Rayner, May Vivian – (c1857 – 1926)
Australian vocalist and writer
May Rayner was born in Ballarat, Victoria, and was raised on a sheep station. After the death of her husband she toured Australia and England, appearing in concert recitals. Rayner published Sunny South Australia, Travels in Western Australia and Broken Hill using the pseudonym ‘May Vivienne.’ She was later granted a pension for the Civil List. May Rayner died (Nov 5, 1926) in Adelaide in South Australia.

Raynolds, Eleanor – (1937 – 1992)
American search consultant and author
An intrepid traveller Eleanor Raynolds served as president of the British-American Chamber of Commerce and her valuable work recognized by her appointment as CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. Mrs Raynolds served as the director of the New York Mission Society and of the Mary Baldwin College. With her husband Jihn Raynolds she published Beyond Success – How Volunteer Service Can Help You Begin Making a Life Instead of Just a Living. Mrs Raynolds became a partner (1985) with the executive search firm Ward and Howell. Eleanor Raynolds died (Sept 8, 1992) aged fifty-five, in Stamford, Connecticut.

Razia, Raziya      see    Radiyya Begum

Read, Catherine – (c1722 – 1778)
Scottish painter
Catherine Read was born in Scotland, but due to involvement with the Jacobite rebellion (1745) her family removed to Paris. There Read studied under the pastel portraitist Quentin de La Tour, and later studied oil painting under Louis Blanchet in Rome (1751) thanks to the patronage of Abbe Grant (1751). In England her popularity rivalled that of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Allan Ramsay, and Francis Cotes, amongst other fashionable painters of the period, and she produced portraits of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, and her children (1761 – 1765). Read later sufferred from deafness, and established herself as a teacher, but her style declined in popularity from 1772. Catherine Read later accompanied her niece to India (1775) and died there.

Read, Irene Victoria – (1880 – 1972)
Australian civic leader and charitable organizer
Born Irene Philips (Aug 29, 1880) in Sydney, New South Wales, Mrs Read was elected as president of the Women’s Club (1925 – 1928) and was an active member of the NCW (National Council of Women) for NSW. Irene Read died (Aug 27, 1972) aged ninety-one, in Mosman, Sydney.

Read, Mary – (1690 – 1721) 
British sailor and pirate
Almost nothing is known of Mary Read’s early life apart from the fact that she had adopted male attire prior to her career at sea. She enlisted with the British army in Flanders, where she revealed her true sex to an officer, whom she then married. However, with the death of her husband she travelled to the West Indies. Her ship was captured by pirates led by the famous female pirate Anne Bonney, and the two women became involved in a sexual relationship, though she continued to have male lovers as well. Read was later captured by the British in Jamaica. The fact that she was pregnant saved her from the hangman, but she was kept in prison and died of fever.

Reader Harris, Dame Diana – (1912 – 1997) 
British educator
Muriel Diana Reader Harris was born (Oct 11, 1912) in Hong Kong, the daughter of Montgomery Reader Harris, and was raised in England. Granted a place at university, Diana did not gain a scholarship, so her father ended his financial assistance. After winning a first in English at London University, she became assistant mistress at Sherborne School for Girls, Dorset. In 1936, aged under twenty-five, Diana was appointed housemistress at Sherborne. During WW II she accompanied her students to Canada, when they were evacuated from London, and she remained there to care for them for three years. In 1950 she was appointed headmistress at Sherborne, a post she retained until her retirement (1975). Appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1972), Diana was officially chosen to greet Pope John Paul II on his official visit to Britain (1982). From (1975 – 1986) she served as governor of the Godolphin School, Salisbury. A woman of sound, good sense, and liberal understanding, Dame Diana supported the ordination of women with the Anglican Church. She remained unmarried. Dame Diana Reader Harris died (Oct 7, 1997) aged eighty-four.

Reading, Alice Edith Cohen, Marchioness of – (1865 – 1930)
British Vicereine of India
Alice Edith Cohen was the third daughter of Albert Cohen, a cotton merchant of German-Jewish origins. She met her future husband, Rufus Daniels Isaacs (1860 – 1935), first Marquess of Reading, at a dancing class.  Despite parental opposition due to Isaacs’s reputation as a London rake, they were married (1887). Their only child was Gerald Isaacs (1889 – 1960), who succeeded his father as second Marquess of Reading (1935 – 1960) and left issue. Despite her continued ill-health, Lady Reading never ceased in her efforts to further her husband’s career. She accompanied him to the USA (1917) when he was appointed High Commissioner there, and she played the role of hostess when he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary soon afterwards (1918) and then again accompanied him to America (1919). For their efforts during WW I, Isaacs was created Earl of Reading by King George V (1917) whilst Lady Reading was appointed GBE (Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire).
Alice Reading accompanied her husband to India when he was appointed Viceroy (1921 – 1926), and she received the CI (Crown of India) from King George prior to their departure. In India she concerned herself with the health of the poor, and a hospital bearing her name was built for women and children in Simla. She was the head of the committee which headed India’s most important charities. After their return to England her husband was made Marquess of Reading. During her last years she suffered from cancer. Lady Reading died (Jan 30, 1930) aged sixty-four, in London. She was interred in Golders Green Cemetery.

Reading, Eva Violet Mond, Marchioness of – (1895 – 1973) 
British children’s author
The Hon. (Honourable) Eva Mond was the daughter of Alfred Mond, Lord Melchett and his wife Violet Florence Mabel Goetze. She was married (1914) to Gerald Isaacs (1889 – 1960), second Marquess of Reading (1935 – 1960) to whom she bore three children. Lady Reading was an intellectual woman with an interest in child development, and published two books in the 1920’s In the Beginning: a first history for little children (1926) dedicated to her eldest son Michael Isaacs (1916 – 1980) later the third marquess, which contains a basic ancient history which ends with the fall of Rome and the growing prominence of Christianity. It included in its bibliography works from Rudyard Kipling such as Puck of Pook’s Hill, and The Knife and the Naked Chalk from his Rewards and Fairies. Her second book Little One’s Log (1927), and dedicated to her two daughters, Joan (Lady Zuckerman) and Anne (Lady Belper), contains drawings by Ernest H. Shephard the illustrator of the Winnie the Pooh books.

Reading, Stella Charnaud, Marchioness of – (1894 – 1971) 
British voluntary organizer
Stella Charnaud was born (Jan 6, 1894) in Constantinople, and was privately educated by a governess. She did volunteer work with the Red Cross during WW I. She later went to India, where she became a member of the viceroy’s staff. With the death of Lady Alice Reading, she became the second wife (1931) of Rufus Isaacs (1860 – 1935), the first Marquess of Reading, whom she survived as Dowager Marchioness (1935 – 1971). There were no children and she never remarried. Lady Reading devoted herself to various forms of voluntary work, and was the founder of the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service). During WW II she was actively involved with the organization of the evacuation of citizens from London, and of organizing care for the victims of air-raids. In recognition of her valuable work she was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) as Dame Stella Isaacs by King George VI (1941), and later a life peer by Queen Elizabeth II as Baroness Swanborough (1958). She served for three years as chairman of the Advisory Council on Commonwealth Immigration (1962 – 1965). Lady Reading died (May 22, 1971) aged seventy-seven, in London.

Rebay, Hilla – (1890 – 1967)
German-American painter and museum director
Born Baroness Hildegard Anna Augusta Elisabeth Rebay von Ehrenwiesen (May 31, 1890) in Strasbourg, Alsace, she was the daughter of a Bavarian army officer. She attended school in Strasbourg, Feriburg and Cologne, before studying art at the Academie Julian in Paris, and her work was exhibited in Cologne (1912) and in Berlin (1917 – 1919). The baroness later immigrated to the USA (1927) and was appointed director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (1939 – 1952). Falsely accused of being a German spy (1942) she was cleared of all charges and became an US citizen (1947). Hilla Rebay died (Sept 27, 1967) aged seventy-seven, in Greens Farms, Connecticut.

Rebekah – (fl. c1860 BC)
Hebrew biblical matriarch
Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, and great-niece of the patriarch Abraham. She was married to Isaac for twenty years without bearing a child, and then gave birth to twin sons, Jacob and Esau. When her husband lay dying Rebekah arranged for her favourite son Jacob to pretend to be his elder brother in order to gain Isaac’s blessing as his heir. When this impersonation was discovered Rebekah sent Jacob to stay with her brother Laban, to protect him from his brother’s vengeance.

Rebestoeckyn, Katherine – (fl. 1445 – 1453)
German tradeswoman
Katherine was licensed to practice her trade as a goldsmith in the city of Strasbourg in Alsace during the nid fifteenth century. The brief details concerning her are taken from surviving tax records and she was probably a widow involved in the continuation of her late husband’s career.

Reboul, Therese – (1735 – 1805)
French painter and water colour artist
Her married name was Vien. Reboul’s work was exhibited at the Academie Royale until she was accused of not producing her own work. After this Therese never exhibited her paintings again.

Rebours, Elisabeth Therese le    see   Chamillart, Elisabeth Therese de

Recamier, Julie – (1777 – 1849)
French literary and political salonniere
Jeanne Francoise Julie Adelaide Bernard was born (Dec 4, 1777) in Lyons, the daughter of a baker. She came to Paris with her father and married (1792) Jacques Recamier (died 1830), a rich banker. Her wit and famous beauty attracted some of the most glitterring and notable politicians and literary personalities of the period around her, including Madame de Staal, the Vicomte de Chateaubriand, and Benjamin Constant, but her reputation remained untouched by any scandal. When her husband was ruined financially because of the government’s policies, and she herself was exiled from Paris by Napoleon, she stayed at Coppet with Madame de Staal (1806), who portrayed her as a character in her famous novel Corinne (1807). Prince August of Prussia desired to marry Madame Recamier if her husband would consent to a divorce. He did, but Julie could not bring herself to desert him. She persuaded Constant to oppose Napoleon during the Hundred Days, and returned to Paris after Waterloo (1815). She remained in financially straitened circumstances, and took apartments in the Abbaye-aux-Bois, where she continued to receive guests, including Chateaubriand, though she had to put up with his mercurial temper. The painter Louis David immortalized her in a reclining portrait pose. Madame Recamier died (May 11, 1849) aged seventy-one, in Paris.

Recciberga – (fl. c650)
Visigothic queen consort in Spain
Recciberga was the wife of King Chinaswind (died 653). She was the mother of three sons, King Reccaswinth (c637 – 672), Theodofred, duke of Cordova, and Favila (Pedro), Duke of Cantabria. Through her youngest son the queen became the ancestress of most of the royal and princely houses of Europe, and of many reigning monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
Recciberga is not to be confused with her daughter-in-law of the same name, the wife of Reccaswinth, who died childess as a young woman. Through her second son Theodofred Queen Recciberga was the grandmother of Roderick the Great (c665 – 712), the last ruler of the Visigothic dynasty.

Recco, Elena – (fl. c1660 – c1690)
Italian painter
Elena Recco was born in Naples, the daughter of Giuseppe Recco, the still-life painter. Elena was taught by her father and was influenced by the style of Fede Galizia. She later travelled to Spain where she received commissions from the court of King Carlos II in Madrid. Several of her still-lifes survive.

Recilona – (fl. c660 – c670)
Spanish Visigothic princess
Recilona was the wife of Duke Theodofred of Cordova, and was the daughter-in-law of King Kinaswind (died 653). She was the mother of the last Visigothic ruler Roderick the Great (c665 – 712) who was killed by the Muslims.

Recke, Elisabeth von der – (1754 – 1833)
German poet
With the deaths of her husband and only child, Elisabeth von der Recke travelled through northern Europe, and became a friend of the poet Sophie Becker-Schwarz. Their poetic correspondence was later published as Elisens und Sophien Gedichte (Poems of Elise and Sophie) (1790). Her personal diaries were later edited and published as Tagebucher und Selbstzeugnisse (Diaries and Self-Portraits) (1984).

Redburga of Neustria – (c784 – after 828)
Anglo-Saxon queen
Rothaide (Rhuodheid) was the illegitimate daughter of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814) and his concubine Sigrada, and is described as regis Francorum sororis (a reference to her halfbrother King Charles of Neustris). Her marriage (c800) with the aetheling Egbert (c770 – 839), who succeeded as King of Wessex in 802, was arranged by Charlemagne himself. Her Anglo-Saxon subjects rendered her name as Raedburh which was later Latinized as Redburga. Queen Redburga is said to have encouraged Egbert’s harsh treatment of the Welsh in 828. She was the mother of King Aethelwulf (839 – 856) and the grandmother of the famous King Alfred the Great (871 – 899). Her daughter Eadgyth (Edith) was appointed abbess of Pollesworch, and was honoured as a saint (March 15).

‘Red Countess’     see   Markievicz, Countess

Redd, Wilmot – (c1660 – 1692)
American victim of colonial witchcraft trials
Wilmot was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, and was the wife of Samuel Redd, a fisherman. Known for her irascible temperament, Redd was denounced as a witch by Mercy Lewis during the infamous Salem trials. Wilmot Redd was found guilty and hanged (Sept 22, 1692).

‘Red Emma’   see   Goldman, Emma

Redesdale, Sydney Bowles, Lady – (1880 – 1963)
British writer
The mother of the famous Mitford sisters, Sydney Bowles was the elder daughter of Thomas Gibson Bowles (1841 – 1921) and his wife Jessica Evans-Gordon (1852 – 1887). She became the wife of David Bertram Ogilvy Mitford (1878 – 1958), second Baron Redesdale (1916 – 1958). Lady Redesdale published a volume of memoirs. She survived her husband as the Dowager Baroness Redesdale (1958 – 1963) and left seven famous children,

• Hon. (Honourable) Nancy Mitford (1904 – 1973). The famous biographer and letter writer, she was married to Peter Rodd.
• Hon. Pamela Mitford (born 1907). She married Derek Jackson.
• Hon. Thomas Mitford (1909 – 1945). He was killed in action in WW II.
• Hon. Diana Mitford (1910 – 2002). She was married firstly to Hon. Walter Bryan Guiness (1905 – 1992) (later Lord Moyne), from whom she was divorced, and secondly became the second wife of Sir Oswald Mosley (1896 – 1980), sixth Baronet, the famous Fascist leader.
• Hon. Unity Valkyrie Mitford (1914 – 1948). Infamous for her support of Adolf Hitler.
• Hon. Jessica Mitford (born 1918). She was married firstly to Esmond Romilly (1918 – 1943) and secondly to Robert Truehaft. She left children by both marriages.
• Hon. Deborah Vivien Mitford (‘Debo’) (born 1920). She was married to Andrew Cavendish (1920 – 2004), eleventh Duke of Devonshire and left children. Famous as the chatelaine of Chatsworth House.

Redgrave, Lady     see    Kempson, Rachel

Redhouse, Diana Devora – (1923 – 2007)
British artist and designer
Diana Devora was born in London to immigrant Jewish-Polish parents. She was educated in a convent school and was later employed as clerk until WW II when she joined the army. Diana was married to Alexander Redhouse, an architect, to whom she bore two daughters With the end of WW II (1945), Diana Redhouse she was employed as an artist by the St Martin’s School of Art in London. She designed the first Christmas card for Amnesty International (1963), which famously depicted a candle surrounded by barbed wire. Diana Redhouse died aged eighty-four.

Redinha, Isabela Juliana de Sousa, Condesa de – (1753 – 1793)
Portugese grandee
Isabela Juliana de Sousa was born in Lisbon, Estramdura, the only child and heiress of Vicente de Sousa-Coutinho-Monteiro Paim (1726 – 1772), Baron de Santa Iria, and his wife Teresa Vital da Camara. Dona Isabela was married firstly, and forcibly, to please her family, to the Conde de Redinha, the second son of Sebastian Joseph de Carvalho y Mello, Marques de Pombal (1699 – 1782). Isabela refused to permit the consummation of this marriage, which remained childless, and it was later annulled. She was then placed in the convent of Santa Joanna for two years, followed by six more in confinement in a convent in Evora. She was released with the death of King Joseph and the disgrace of Pombal (1777). Dona Isabela was then remarried and became the first wife (1779) in Lisbon, of Alexandre de Sousa Holstein (1751 – 1803), Conde de de Sanfre the two having loved each other from childhood. He came from exile in Turin in Piedmont, in order to claim his bride. By this marriage she became the mother of four children, included the Duque de Palmella, the famous Portugese statesman. The Condesa and their children accompanied her husband on his diplomatic appointments to Copenhagen in Denmark, to Rome, and to Vienna in Austria. Condesa Isabela died in Geneva, Switzerland aged forty. Her children were,

• Don Pedro de Sousa Holstein (1781 – 1850), first Duque de Palmella. He married and left children.
• Dona Mariana Vincenza de Sousa-Holstein (1784 – 1829). She became the wife of Luiz Roque de Sousa Coutinho Monteiro Paim, Conde de Alva.
• Dona Tereza Frederica Christina de Sousa-Holstein (1786 – 1841). She became the wife of Jose Luiz de Sousa-Botelho Mouraoe Vasconcellos.
• Dona Catarina Juliana de Sousa-Holstein (1789 – 1871). She became the wife of Vitorio de Linhares Sousa Coutinho (died 1857), Conde de Linhares.

Redjedet    see   Khentkawes I

Redpath, Anne – (1895 – 1965) 
Scottish painter
Anne Redpath was born (March 29, 1895) in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, the daughter of a clothing designer. She studied at Hawick and then attended the Edinburgh College of Art (1913 – 1918). Anne then resided in France after her marriage (1920) with James Beattie Michie. Anne later returned to Scotland (1934) and was noted for her colourful oil and watercolour paintings, being considered one of the most important of modern Scottish artists. Miss Redpath was later elected a member of the Royal Scottish Academy (1952). Examples of her work are preserved in the Tate Gallery, London, and the Preston Art Gallery. Her work was exhibited with the Glasgow Institute and the Society of Scottish artists. Anne Redpath died (Jan 7, 1965) aged sixty-nine.

‘Red Rosa’    see     Lacombe, Claire

Redvers, Hawise de – (c1105 – after 1161) 
English religious patron
Hawise de Redvers was the daughter of Richard de Redvers, and sister to Baldwin, first Earl of Devon. Her mother was Adelisa, the daughter of William Peverel the elder of Nottingham. She was married to William de Roumare, who was created Earl of Lincoln, and whom she survived, being attested on one of his surviving charters as Hadewisa comitissa. Around 1153 William de Roumare went on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and upon his return he seperated from the countess and became a monk at the Cisterician abbey of Revesby, which he and Hawise had jointly founded (c1142). As ‘Hadewysia comitissa de Rumara’ the countess granted lands at Bure and Chewton to Christchurch Priory, Hants, which had been part of her marriage gift (maritagium) from her brother Baldwin, for the souls of her husband and her son and others. Hawise also granted the church of Feltham, near Staines, to the hospital of St Giles-in-the-Fields.

Redvers, Margaret de – (c1200 – 1252)
Anglo-Norman heiress and peeress
Margaret Fitzgerald was the daughter of Warin Fitzgerald, lord chamberlain to King John (1199 – 1216), by his wife Alice de Curcy, the sister of William de Curcy. She was married during childhood to Baldwin de Redvers (1200 – 1216), the youthful Earl of Albemarle, son and heir of William de Redvers, fifth Earl of Devon. He predeceased his father and the couple remained childless. As a rich widow and a royal ward she was forced by the king to marry one of his cruel adventurous favourites Falkes de Breaute, to whom he then gave custody of the castles of Windsor, Oxford, Northampton, Bedford and Cambridge. Falkes and Margaret were later granted (1218) the honour and castle of Plympton and all of the lands which the late Earl Baldwin had held in Devon as her dower. Her marriage remained unhappy and disastrous from Lady Margaret’s viewpoint, though she once unsuccessfully urged de Breaute to perform penance at the Abbey of St Albans after he had a terrible dream which seemed to threaten divine retribution for his despoliation of that monastery.
According to the chronicler Matthew Paris Falkes did the penance but refused to make reparation to the monks and admitted ‘My wife made me do this for a dream.’ With de Breaute’s eventual downfall (Aug, 1224) which came when Henry III captured his stronghold of Bedford Castle and Countess Margaret was also captured, or rather rescued. When Falkes was imprisoned Margaret came before the king and Archbishop Langton and asked for a divorce on the grounds that she had been taken in time of war and been married against her will. The divorce was granted and King Henry granted Margaret all her own estates on the condition that she pay three hundred marks annually towards covering her husband’s debts to the crown, and placed her person and her lands under the wardship of William de Warenne. Countess Margaret never remarried and died (shortly after Sept 29, 1252) and was buried within the Church of the Grey Friars in London. Her only child, Eva de Breaute, is said to have become the wife of Llewelyn ap Iorwerth (1173 – 1240) Prince of North Wales, but this claim by Fulk Fitzwarin remains extremely dubious. Her personal seal survives which bears the legend SECRETVM MARGARETE DE REDVERIIS, which seems to indicate that she chose to totally ignore the existence of her forced second marriage.

Reed, Donna – (1921 – 1986)
American actress, pacifist and civil rights leader
Born Donna Belle Mullenger (Jan 27, 1921) in Denison, Iowa, Donna Reed became a leading film actress during the 1940’s appearing most notably in Mrs Parkington (1944) with Greer Garson, as Gladys in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), Green Dolphin Street (1947), as the prostitute Alma in From Here to Eternity (1953) for which she received an Academy Award, The Last Time I Saw Paris (1956) and Beyond Mombasa (1957). Donna Reed lated hosted her own popular television program The Donna Reed Show (1958 – 1966), and made several movies for television such as The Best Blace to Be (1979) and Deadly Lessons (1983), as well as appearing in the popular Dallas series (1984 – 1985) replacing Barbara Bel Geddes in the role of the Ewing matriarch Miss Elly. When Bel Geddes reclaimed this role, Reed sued the program’s producer for breach of contract and received a large financial settlement as compensation. Donna Reed was the co-founder of Another Mother for Peace, and died of pancreatic cancer aged sixty-four.

Reed, Dorothy    see    Mendenhall, Dorothy Reed

Reed, Elizabeth Armstrong – (1842 – 1915)
American oriental scholar and writer
Elizabeth Reed was born (May 16, 1842) in Winthrop, Maine. She was the mother of the etcher Earl Howell Reed (1863 – 1931) and of the novelist Myrtle Reed (1874 – 1911). Reed’s published works included Hindu Literature (1891), Persian Literature (1893) and Primitive Buddhism (1896). Elizabeth Armstrong Reed died (June 16, 1915) aged seventy-three.

Reed, Esther De Berdt – (1746 – 1780)
Anglo-American relief worker
Esther de Berdt was the wife of Joseph Reed (1741 – 1785), the famous soldier and statesman. Several of her letters were printed in The Life of Esther De Berdt, Afterwards Esther Reed (1853) written by William B. Reed.

Reed, Isobel    see   Elsom, Isobel

Reed, Priscilla Horton – (1818 – 1895)
British stage actress and vocalist
Priscilla Horton was born (Jan 1, 1818) at Birmingham in Lancashire, the daughter of Thomas Horton. She appeared on the stage during childhood and later sang at the Vauhall Gardens. Priscilla first attracted popular attention as Kate in The Beggar of Bethnal Green (1834) by Sheridan Knowles. Priscilla Horton worked with the company of Benjamin Webster, and played Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ariel in the Tempest (1847), and Hecate in Macbeth (1851). She created the role of Georgina Vesey in Lord Lytton’s play Money (1840). Priscilla became the wife (1844) of the musician Thomas German Reed (1817 – 1888) with whom she later performed in public concert (1854 – 1855). She then established regular musical entertainments at St George’s Hall. She was the mother of actor Alfred German Reed (1847 – 1895). Priscilla Reed died (March 18, 1895) aged seventy-seven, at Bexley Heath, Kent.

Rees, Dame Dorothy Mary – (1898 – 1987)
British Labour politician
Dorothy Rees was born (July 29, 1898), and was trained as schoolteacher in Wales. She joined the civil service and became a member of the Barry Borough Council and was appointed alderman of the Glamorgan County Council. Rees was later elected as Member of Parliament for the constituency of Barry (1950 – 1951), but was defeated the next year by the Conservative MP Raymond Gower. She later served as parliamentary private secretary to the Health minister Edith Summerskill. Dorothy Rees was later created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1975) in recognition of her public service.

Rees, Rosemary – (1876 – 1963)
New Zealand novelist
Rosemary Rees was originally trained as a stage actress, and she travelled to entertain the troops during WW I. After this she ran her won repertory company until 1923, after which she turned her talents to writing popular romantic novels. Her published works included April’s Sowing (1924), Life’s What You Make It! (1927), Wild, Wild Heart (1928), Hetty Looks for Local Colour (1935), I Can Take Care of Myself (1940) and The Mended Citadel (1949).

Rees Williams, Ellen Gwendolen     see   Rhys, Jean

Reeve, Ada – (1874 – 1966)
British stage actress and music hall performer
Ada Reeve was born (March 3, 1874) in London. She made her stage debut as a child (1878) at the Pavilion in Whitechapel, then appeared in music hall reviews and toured the provinces. Reeve joined the Gaiety Theatre (1894) and it was for this association that she was most famous. She appeared as Bessie Brent in The Shop Girl, and played in comedy and pantomime in London, Australia, South Africa, and the USA, all of which she visited on several separate tours. Reeve also appeared in plays such as The Gay Parisienne, Floradora and Three Little Maids. She made her first appearance in cabaret at the Trocadero (1935) and then appeared at the Globe Theatre as Mrs Batley in They Came to a City (1943), and as Mrs Catt in The Shop at Sly Corner (1945 – 1946). Ada appeared in movies and on telelvision, and published her autobiography Take it for a Fact (1954). Ada Reeve died (Sept 25, 1966) aged ninety-two, in London.

Reeve, Clara – (1729 – 1807) 
British novelist
Clara Reeve was born at Ipswich in Suffolk, the daughter of a clergyman. She was the author of The Old English Baron (1778) which went through at least nineteen editions. Other sentimental novels included The Two Mentors (1783) and The School for Widows (1791). Reeve also translated the allegorical romance Argenis by the noted Scottish satirist and poet John Barclay (1582 – 1621) from the Latin with the title The Phoenix (1772).

Reeves, Marion Calhoun Legare – (c1854 – after 1890)
American author
Marion Reeves was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She used the pseudonym ‘Fadette’ to publish works such as Ingemisco (1867), Sea Drift (1869) and Wearisthorne (1872). She co-wrote several works with her friend Emily Read such as Old Martin Boscawen’s Jest (1878) and Pilot Fortune (1885).

Reeves-Smith, Olive – (1895 – 1972) 
Anglo-American actress
Olive Reeves-Smith was born in Surrey, England the daughter of H. Reeves-Smith. She toured England and Wales, performing in musical comedy, before making her debut in The Better ‘Ole in New York. She also performed with Ethel Barrymore, George M. Cohan and Dennis King. In the Broadway production of My Fair Lady she played the aristocratic Mrs Eynsford-Hill. Her best known performances were in The Constant Nymph, The Wookery, Love from a Stranger and The Live Ghosts. Her radio and television work included appearances in Death Valley Days. Olive Reeves-Smith died in New York.

‘Refugitta’   see   Harrison, Constance Cary

Reger, Janet – (1935 – 2006)
British lingerie designer
Born Janet Phillips (Sept 30, 1935) in London, she attended the Leicester College of Art and Technology. She lived in Switzerland for several years where she first made a name for herself as a designer of beachwear. She was married to Peter Reger. With her return to England, Reger, with the active assistance of her husband, established herself as a designer of fashionable lingerie which was distinctively romantic, and included camisoles, suspenders, and basques. Her famous customers included Princess Alexandra of Kent, Princess Margaret, sister to Queen Elizabeth, and such prominent actresses as Claudia Cardinale and Barbra Streisand. Her company was later bought out by Berlei (1983) and her husband committed suicide (1985), though Reger continued to design under her own label. Janet Reger died of cancer, aged sixty-nine.

Reggio, Eugenie de Coussey, Duchesse de – (1791 – 1868)
French Napoleonic courtier and memoirist
Eugenie de Coussey became the wife (1812) of Marshal Nicolas Charles Marie Oudinot (1767 – 1847), created Duc de Reggio by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The duke and duchesse were later prominents at the Bourbon court of Louis XVIII (1814 – 1824) and Charles X (1824 – 1830). Eugenie survived her husband for two decades as Dowager Duchesse (1847 – 1868). Her unpublished memoirs were used by Gaston Stiegler to produce two biographical works Recits de guerre et de foyer: le marechal Oudinot, duc de Reggio: d’apres les souvenirs inedits de la marechale (1894) and Memoirs of Marchal Oudinot, duc de Reggio (1896), translated into English by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos. The Duchesse de Reggio left four children,

• Louise Marie Therese Oudinot (1816 – 1909). She died unmarried.
• Caroline Philippine Oudinot (1818 – 1896). She died unmarried.
• Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Joseph Gabriel Oudinot (1819 – 1858).
• Victor Angelique Henri Oudinot (1822 – 1891). He was later appointed a general (1870).

Regilla of Verdun – (c1005 – c1040)
German margravine and religious patron
Regilla was the granddaughter of Godfrey the Old (c935 – 1005), Count of Verdun, and his wife Matilda, widow of Baldwin III, Count of Flanders, and the daughter of Hermann I Billung, Duke of Saxony. Regilla was married (c1025) to Arnold II (c995 – 1050), Margrave of Carinthia, and was the mother of Count Godfrey of Lambach-Puttin (1026 – 1050), who left descendants. Regilla was a patron of the monastery of Lambach which had been founded by her husband. There is no record of her surviving her husband or her son, so her death may be placed tentatively. She was buried with her husband at Lambach.

Regina – (d. c251 AD)
Gallo-Roman Christian martyr
Regina was born at Alise, in Burgundy, the daughter of a provincial patrician. Brought up as a Christian by her nurse, Regina refused to marry the suitor Olybrius, who had been selected by her father. She was imprisoned by order of her father, who now demanded that she renounce her religion, she refused and he handed her over to the Imperial authorities during the persecution instigated by the emperor Decius. Regina was beheaded as Roman citizen. Venerated as a saint (Sept 7) her relics were later translated to the abbey of Flavigny (864) and she is among the saints listed in the Roman Martyrology. St Regina was the patron of Alise, and her intercession was invoked by those sufferring diseases of the skin.

Regina Helene Elisabeth Margarete - (1925 - 2010)
Crown Princess consort of Austria
HSH (Her Serene Highness) Duchess Regina of Saxe-Meiningen was born (Jan 6, 1925) at Wurzburg in Bavaria, the youngest child of Duke George III of Saxe-Meiningen and his wife Countess Klara Maria de Korff gennant Schmissing-Kerssenbrock. She studied social work in Bamberg, after which she worked as a social worker with Caritas in Munich, Bavaria, caring for Hungarian refugees. It was at this time that she met her future husband. Regina was married (1951) to Crown Prince Otto of Austria (born 1912), the eldest son and heir of the last Hapsburg emperor of Austria Karl I (1916 - 1919) and his wife Zita of Bourbon-Parma. The marriage took place in the Church of the Cordeliers in Nancy, Lorraine, with the sanction of Pope Pius XII (1939 - 1958).
Known in society as Her Imperial and Royal Highness Crown Princess Regina of Austria, Hungary and Bohemia, but known legally as Regina von Hapsburg, she resided with her husband, known as Dr Otto von Hapsburg, at the family residence at Pocking, near Lake Starnberg in West Germany. Regina bore her husband seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom married and produced children. Otto's father Karl I had been sent into exile to Madeira with his family in 1919 but have never renounced his claims to the Imperial throne, so Regina was also the titular Empress consort of Austria and titular Queen consort of Hungary and Bohemia for almost six decades (1951 - 2010) though these styles and titles were never claimed or used. The former Crown Prince was a noted scholar and political theoretician, and Regina assisted her husband with his work, acting as his researcher and editing his work. She organized the removel of the remains of her late mother Duchess Klara Maria and her brother Duke Anton Ulrich of Saxe-Meiningen to the Church of Heldburg in Hildburghausen, Thuringia (2005). Crown Princess Regina died (Feb 3, 2010) aged eighty-five, at Pocking.

Regine de Valois     see    Radegonde de Valois

Reginlinda of Agen – (c830 – after 864)
Carolingian heiress and royal prgenatrix
Reginlinda (Roselinde) was the daughter of Bernard of Toulouse, Duke of Septimania, and his wife Dhuoda, the daughter of Bertrand, Count of Agen. Reginlinda was married (c844) to Vulgrin I (c830 – 886), the first count of the Angouleme family, and was a direct ancestor of Isabella of Angouleme, the second wife of the English king John (1199 – 1216). Through Isabella she was the ancestor of the subsequent English royal family, besides being the ancestress of various other reigning European families. With the death of her paternal uncle, count William of Agen (864), Reginlinda inherited the important county of Agen in Guyenne, and Vulgrin assumed the title of count and the rule of these lands, being appointed as count of the Palace to the emperor Charles II the Bald (875 – 877), which Reginlinda and her husband extrememly important personages at the Imperial court. There is no evidence that the countess survived her husband. She and Vulgrin had two sons,

• Audoin (Alduin, Hilduin) (c848 – 916). He succeeded his father at count of Angouleme (886 – 916) and left many descendants.
• William (Guillaume) (c853 – 920). He became count of Perigord and Agen. He was married to Reginlinda, the daughter of Robert I the Strong, Count of Paris, and left many descendants.

Reginlinda of Nellenburg – (c889 – 958)
German duchess consort of Swabia
Reginlinda was the daughter of Eberhard III, Count of Nellenburg (Nieder Lahngau), and of his wife Gisela. She was married firstly (c903) to Duke Burchard I of Swabia, to whom she bore six children. With her husband’s death at Novara in Italy (926), Reginlinda was remarried (c927) to Herman of Lorraine (c894 – 949), to whom she transferred rights to the rulership dukedom, as guardian of her son Burchard, and he became duke as Herman I. To her second husband Reginlinda bore an only daughter, Ida of Lorraine, the heiress of Swabia, who was later married to Luidolf of Saxony, the eldest son of the Emperor Otto I (962 – 973). During her widowhood (949 – 958) she retired from the court and became a nun, being appointed an abbess in Zurich. Duchess Reginlinda died (April 23, 958) aged about sixty-eight, at Ulfenau. The children of her first marriage were,

• Bertha of Swabia (c906 – 966). She married firstly Rudolf II, king of Burgundy (c889 – 937), and secondly to Hugh of Arles (c880 – 947), king of Italy. By Rudolf Bertha was the mother of the famous Empress Adelaide, second wife of Emperor Otto I.
• Siburgis of Swabia (Seburga). She was married to Count Rudolf I of Bavaria (died 940), and left many descendants.
• Burchard II (c910 – 973). He succeeded his stepfather as Duke of Swabia (949 – 973) and was married firstly to Oda of Harzgau and secondly to Hedwig of Bavaria.
• Wiltrude of Swabia. She became the wife of Bernard, Count of Liesgau.
• Gisela of Swabia. She became the wife of Hermann, Count of Pfullichgau.
• Hicha of Swabia. She became the wife of Werner V, Count of Wormsgau.

Reginlinda of Poland – (989 – c1030)
Polish-German princess
Reginlinda was the daughter of Boleslav I Chrobry, King of Poland (967 – 1025), and his third wife Ermenhilda, daughter of the Sorbic prince Dobremir. Reginlinda was married (c1006) to Hermann, margrave of Meissen (died 1038), whom she apparently predeceased. She had borne no children. Reginlinda and her husband were interred together in the Cathedral of Naumburg in Germany, where their effigies remain.

Reginpirga – (fl. c470 AD – c500)
Duchess of Bavaria
Reginpirga was the wife of Duke Theodo I (c437 AD – 512). Sometimes called Regnaburga, the ancient city of Ratisbon (later Regensburg, and formerly the Roman settlement of Radespona) in Alemannia, Swabia, was named in her honour. She was mother to Duke Theodo II (512 – 537).

Regnier, Clorinda – (fl. c1650 – 1660) 
Flemish painter
Clorinda Regnier was one of the four beautiful daughters of painter Nicolas Regnier. Taught the technique of painting by her father, the Venetian experts waxed lyrical concerning the artistic talent of Clorinda and her sisters, but unfortunately no work attributable to her or any of her sisters survives. Clorinda became the wife of the Italian painter Pietro dell Vecchia, whilst another sister Lucrezia became the wife of the Flemish artist Daniel Van der Dyck.

Rehan, Ada – (1860 – 1916)
Irish actress
Ada Rehan was born (April, 1860) in Limerick, and attended school in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She made her stage debut in Newark, New Jersey (1874) before famously appearing as Katherine in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Lady Teazle in School for Scandal. Rehan was engaged by Augustus Daly for his theatre in New York (1879) and under his management she appeared with great success in London, Paris, and Berlin. Ada Rehan died (Jan 9, 1916) aged fifty-five, in New York City, USA.

Rehfisch, Alison Bailey – (1900 – 1975)
Australian painter and author
Alison Rehfisch was born in Sydney, New South Wales. She studied at the Julian Ashton School and under Dattilo Rubbo. She became the wife of fellow artist George Duncan, with whom she jointly exhibited works. Her work was exhibited with the Society of Women artists, the Royal Oil Painters Institute, the Societe des Beaux Arts in Paris, and with the Society of Women Painters. Examples of her work are preserved in the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Reibey, Mary (Molly) – (1777 – 1855)
Australian convict, businesswoman and philanthropist
Born Mary Haydock in Bury, Lancashire, she was raised by her grandmother. With the deaths of her parents she ran away disguised as a boy. She was later caught horse-stealing, and was sentenced to death. However, her true sex being discovered she she was instead transported to Sydney in New South Wales as a convict (1792). In Sydney she was employed as a nursemaid before marrying Thomas Reibey, an employee of the Irish East India Company (1794). Mary Reibey actively assisted her husband in her mercantile business, where her acumen proved of great assistance. With the death of Thomas Reibey (1811) Mary took over the running of his business concerns, which she then enlarged and turned into an extremely profitable concern. The office of the first Bank of New South Wales was opened in her home (1817). Her later years were spent resident in Newtown in inner Sydney.

Reichard, Gladys Amanda – (1893 – 1955)
American anthropologist
Gladys Reichard was born (July 17, 1893) in Bangor, Pennsylvania, the daughter of a physician. Initially she trained and worked as a schoolteacher, but she then went on to study anthropology at Columbia University under Franz Boas. Famous for her lifelong study and research into the culture, customs, and language of the Navaho Indians, her published works included Navaho Shepherd and Weaver (1936), Handbook of American Indian Languages (1938) and Navaho Grammar (1951). Another of her publications Melanesian Design (1933) was awarded a prize by the New York Academy of Sciences (1932). Gladys Reichard died (July 25, 1955) aged sixty-two, at Flagstaff, Arizona.

Reichardt, Louise – (1779 – 1826) 
German composer
Louise Reichardt was the daughter of composer Johann Friedrich Reichardt and his wife Juliane. A talented musician and educator, she established a school for women (1813) at Hamburg. There she founded the original female choir which eventually developed into the Musikverein. One of the first female conductors, Louise was involved in the revitilization of German baroque music.

Reiche, Maria – (1903 – 1998)
German-Peruvian cultural guardian and writer
Reiche spent five decades studying and protecting the vast pre-Incan tableau of giant birds, animals, plants, and geometric shapes, which were carved into the desert floor, near Nazca in Peru which she first encountered in 1941. Maria Reiche was born in Desden, Saxony. She studied mathematics and became fluent in five languages. She came to Peru as a tutor to the children of a diplomat (1932), and worked with the translator Paul Kosok. The Nazca lines were originally thought to have possibly been irrigation ditches, but Kosok then discovered the marker for the winter solstice (1941), whilst Reiche discovered the summer solstice line six months later. When Kosok eventually left Peru (1948) Maria took over his work and research and eventually became a Peruvian citizen (1994). The Nazca lines became a major tourist attraction and were designated a world heritage site by UNESCO (1995). Maria Reiche died (June 8, 1998) aged ninety-five, in Lima.

Reid, Beryl – (1920 – 1996)
British stage and film actress and comedienne
Beryl Reid was born (June 17, 1920) in Hereford, and was educated in Manchester. She first appeared on the stage at Bridlington (1936). She worked in revue and pantomime, and also established herself as a popular commedienne with the radio series Educating Archie (1952 – 1956) and as the Brimingham schoolgirl Marlene. Reid made her movie debut in the film Spare a Copper (1940), and appeared much in television, featuring in series such as Man o’Brass (1964), Smiley’s People (1982) for which she received a BAFTA award, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (1985) and The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole (1987). Reid appeared on Broadway in New York in the stageplay The Killing of Sister George (1965) for which she received an Antoinette Perry Award (Tony) (1966). Beryl Reid was particularly famous for her portrayals of colourful and eccentric characters. Her film credits included The Belles of St Trinian’s (1954), The Beast in the Cellar (1971) with Dame Flora Robson, No Sex Please We’re British (1973) and Yellowbeard (1983), amongst others. Beryl Reid published her autobiography entitled So Much Love (1984).

Reid, Elizabeth Jesser – (1789 – 1866)
British social activist, anti-slavery campaigner and educator
Born Elizabeth Jesser Sturch (Dec 25, 1789) in London, she was the daughter of a wealthy ironmonger. She was married (1821) to John Reid, a physician, whose death (1822) left her comfortably independent. There were no children. Elizabeth Reid attended the World anti-Slavery Convention in London (1840) and hosted Harriet Beecher Stowe, and was involved in the cause of Italian independence. However, she was chiefly known for her foundation of the Bedford College for Women in Bloomsbury, London (1849) which later became a college of the University of London (1900). It later merged with Royal Holloway College to become the Royal Holloway and Bedford New College (1985). Elizabeth Jesser Reid died (March 30, 1866) aged seventy-six, in London.

Reid, Flora Ann Brumby, Lady – (1869 – 1950)
Australian political wife and volunteer activist
Flora Brumby was the daughter of a Tasmanian farmer and was supposedly related to C.H. Brumby (1814 – 1907), the Bishop of Tasmania. Flora was married (1891) at Wangaratta in Victoria to George Houston Reid (1845 – 1918) the Premier of New South Wales and later Prime Minister, to whom she bore three children. She became Lady Reid when her husband was knighted by Edward VII (1909). Lady Reid was one of the first women to be awarded the Grand Cross of the British Empire when the order was inaugurated by George V (1917). She received this decoration in acknowledgement of her work for Australian servicemen in London during WW I. Flora survived her husband for over three decades as the Dowager Lady Reid (1918 – 1950) and died (Jan, 1950) aged eighty.

Reid, Frances - (1914 - 2010)
American stage and television actress
Frances Reid was born (Dec 9, 1914) at Wichita Falls in Texas, the daughter of a banker, and was raised in California. She made her stage debut in Where There's a Will (1939) on Broadway in New York, and appeared as Roxane in the production of Cyrano de Bergerac (1946) on Broadway, with Jose Ferrer in the title role. She also appeared in several films such as Stage Door (1937), Seconds (1966) produced by John Frankenheimer, and The Andromeda Strain (1971). Miss Reid appeared in such television programs such as Portia Faces Life (1954 - 1955) in the title role, As the World Turns (1959 - 1962), and The Edge of Night (1964), but was best remembered for her long running role as the matriarch Alice Horton in the popular serial Days of Our Lives which lasted for forty-two years (1965 - 2007). Reid also made appearances in episodes of various other popular television programs such as The Ford Theater Hour, The Philco Television Playhouse, Hallmark Hall of Fame, General Electric Theatre, Wagon Train, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Dr Kildare amongst others. Miss Reid was married for forty years to the actor Philip Bourneuf (1908 - 1979), and received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award (2004). Frances Reid died (Feb 3, 2010) aged ninety-five, in Los Angeles, California, after a lengthy career of almost seventy years.

Reid, Georgina Stanley – (1842 – 1915)
Anglo-Canadian educator
Born Georgina Reid in Hull, England, she was the daughter of a tailor. She immigrated to Canada with her parents, and was educated in Toronto and at home privately. She was married (1860) to a widower, Richard Henry Riches of Port Hope, Upper Canada, to whom she bore two sons.Reid later joined the Toronto Public School Board (1875) and worked in several schools before being appointed as principal of the Palace Street School in Toronto (1882). Despite disputes concerning the pay for female teachers, she was appointed as principal of the Sackville Street School (1887), where she remained until her retirement in 1912. Traditions that purport her to be the first female teacher in the Toronto school system, and the first female principal to be paid a male salary are erroneous. Georgina Stanley died (Feb 24, 1915) aged seventy-three, in Toronto.

Reid, Helen Miles Rogers – (1882 – 1970)
American newspaper publisher
Helen Rogers was born (Nov 23, 1882) the daughter of Benjamin Talbot Rogers and his wife Sarah Louise Johnson. She was educated at Grafton Hall, Wisconson, and then attended Barnard College in New York. She was married (1911) to Ogen Reid, and bore him three children. Helen Reid worked for forty years (1918 – 1958) with the New York Herald Tribune, with which she served as advertising director (1922 – 1947), then as vice-president and president (1947 – 1953) and finally chairman of the Board (1953 – 1955). She received honorary degrees and other honours from various American universities such as Columbia, Oglethorpe, Toronto, Smith, and Wisconsin. Helen Rogers Reid died (July 27, 1970) aged eighty-seven, in New York.

Reid, Innes – (1915 – 2001)
Australian social worker
Joan Innes Reid was born (Jan 17, 1915) in Sandringham, Victoria, the daughter of a surveyor. She graduated from the University of Melbourne (1936) and the University of Chicago, in Illinois, USA (1940). She was married and returned to Australia, where she was appointed social worker at Townsville General Hospital in Queensland (1954). A radical activist, Innes strove towards political office, and became the first woman ever to be elected to the Townsville City Council (1967). She was the firt female deputy mayor from 1973, and unsuccessfully challenged for the office of mayor (1976). Active on behalf of women, the homeless and the uneducated, she was a foundation member of various community assistance groups, such as Lifeline, the North Queensland Society for Crippled Children, Prisoners Aid, the National Trust, and the Queensland Council of Women. Joan lectured in sociology at James cook University in Townsville until her retirement (1981). Innes Reid was made a member of the Order of Australia (1984) in recognition of her work within the community, and was awarded an honorary degree of doctor of letters by James Cook University (1995). Innes Reid died of cancer aged eighty-six.

Reid, Kate – (1930 – 1993)
Canadian film and television actress
Kate Reid’s film credits included This Property is Condemned (1966), The Andromeda Strain (1971), Fire with Fire (1986) and Deceived (1991). She appeared in the popular television series The Whiteoaks of Jalna (1972) which was based on the books by Mazo de la Roche.

Reid, Meta Mayne – (1905 – 1991)
British children’s author, poet and BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) broadcaster
Born Meta Hopkins Hopkins, (Jan 23, 1905) at Woodlesford, Yorkshire, she was the daughter of a farmer. She was educated at the University of Manchester. Meta was married (1935) to Ebenezer Mayne Reid and bore him two sons. Her published works included Phelim and the Creatures (1952), Carrigmor Castle (1954), All Because of Dawks (1955), The Cuckoo at Coolnean (1957), Dawks and the Duchess (1958), The Tombermillan Oracle (1962), The House at Spaniard’s Bay (1967) and A Dog Called Scampi (1980). Reid also wrote several novels The Land is Dear (1936), The Far-Off Fields Are Green (1937) and the collection of verse No Ivory Tower (1974). She was awarded the Listowel Festival Trophy for poetry (1974). Meta Reid died (Dec 8, 1991) aged eighty-six.

Reid, Nano – (1900 – 1981)
Irish painter
Born in Drogheda, Louth, Nano Reid was the daughter of a publican. Her work was stronly influence by that of Harry Clarke, and her work was exhibited mainly at the Royal Hibernian Academy. Reid was chosen with Norah Guinness to represent Ireland at the Venice Biennale (1950) and was awarded the Douglas Hyde Gold Medal (1972). Examples of her work are preserved in the Santa Barbara Museum in California, USA, and at the Irish Institute in New York. Nano Reid died (Feb 7, 1981) aged eighty, at Drogheda.

Reid, Susan Baring, Lady – (1870 – 1961)
British courtier
The Hon. (Honourable) Susan Baring was born (Oct 9, 1870) the third daughter of Edward Charles Baring (1828 – 1897), first Baron Revelstoke, and his wife Louisa Emily Charlotte Bulteel, of Lyneham, Devon. Susan served at court as a maid-of-honour to Queen Victoria (1898 – 1899) before her marriage (1899) with Sir James Reid (died 1923), first baronet, to whom she bore three children, and whom she survived for four decades as the Dowager Lady Reid (1923 – 1961). Lady Reid died (Feb 8, 1961) aged ninety.

Reiling, Anna    see   Seghers, Anna

Reillane, Inaurie Bonifacie de – (fl. c990 – c1000)
French dynastic heiress
Inaurie Bonifacie de Reillane was probably the sister or cousin to Cometance de Reillane, whose daughter Adelaide later married her own son. She was married to Humbert, Seigneur d’Apt, to whom she bore three sons, Rostand I, seigneur d’Apt and d’Agoult, Guillaume, and Humbert II d’Apt, seigneur d’Agoult (c990 – 1060). Humbert d’Apt held the seigneurie of Agoult, situated in the valley of Goult, near Apt, and Inaurie may have brought this lordship to Humbert, as it later passed to their secons son Guillaume, in her right. Guillaume married Adelaide de Reillane, probably his first cousin, and Inaurie’s descendants included the seigneurs of Agoult, Simiane and Sault. Through Guillaume she was an ancestress of the Tudor and Stuart dynasties of England and Scotland.

Reiman, Elise – (1914 – 1993)
American ballerina and educator
Elise Reiman was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and studied with Adolph Bolm in San Francisco, California. There she appeared in his production of Apollon Musagete (1928) and performed in the original production of George Balanchine’s Four Temperaments and Divertimento. She taught at the School of American Ballet forty years, for which she was awarded the Mae L. Wien Award for distinguished service (1992). Elise Reiman died (Aug 26, 1993) aged seventy-nine in Boston, Massachusetts.

Reimann, Brigitte – (1933 – 1973)
German novelist
Brigitte Reimann was best known for the socialist themed Ankunft im Alltag (Arrival in Everyday Life) (1961). Her second novel Franziska Linkerhand (1974), remained unfinished at her death and was published posthumously.

Reina, Helena von Anhalt-Dessau, Countess von – (1835 – 1860)
German royal and heiress
Countess Helena von Reina she was born (March 1, 1835), the daughter of George, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, and his wife, Therese von Erdmansedd, Countess von Reina. As her parents’ union was morganatic, Helena was styled Countess von Reina from birth. She was later adopted by her paternal uncle Prince Wilhelm Waldemar of Anhalt, and she was officially granted the rank and styles of Princess of Anhalt (1855). A week later, Helena became the second wife of Friedrich Gunther (1793 – 1867), Prince von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. She retained her style of countess, and her two children, though legitimate, could not inherit their father’s title and rank. Princess Helena died (June 6, 1860) from the effects of childbirth, after giving birth to twins at the age of twenty-five. Her children were,

• Princess Helena von Schwarzburg (1860 – 1937). Created Princess von Leutenberg when only a few weeks old, she was married to Prince Hans von Schonaich-Carolath (1849 – 1910).
• Prince Sizzo von Schwarzburg (1860 – 1926). He was married and left issue.

Reina, Countess Therese von    see   Erdmansedd, Therese Emma von

Reinhard, Anna Maria – (1753 – 1826)
German painter and artist
Anna Maria Reinhard was born at Winterthur, and was married to Johann Kaspar Kuster. She worked professionally in Dusseldorf and Amsterdam, and specialized in fruit, flower, and insect paintings. Examples of her work were preserved in Basel and Zurich in Switzerland.

Reinhilda of Friesland – (883 – 917)
Carolingian dynastic figure
Reinhilda was the daughter of Godfrey of Frisia, King of Haithabu in Scandinavia, and his wife Gisela, who was the daughter of Lothair II, king of Lorraine (855 – 869). Raised in Francia she was married (c896) to Theodoric (Dietrich), count of Westphalia and Ringelheim (c871 – 920), a noted general. Their daughter Mathilda became the second wife of the German emperor Henry I the Fowler (919 – 936). She may have been the mother of Frideruna (Frederuna), the first wife of King Charles III the Simple (893 – 922).

Reiniger, Lotte – (1899 – 1981) 
German pioneer of film animation
Lotte Reiniger was born in Berlin, Prussia, and studied theatre under Max Reinhardt (1873 – 1943), where she first developed the technique of silhouette animation for cartoons. Lotte produced the first ever full-length animated film Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed (The Adventures of Prince Achmed) (1926). Her other film credits included Carmen (1933), Papageno (1935) and The Brave Little Tailor (1955). Reiniger reisided in Britain during WW II and later returned to Germany and she was later employed as an animator by the National Film Board of Canada.

Reinilda – (c659 – 680) 
Carolingian virgin saint
Reinilda was the daughter of Witger, Count of Lorraine and his wife Amalburga, and was the sister of St Gudula. Through her mother she was related to the family of the Emperor Charlemagne. Reinilda desired to become a nun at the abbey of Lobbes, where both her parents had taken on the religious life. When refused entry she went on a pilgrimage to Palestine which took several years to complete. Upon her return to France she devoted herself to good and pious works at Saintes, near Hal. Reinilda and her servant Gundulf, and Grimoald, a deacon, were murdered by marauding barbarians, probably at Kontich, in Antwerp. All were venerated as saints together (July 16).

Reinor, Max   see   Caldwell, Janet Miriam Taylor

Reinsberg, Ida von Duringsfeld, Baroness von – (1815 – 1876)
German poet, essayist, and novelist
Born Ida von Durngsfeld, she became the wife of the Baron von Reinsberg. She began writing fiction as a young girl. After her marriage she continued and wrote novels and historical works. She was best known for her eulogistic poem ‘To George Sand.’

Reinwin (Rowena) – (fl. 449 – 457 AD)
British queen
Reinwin was the niece of Hengist, the first king of Kent (457 – 488 AD), probably the daughter of his brother Horsa. According to legend, Reinwin first attracted the attention of the British king Vortigern (c386 – c461 AD) during the official banquet held to reward her father and uncle with lands in Lincolnshire, after they had placed their military services at the king’s disposal. Hengist exploited Vortigern’s lust by gaining consent for the king’s marriage with his niece, in exchange for the future kingdom of Kent. The marriage took place, but it always remained unpopular, both with the grown sons of Vortigern’s first marriage to Severa, daughter of the emperor Magnus Maximus, and with his own subjects. When Vortigern refused to listen to the complaints of his Briton leaders concerning the encroachments of lands being practised by the new Saxon interlopers, they rebelled against him, deposed him, and made his son Vortimer king in his place. Reinwin is then said to have poisoned him (457 AD), this version being repeated in the Welsh Triads and the Chronicle of Roger of Wendover. Despite the many variations of the legends, it seems fairly obvious that Reinwin’s marriage caused tension and fostered political unrest for many years. Her stepson’s death was usually always attributed to her revenge for his defeat and death of Horsa (455 AD).

Reis, Maria Firmina dos – (1825 – 1917)
Brazilian mulatto novelist and poet
Maria Firmina dos Reis was born into a poor family at Guimarares in Maranhao. She never married and worked as a schoolteacher. She later adopted several children. Her first novel Ursula (1859) was published under the pseudonym ‘Um Brasileira’ (A Brazilian) and was the first abolitionist work to be published by a Brazilian woman. Her abolitionist verse were published in Cantos a’ beira-mar (Seaside Song) (1871).

Reiset, Marie Felicie Clemence de     see    Grandval, Vicomtesse de

Reisner, Larissa Mikhailovna – (1895 – 1926)
Russian revolutionary, journalist and writer
Larissa Reisner was born in Lublin, Poland, the daughter of an academic. She was initially raised in St Petersburg before the family removed to Berlin in Prussia (1903 – 1907). Larissa later returned to Russia with her family and studied at the University of St Petersburg. She published the anti-war magazine, Rudin, (1915 – 1916) and then worked for Maxim Gorky. She joined the Bolshevik Party (1918) and fought as a soldier and then an espionage agent, becoming Russia’s first woman political commissar. Reisner was later appointed as the USSR ambassador to Afghanistan. Her published work included Afghanistan (1925) and Hamburg at the Barricades (1925). Larissa Reisner died of typhus aged thirty-two, in the Kremlin.

Reitmorin, Anna – (c1522 – 1584) 
German translator
Anna was the daughter of Andre Pernsder of Munich, Bavaria, a royal councillor and secretary. With her marriage she became Madame Reitmorin. She personally translated (1563) the memorial of Jorge Kazmairs’ political record of Munich which covered the period (1397 – 1403).

Reitsch, Hanna – (1905 – 1972)
German aviatrix, war heroine and writer
Hanna Reitsch achieved fame as a female test pilot with the German air force during WW II. Reitsch received many awards and decorations from the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, including the Iron Cross (1942), becoming the first woman to recived this award, and was nicknamed ‘Flugkapitan Reitsch.’ Hanna was the pilot who flew the last plane out of Berlin, only hours before the city fell to the Allied Forces (1945). Reitsch was believed to have been one of the last persons to see Hitler alive before he committed suicide. She surrendered herself to the Allies but was not charged with any crime, being ultimately released by the Americans (1946). She later published memoirs entitled Flying Is My Life (1946). Reitsch later established the National School of Gliding in Ghana (1962). Hanna Reitsch died (Aug 31, 1979) aged sixty-seven, in Bonn, West Germany.

Rejane – (1857 – 1920)
French actress and comedienne
Born Gabrielle Charlotte Reju (June 6, 1857) in Paris, she was the daughter of a street vendor. She began her stage career in vaudeville at the Theatre du Vaudeville (1875), where she attracted favourable attention for her treatment of roles such as Zarza and the title role of Victorien Sardou’s play Madame Sans-Gene. She also held the distinction of being the first French actress to play the part of Nora in Henrik Ibsen’s The Doll’s House. Rejane acquired a reputation on par with that of Sarah Bernhardt, and was admired for her sparkling wit, brilliant acting techniques, rather than for her beauty of vocal talents. She founded the Rejane Theatre (1906) where the work of the Belgian dramatist, Maurice von Maeterlinck, L’oiseau bleu was first performed in France (1909). Through a liasion with the theatre director Porel, Rejane was the mother of a son, Jacques Porel who served in WW I and was a friend to the novelist Marcel Proust, whose deathbed he attended (1922). Rejane died (June 14, 1920) aged sixty-three, in Paris.

Relind (Relindis) – (c693 – c750)
Flemish nun
Relind was the daughter of Adelard and his wife Grinnara, and was sister to Harlind, with whom she was educated at Valenciennes. Relind was appointed as joint abbess of Maasech in Liege with her sister. They were officially consecrated by saints Boniface and Willibrord. After the death of Harlind (718) Relind ruled the abbey till her own death several decades afterwards, and was venerated as a saint (Feb 6) like her sister. She transcribed copies of the gospels and psalms.

Relinda of Saxony    see   Ida of Saxony

Relindis – (fl. c1140 – c1170)
German abbess, educator and reformer
Relindis was extremely well educated, and became the Abbess of Hohenburg. She herself took part in the education of her novices and nuns, and was particularly well acquainted with the more liberal arts, most notably in astronomy and mathematics. One of her pupils was the famous writer Herrad von Landsberg, who succeeded as abbess of Hohenburg, and whose famous encyclopedic compendium the Hortus Deliciarum contained a depiction of abbess Relindis.

Relton, Edna Doreen – (1904 – 1996)
Australian Girl Guide pioneer leader
Born Edna Fraser (March 2, 1904) in Bowral, New South Wales, she later moved to Sydney with her family, attending school at Neutral Bay. She was married (1927) to a widower, William Relton, to whom she bore two daughters. Edna Relton joined the local Guide Company at Mosman, before becoming one of the first group of guides at Government House (1921) and remained active in the association for over seven decades. During the visit to Australia of the Chief Guide, Lady Olave Baden-Powell during the 1940’s, Edna Relton was her companion and driver. Relton was appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1973) and was also awarded the Red Kangaroo award (1981) in recognition of her valuable contribution to the Guides association. Edna Relton died aged ninety-two, in Sydney.

Remusat, Claire Elisabeth Jeanne de Vergennes, Comtesse de – (1780 – 1821)
French letter writer and courtier
Claire de Vergennes was born in Paris the daughter of Charles Gravier de Vergennes, intendant of Auch. She was married (1796) to Auguste Laurent, Comte de Remusat (1762 – 1823). Madame de Remusat became a friend and confidante to the empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon I, and from 1798 till 1814 the comtesse served as her lady-in-waiting. Her memoirs Lettres de Madame de Remusat, 1804 – 1814, were published in two volumes (1881). She was the mother of Charles Francois Marie, Comte de Remusat (1797 – 1875) the famous statesman and man of letters.

Remy, Caroline    see    Severine

Ren – (fl. 315 – 338 AD)
Chinese empress
Ren was the wife of Li Xiong, the founding emperor of the state of Cheng Han, who granted her the rank of empress (315 AD). Ren was her family name and her personal name is not recorded. The emperor had several sons by various concubines, though the empress remained childless. Instead, she raised his nephew Li Ban as their own son and he was granted the title of crown prince. With her husband’s death (334 AD), Ren was granted the rank of empress dowager by her adopted son. However, his reign proved brief, and he was ultimately replaced as emperor by one of his numerous half-brothers, Li Qi, whom Ren had also raised in her household. A forged edict from the empress Ren was used to legitimize this coup, though she retained her position of empress dowager. When Li Qi was in turn deposed by Li Shou (338 AD), the same procedure was followed using forged documents again purporting to be written at the command of the empress dowager. Her fate after these events remains unknown.

Renan, Henriette – (1811 – 1861) 
French author and traveller
Henriette was the sister of the philosopher and orientalist Ernest Renan (1823 – 1892), she was born at Treguier.  From 1828 Henriette ran the Renan household, though she later removed to Paris to be a teacher. From 1850 she became a permanent member of her brother’s household, and her private income was used to further his own career. After her brother’s marriage with Cornelie Scheffer (1856), Henriette continued to reside with her brother, and acted as their housekeeper. In the summer of 1860, Henriette accompanied Ernest to Phoenicia on an archaelogical expedition. She collaborated with Ernest in his work Vie de Jesus whilst in Syria. Ernest’s essay Ma Soeur Henriette was written in her memory. Henriette Renan died of a fever (Sept 24, 1861) at Amshit, near Byblos, Phoenicia.

Renard, Cecile – (c1774 – 1794)
French royalist sympathizer
Cecile Renard was arrested during the Terror after failing in her attempt to assassinate Maximilien Robespierre. During the official inquiry Cecile merely observed ‘I wanted to see how a tyrant looks.’ She was condemned to the guillotine for this and for refusing to abjure her allegiance to the monarchy, and died bravely.

Renata of Austria – (1888 – 1935)
Hapsburg archduchess
HIH (Her Imperial Highness) Archduchess Renata was born (Jan 2, 1888) at Pola, Italy, the second daughter of Archduke Karl Stephan of Austria (1860 – 1933) and his wife the archduchess Maria Theresia, the daughter of Archduke Karl Salvator. She was christened Renata Maria Caroline Raineria Theresia Philomena Desideria Macaria, and bore the additional titles of Princess of Hungary and Bohemia and Princess of Lorraine and Tuscany. Renata was married (1909) at Zywiec Castle, Poland, to Prince Hieronim Radziwill (1885 – 1941), to whom she bore six children. Archduchess Renata died (May 16, 1935) aged forty-seven, at Castle Balice, near Krakow, Poland. Her children were,

• Princess Maria Theresia Radziwill (born 1910). She remained unmarried.
• Prince Dominik Radziwill (1911 – 1976). He was married twice and left descendants.
• Prince Karl Hieronim Radziwill (born 1912). He was married (1949) to Maria Luisa de Alvear y Quirno (1913 – 1989) but died childless.
• Prince Olbracht Radziwill (1914 – 1932). He died unmarried at Davos.
• Princess Eleonora Radziwill (born 1918). She married firstly Count Benedykt Tyszkiewicz (1905 – 1956), and secondly Roger de Froidcourt (born 1937), and left issue by both marriages.
• Prince Leon Radziwill (born 1922). He remained unmarried.

Renaud, Madeleine – (1903 – 1994)
French actress
Madeleine Renaud was trained at the Conservatoire d’Art Dramatique before joining the troupe at the Comedie Francaise (1921). She achieved overnight fame after appearing as Agnes in Moliere’s play Ecole des femmes. Renaud was married to the actor Jean Louis Barrault (1910 – 1994) and was notable in both classic and contemporary roles. With her husband she founded the touring groups known as the Compagnie Renaud-Barrault (1941) and the internationally reknowned le Troupe Marigny (1947). Renaud became the leading lady, appearing in Sardou’s Madame sans-gene (1957) and in Beckett’s famous Oh les beaux jours! (1963). Madeleine Renaud also appeared in several films such as the silent Vent debout (1922) and Des journees entieres dans les arbres (1976), which was based on the work by Margeurite Yourcenar.

Renaudin, Marie Eugenie Desiree - (1739 - 1803)
French salonniere
Marie Eugenie Desiree Tascher de La Pagerie was baptised (June 15, 1739) at Carbet in Martinique, the daughter of the Gaspard Joseph Tascher de La Pagerie and his wife Marie Francoise Bourdeau de La Chevalerie, the daughter of Francois Bourdeau de La Chevalerie.
A woman pf great energy and beauty, when Francois de Beauharnais (1714 - 1800), Marquis de La Ferte de Beauharnais was appointed as Governor-General of the West Indies by King Louis XV, Marie Eugenie became his mistress. In order to preserve the conventions the marquis supervised her betrothal and marriage (1759) with the rich Martinique planter Alexis Michel Auguste Renaudin. Not surprisingly the marriage was a failure and the couple soon seperated, whereupon Madame Renaudin travelled to France, in advance of the returning governor-general. With the death of the Marquise de La Ferte de Beauharnais, Marie Anne Henriette Pyvart de Chastulle (1767), madame Renaudin resided with her widowed lover, and arranged the marriage (1779) of his youngest son Vicomte Alexandre de Beauharnais (1779) to her niece, the future Empress Josephine. Madame Renaudin presented the couple with the small country estate of Noisy-le-Grand, as a wedding present. Soon afterwards the young couple came to reside in the family townhouse, the Hotel de Beauharnais, where Madame Renaudin established her literary salon.
With the outbreak of the Revolution (1789), the Marquis and Madame Renaudin drifted between one and another of their properties, eventually settling at Croissy. They escaped the Revolutionary horrors unharmed, though her stepson the Vicomte de Beauharnais was guillotined and his wife Josephine suffered a period of imprisonment, during which time Madame Renaudin cared for her stepgrandchildren Eugene and Hortense. After the end of the Revolution Madame Renaudin and her lover of forty years were finally married (1796) at Fontainebleau, the same year that Josephine became the wife of General Bonaparte. The marquis died four years later at St Germain-en-Laye, and Marie Eugenie became the Dowager Marquise de La Ferte de Beauharnais (1800 - 1803). She remarried thirdly (1801) to Pierre Danes de Montard (1748 - 1829). The Marquise de La Ferte de Beauharnais died (March 14, 1803) aged sixty-three, at St Germain-en-Laye.

Renault, Mary – (1905 – 1983)
British historical novelist
Born Eileen Mary Challans (Sept 4, 1905) in London, she was the daughter of a physician, and studied English at Oxford. She trained as a nurse, her experiences providing insight for her first published novel Promise of Love which was followed by Return to Night (1946). Renault immigrated to South Africa (1948) and was best known for her novels set in ancient Greece such as The King Must Die (1958), a modern version of the Theseus legend, and The Mask of Apollo (1966). Her other works included The Persian Boy (1972), which was narrated by the slave Bagoas, and Funeral Games (1981). Mary Renault died (Dec 13, 1983) aged seventy-eight, in Cape Town.

Renczi, Vera – (1901 – c1950)
Romanian murderess
Popularly known as the ‘Vampire of Berkerekul,’ she was strikingly beautiful. Renczi killed countless lovers and hid their bodies in the vault of the family castle, which she shared with her son Lorenzo. She was later arrested, convicted of numerous counts of murder, and died in prison. Her life story is said to have inspired the play Arsenic and Old Lace (1941), written by Joseph Kesselring (1902 – 1967), which was made into a film (1944) with Cary Grant.

Rendal, Justine   see   Goldsmith, Olivia

Rendall, Martha – (c1871 – 1909)
Australian murderess
Martha Rendall was hired as a housekeeper (1906) by one Thomas Morris, a railway worker in Western Australia, who had several children who remained with their father after their mother was forced out. Some time afterwards Morris married Rendall. Three of the children became ill and died after their stepmother was caring for them. Despite an autopsy being held on the order of a physician no cause of death was discovered. However, a following attempt on the life of one of her older stepchildren revealed that Rendall had killed them by swabbing their throats with hydrochloric acid, being jealous of their father’s affection for them. Martha Rendall was arrested, tried and found guilty, and was hanged in Fremantle jail, the only woman ever to be hanged in Western Australia.

Renee d’Orleans – (1510 – 1575)
Duchess consort of Ferrara (1534 – 1559)
Princesse Renee d’Orleans was born (Oct 25, 1510) at Blois, the younger daughter of Louis XII, King of France (1498 – 1515), and his second wife, Anne of Brittany, the widow of Charles VIII (1483 – 1498) . Her elder sister Claude d’Orleans was the first wife of Francois I (1515 – 1547). Princess Renee was betrothed to several important princes including the Emperor Charles V, his brother Ferdinand, Gaston de Foix, and the Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg, but she eventually became the wife (1528) of the Italian Catholic prince Ercole II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. At Modena the duchess appointed Bernardo Tasso as her private secretary, and established a literary academy within her own apartments.
The duchess later sufferred persecution because of her strong support for John Calvin and the Protestant cause, and she received the poet Clement Marot at her court. Duke Ercole, who looked askance at his wife’s activities, asked King Francois to send official inquisitors to the Ferrarese court in order to persuade the duchess of the errors of her conduct. Fearing the power and displeasure of the papacy, Ercole ordered the duchess seperated from her children. She found this too much to bear, and she later forsook her religious principles in order to be reunited with them. With the death of Ercole, the duchess retired to Montargis, near Orleans in France, where she was able to assisst victims of both religions. During the wars of religion she was several times molested by Catholic troops, and her own son-in-law, the Duc de Guise, beseiged her at Montargis on one occasion (1562). Some of her surviving letters were printed in Memorials of Renee of France. Duchess Renee died (June 12, 1575) aged sixty-four, at Montargis. She left five children,

• Anne d’Este, Princess of Ferrara and Modena (1531 – 1607). She was married firstly to Francois II de Lorraine (1519 – 1563), second Duc de Guise, and secondly to Jacques of Savoy (1531 – 1586) Duc de Nemours, leaving issue by both husbands.
• Alfonso II d’Este (1533 – 1597). He succeeded his father as Duke of Ferrara and Modena (1559 – 1597). He was married twice.
• Lucrezia d’Este, Princess of Ferrara and Modena (1535 – 1598). She became the first wife of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1549 – 1633), Duke of Urbino.
• Eleonora d’Este, Princess of Ferrara and Modena (1537 – 1581). She died unmarried.
• Luigi d’Este, Prince of Ferrara and Modena (1538 – 1586). He took holy orders and was made Cardinal.

Renee of Lorraine (Renata) – (1544 – 1602)
Duchess consort of Bavaria (1579 – 1597)
Princesse Renee of Lorraine was born (April 20, 1544) in Nancy, the daughter of Francois II, Duke of Lorraine and his wife Christina of Denmark, the widow of Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. She was the great-niece of the Holy Roman emperors Charles V (1519 – 1555) and Ferdinand I (1555 – 1564) and was married (1568) to Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria whom she survived as Dowager Duchess of Bavaria (1597 – 1602). Duchess Renee died (May 22, 1602) aged fifty-eight, in Munich, and was interred in the Jesuit church there. She left ten children,

• Prince Christopher of Bavaria (born and died 1571). He died in infancy.
• Princess Christina of Bavaria (1572 – 1580). She died in childhood.
• Maximilian I of Bavaria (1573 – 1651). He succeeded his father as duke (1597) and was later created Elector of Bavaria (1623 – 1651) and left numerous descendants.
• Princess Maria Anna of Bavaria (1574 – 1616). She was the first wife of the Austrian archuke Ferdinand (1578 – 1637), later Emperor Ferdinand II, and left children.
• Prince Philip of Bavaria (1576 – 1598). He took holy orders and was created Bishop of Regensburg, and later Cardinal (1596).
• Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria (1577 – 1650). He took holy orders and was created Bishop of Liege, Munster, and Paderborn (1612), Bishop of Hildesheim (1619) and was Elector of Cologne (1612 – 1650).
• Princess Eleonore Magdalena of Bavaria (1578 – 1579). She died in infancy.
• Prince Charles (Karl) of Bavaria (1580 – 1587). He died in childhood.
• Albert VI (1584 – 1666), Duke of Bavaria. He married and left descendants.
• Princess Magdalena of Bavaria (1587 – 1628). She was married to Wolfgang Wilhelm, Count Palatine of Neuburg (1578 – 1653).

Rennell, Lilias Georgina Guthrie, Lady – (1858 – 1941)
British diplomatic figure
Lilias Guthrie was born at Craigie, Forfar, Scotland the daughter of James Alexander Guthrie. She married (1894) Sir James Rodd, first Lord Rennell (1871 – 1951) who served as British ambassador to Sweden (1904 – 1908) and Italy (1908 – 1919). Her eldest son was Francis James Rennell Rodd, second Baron Rennell (1895 – 1978) whilst her daughter was Evelyn, Lady Emmet the Conservative Member of Parliament. Lady Rennell was famous for her garishly vulgar personality, and her younger son Peter Rodd was the husband of novelist Nancy Mitford. The two women did not relate well, and Nancy refers to Lady Rennell in her letters as ‘The Ambassadress.’ Mitford used Lady Rennell as the basis for her unpleasant character Lady Montclare in her novel Love in a Cold Climate (1949).

Renshou    see   Xiaogong Ren

Renzi, Anna – (c1620 – after 1660)
Italian soprano
Anna Renzi was born in Rome and was a pupil of Filiberto Lorenzi. The scholar Giulio Strozzi, adopted father of Barbara Strozzi, so admired Anna that he published an encomium in her honour entitled Le glore della signora Anna Renzi romana (1644). Her best known roles were those of Deidameia in, La finta pazza (1641) by Sacrati, and as the Empress Octavia in Monteverdi’s, L’ incoronazione di Poppaea (1643). Renzi later performed in opera before Queen Christina of Sweden and visited Venice (1657). Anna Renzi was still living in Innsbruck, Austria, three years later.

Reparata – (d. c251 AD)
Roman Christian martyr
Reparata was arrested at Caesarea in Palestine during the persecution initiated by the Emperor Traianus Decius (249 – 251 AD). She refused to abjure her faith and sacrifice to the pagan gods and sufferred frightful tortures, being immersed in boiling water and having her brests cut off, before being finally thrown into a fiery furnace. Reparata was honoured as a virgin martyr (Oct 8) and was the patron of Florence in Italy and Nice in Provence.

Repplier, Agnes – (1855 – 1950)
American essayist, woman of letters and social critic
Agnes Repplier was born (April 1, 1855) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Repplier wrote many articles which were published in such periodicals. Her published works included Books and Men (1888), Points of View (1891), Essays in Idleness (1893), Varia (1897) and The Fireside Sphinx (1901). Her published works included Philadelphia: The Place and the People (1898), To Think of Tea! (1932) and, In Pursuit of Laughter (1936). Agnes Repplier died (Dec 15, 1950) aged ninety-five.

Reptynub – (fl. c2140 BC)
Queen consort of Egypt
Reptynub was the chief consort of King Nyuserre (c2417 – c2406 BC). She has been attested from an inscription at her husband’s sun temple at Abu-Ghurab, and others from his own pyramid at Abusir. She was possibly the mother of his successor, King Menkauhor (c2406 – c2398 BC)

Requesens, Estefania – (c1501 – 1549)
Spanish letter writer
Estefania Requesens was the daughter of Hipolita de Rois i Moncada, Countess de Palamos, and married the Castilian noble, Juan de Zuniga, the tutor of Philip II, the son of the emperor Charles V, to whom she bore eleven children. Left much in her own company due to her husband’s onerous court duties, Estefania carried on a formal correspondence with her mother, maintained her husband’s household, and managed his various estates. The letters provide intimate insights into the daily lives of women of their class in this period. The letters were published four hundred and fifty years later (1987) as Cartesintimes d’una dama catalana del s.XVI: Epistolari a la seva mare la comtessa de Palamos (Intimate Letters of a Catalan lady of the sixteenth century: Letters to her mother, the countess of Palamos).

Resseguier de Miremont, Elisabeth – (1906 – 2000)
Austrian courtier and morganatic royal
Elisabeth de Resseguier was born (Oct 28, 1906) at Nisko, the daughter of Comte Frederick Resseguier de Miremont and his wife Countess Christiana von Volkenstein. She was married (1930) in Vienna to the Hapsburg Archduke Clemens of Austria-Tuscany (1904 – 1974) but the Imperial family did not recognize the union and it was regarded as morganatic. Elisabeth was later granted the title of Princess von Altenburg which title was borne by her nine children of whom the eldest daughter, Princess Marie Valerie von Altenburg (born 1930) was married to Count Mario von Ledebur-Wicheln (born 1931) and left issue. The princess survived her husband by twenty-five years and died (July 9, 2000) aged ninety-three, in Salzburg.

Restituta – (c250 – c272 AD)
Roman Christian martyr
Restituta was the daughter of Ethelus, a patrician. During the reign iof the emperor Aurelian (270 – 275 AD), she made a vow of chastity and travelled to Sora, in Campania, to preach the Christian faith. Arrested there, she refused to abjure her faith, and she was beheaded with several other converts. After the emperor’s death, Amasius, the bishop of Sora, built a church over their collective remains, and they were venerated together (May 27), being listed in the Roman Martyrology. These relics were removed for safety to Rome in the ninth century, during the Saracen invasions. Pope Leo IV gave her relics to his political ally, the Carolingian emperor Louis II (855 – 875) who caused them to be returned to Sora. Her Acts were compiled by Gregory, Bishop of Terracina (1632).

Reszke, Josephine de – (1855 – 1891)
Polish operatic soprano
Josephine de Reszke was born in Warsaw, and was sister to the famous singers, Edouard (1855 – 1917) and Jean de Reszke (1850 – 1925). She made her stage debut in Venice, Italy (1874) and later performed with the Paris Opera (1874 – 1884). Jules Massenet created the role of Sita in the opera Le Roi de Lahore (1877) especially for her, and Josephine and both her brothers appeared in his Herodiade (1884). Josephine retired from the stage after making an aristocratic marriage with the German Baron von Kronenburg.

Rethel, Charlotte d’Albret, Comtesse de    see   Charlotte of Burgundy

Rethy, Liliane Baels, Princesse de – (1916 – 2002)
Belgian royal
Born Mary Lilian Baels in London, England (Nov 28, 1916), she was the daughter of Henri Baels and his wife Anne Marie de Visscher. She was initially raised in England but finished her education at Ostend when her family returned to Belgium. She also studied French in Brussels. She first met the widowed King Leopold III of Belgium (1901 – 1983) with her mother (1937). The couple appeared together at several family functions but with the eruption of WW II, Liliane and her mother worked with the Red Cross Releif services. She agreed to become the king;s wife whilst he was still a prisoner of the Germans, but refused the title of queen. The marriage took place at the Castle of Laeken in Brussels (1941), in the prescence of Leopold's mother the Dowager Queen Elisabeth. The marriage was considered to be morganatic and Liliane was granted the title of Princess de Rethy, and later Princess Liliane of Belgium, though their three children received royal titles and were recognized as princes and princesses of the blood, though they were excluded from the succession to the throne. Though personally happy for the couple, the union was not popular with the Belgian people, who had revered the king’s first wife, Queen Astrid, who had died under tragic circumstances (1935).
During WW II Princess Liliane shared the royal family's deportation to Germany and their imprisonment until liberated by the American forces (1945). After her husband’s subsequent abdication (1951) the couple resided privately and raised their children at Laeken Castle until the marriage of King Baudouin with Queen Fabiola (1960) using the titles of Duke and Duchess of Brabant. Liliane and Leopold then resided at the estate of Argenteuil, at Waterloo, where they established a popular salon which attracted writers, scientists and physicians from around the world. Princess Liliane survived her husband almost two decades as Princess Dowager de Rethy and Dowager Duchess of Brabant (1983 – 2002). During this time she was received at the court of her stepson King Badouin (1951 – 1993) and his Spanish wife, Queen Fabiola, in a show of unity and the end of old quarrels within the royal family. After Badouin’s death the Princess de Rethy was recognized by her great-nephew King Albert II as Princess Lilian of Belgium. Princess Liliane de Rethy died (June 7, 2002) aged eighty-five, at Argenteuil. She was interred within the royal crypt at Laken with Leopold and his first wife. Her children were,

• Prince Alexandre of Belgium (1942 - 2009). He married but remained childless.
• Princess Marie Christine of Belgium (born 1951). She was married firstly to Paul Drucker (born 1937), from whom she was divorced (1981), and secondly to Jean Paul Gourges.
• Princess Marie Esmerelda of Belgium (born 1953). She was married to Salvador Moncada (born 1943) and left two children.

Retz, Claude Catherine de Clermont-Dampierre, Duchesse de – (c1545 – 1603)
French poet
Claude Catherine de Clermont-Dampierre was the maternal niece of the poet Brantome, she had been exceptionally educated in mathematics, history, Latin, Greek, Italian, and philosophy, and was heiress of the barony of Retz , near Machecoul, south of the mouth of the Loire River. Claude became the wife firstly of Baron Jean d’Annenbaut (died 1562), and secondly (1565) of Albert de Gondi (1532 – 1602), the governor to the children of Henry II and Catherine de Medici. Gondi was made marechal of France (1575), and was later created Duc de Retz by Henry III (1581). During the state visit of the Polish ambassador to the court of Charles IX (1573) it was Madame de Retz who translated the ambassador’s formal address into French and replied to it in Polish on behalf of the king. Madame de Retz held her own salon in the faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris, which rivalled those of the humanist Jean de Morel and the mother/daughters poets, the Mesdames des Roches amongst others.
Verses were penned in her honour by the poets Amadis Jamyn and Jean Antoine de Baif. Several published works were dedicated to her by contemporaries such as Scevole de Sainte-Marthe and Pontus de Tyard. The duchesse produced ten children from her second marriage, including Philip de Gondi (1589 – 1662), Comte de Joigny and Marquis de Belle-Isle, who fathered Cardinal Jean Francois Paul de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz (1613 – 1679), the famous memorialist, Charles de Gondi, Marquis de Belle-Isle (1569 – 1596), who was killed in battle and was the father of Henri de Gondi, Duc de Retz (1590 – 1659) and Jean Francois de Gondi (1584 – 1654) who became Archbishop of Paris.

Retz, Marie de – (c1425 – 1457)
French late medieval heiress
Marie de Retz was the daughter and heir of the infamous Gilles de Retz (Rais) (1404 – 1440), Marshal of France, who was executed for iniquitous crimes after an official inquiry and trial. Marie was married firstly to Pregent de Coetivy (died 1450), but this union remained childless, as did her second with Andre de Montfort-Laval (died 1486), the marechal de Loheac. Marie inherited the extensive estates of the Retz family, and at her death they passed to her cousin Andre de Chauvigny (died 1502).

Reuss-Koestritz, Anna Caroline von Pless, Princess von – (1839 – 1916)
German princess consort (1869 – 1897)
Princess Anna Caroline von Pless was born (July 23, 1839) at Furstenstein, the daughter of Hans Heinrich X, Prince von Pless and Count von Hochberg and Baron zu Furstenstein, and his wife Ida Elisabeth von Stechow. Anna Caroline was married firstly (1858) at Pless, to Heinrich XII, Prince von Reuss-Koestritz (1829 – 1866) and was princess consort of that tiny principality (1858 – 1866), bearing two children, Prince Heinrich XXXVIII (1859 – 1924), who renounced the title of prince and was created Count von Durenberg (1908), and Princess Magdalena Caroline (1860 – 1862), who died in infancy. She then remarried (1869) to her brother-in-law, Prince Heinrich XIII (1830 – 1897), whom she survived as Princess Dowager von Reuss-Koestritz (1897 – 1916). Their marriage had been childless. Princess Anna Caroline died (March 14, 1916) aged seventy-six, at Dresden in Saxony.

Reuss-Koestritz, Victoria le Camus von Furstenstein, Princess von – (1863 – 1949)
German princess
Victoria le Camus was born (Sept 11, 1863) at Ullersdorf, the daughter of Adolf Karl le Camus, Count von Furstenstein, and his wife Elizabeth von Watsdorf. Victoria was married at Ullersdorf (1885) to Henry XXVI (1857 – 1913), the reigning prince of the small principality of Reuss-Koestritz. Their children were recognized by a family convention (1887) as members of the sovereign house, with rights of succession, bearing the arms of Reuss and the titles of count or countess von Plauen, with the qualification of Illustrious Highness. Princess Victoria survived her husband for over three decades as Princess Dowager von Reuss-Koestritz (1913 – 1949). Princess Victoria died (July 10, 1949) aged eighty-five, at Djursholm, in Sweden. Her five children were,

• Henry Rizzo, Count von Plauen (1887 – 1904). He died unmarried.
• Henry Pelas, Count von Plauen (1888 – 1905). He was killed in a railway accident near Spremberg.
• Henry Harry, Count von Plauen (1890 – 1951). He was raised to the rank of Prince of Reuss following his adoption by Henry XXX of Reuss (1927). He was married and left children.
• Enzio Henry, Count von Plauen (1893 – 1973). He was married and left children.
• Ingeborg Benedicta Anna Elisabeth Jornanda Barbara, Countess von Plauen (1895 – 1965). Her first marriage with Count Ferdinand Freidrich Gabriel Maria von Westerholt und Gysenberg (1891 – 1968) ended in divorce and she remarried to Erik Fischer, a physician.

Reuter, Gabrielle – (1859 – 1941)
German novelist
Gabrielle Reuter was raised in Egypt and Germany. Reuter was an active participant in the campaign for female suffrage, which she used as a continuing theme in her novels, the best known of which was Aus guter Familie (Of Good Family) (1895).

Reuter, Margeurite Uehlinger, Baroness de – (1912 – 2009)
German-Anglo patron of the arts
Margeurite Uehlinger was born (July 14, 1912), the daughter of George Uehlinger of Neunkirch in Switzerland. She was educated under the supervision of a governess and became fluent in several languages. Margeurite became the wife (1937) of Oliver de Reuter, fourth Baron de Reuter, whose family had established the Reuters News Agency in London during the reign of Queen Victoria (1851). The marriage produced no children and the Reuter title became extinct upon her husband’s death. Margeurite survived her husband for four decades as the Dowager Baroness de Reuter. The baroness was an important patron of opera, ballet and the arts both in Europe and in England. Baroness de Reuter died (Jan 25, 2009) aged ninety-six, in France.

Reventlow, Franziscka zu – (1871 – 1918)
German novelist, letter writer and diarist
Franziscka was born into the minor aristocracy, and trained as a painter in Munich, Bavaria. After her marriage failed she took to writing in order to make money. Her novel Ellen Olestjerne (1903), was a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood and youth. Her second Herrn Dames Aufzeichnungen (The Notebook of Herr Dame) (1913), provided an account of the Bohemian lifestyle then prevalent in Munich.

Revere, Anne – (1903 – 1990)
American character actress
Anne Revere was born in New York, and became an accredited stage performer. She appeared as Mother Redcap in Forever Amber (1947) with Cornell Wilde and Linda Darnell, and as the mother in Song of Bernadette (1943), with Dame Gladys Cooper, for which she received an Academy Award nomination, as she did for her performance in the film Gentleman’s Agreement (1948). Revere received an Academy Award for her role in National Velvet (1944) with the youthful Elizabeth Taylor, and appeared as Gene Tierney’s mother in Dragonwyck (1946), with Vincent Price. Her movie career suffered from being blacklisted when she refused to testify before the House Un-American Activites Committee. Anne Revere died (Dec 18, 1990) aged eighty-seven, in Locust Valley, New York.

Reville, Alma – (1899 – 1982)
British screenwriter and film producer
Alma Reville was born (Aug 14, 1899) and began work in the movie industry as a film cutter. She later became the wife (1926) of Sir Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980) to whom she bore a daughter Patricia, and with whom she worked on several films. Alma Reville’s film credits included such classic movies as The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935), The Lady Vanishes (1938), The Paradine Case (1947) and Stage Fright (1950).she also wrote the screenplays for the telelvison films Suspicion (1987) and Shadow of a Doubt (1991). Alma Reville died (July 6, 1982) aged eighty-two, in Bel Air, California.

Rey, Margaret – (1906 – 1996)
German-American children’a author and illustrator
Margaret was born in Hamburg. She was educated at Dessau in Anhalt and then attended various art schools prior to her marriage with the illsutrator Hans Augusto Rey (died 1977). With her husband she created the character of ‘Curious George’ the monkey, who featured in half a dozen children’s novels. Margaret Rey died (Dec 21, 1996) aged ninety, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Reynald, Jacques   see   Du Pouilloue de Saint-Mars, Vicomtesse de

Reynard, Felise – (fl. c1440 – c1450)
French noblewoman
Felise was the wife of Jean Pic, Seigneur de Beaumont-en-Treves. She became the mistress of Louis XI (1461 – 1483) in the Dauphine prior to his accession and bore him two daughters. The king recognized them as his and arranged suitable marriages and provided dowries for them both. Jeanne de Valois became the wife of Louis de Bourbon, Admiral of France, whilst Marie de Valois was married to Aymer de Poitiers (living 1510), Comte de Saint-Vallier.

Reynel, Henriette de Fitzjames, Marquise de – (1705 – 1739)
French Jacobite courtier
Lady Henriette de Fitzjames was born (Sept 16, 1705) in France, the daughter of James Fitzjames, first Duke of Berwick, the natural son of King James II of England (1685 – 1688) and Arabella Churchill. Her mother was his second wife Anne Bulkeley, niece to Frances Theresa Stewart, the beloved of Charles II. She was married (1722) to Louis de Clermont d’ Amboise, Marquis de Reynel and de Montglas and attended the early court of Louis XV at Versailles. Her children included Jean Baptiste de Clermont d’Amboise, Marquis de Reynel (1728 – 1792) and Diane Jacqueline (1733 – 1804), wife of Charles Etienne Maignard,  Marquis de la Vaupailliere, whilst through her eldest son Jacques Louis (1725 – 1746) who died young, she was ancestress of the children of Prince Joseph of Monaco (1763 – 1816) and of the Bonapartist ducs de Parmier. Madame de Reynel died aged thirty-three (July 3, 1739).

Reynell, Gladys – (1881 – 1956)
Australian potter
Gladys Reynell was born (Sept 4, 1881) in Adelaide, South Australia. She established the Osprey Potter in Ballarat, Victoria (1922), and was one of the early Australian pioneers in the field of pottery and ceramics. Gladys Reynell died (Nov 16, 1956) aged seventy-five, in Melbourne, Victoria.

Reynolds, Adeline De Witt – (1862 – 1961)
American character actress of stage and film
Adeline Reynolds established herself as an experienced and talented vaudeville and stage actress. She did not appear in film until aged almost eighty, but continued to play bit parts in Hollywood well into late old age. Reynolds’ movie credits began with Come Live with Me (1941). This was followed by Going My Way (1944), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945), The Girl from Manhattan (1948) and Witness to Murder (1954), when she was aged over ninety.

Reynolds, Eda Anita    see   Bennie, Eda Anita

Reynolds, Frances – (1729 – 1807)
British painter
Frances Reynolds was the younger sister of Sir Joshua Reynolds. She received unsupervised art training during her youth, and later came to London (1752), where she acted as her brother’s housekeeper. She became a friend of Dr Samuel Johnson, and produced miniature copies of her brother’s work. Frances and her brother later fell out, Joshua having treated Frances very badly. She left his roof (1767) and kept house for her Palmer nieces. Frances published the pamphlet An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Taste and the Origins of Our Ideas of Beauty, and spent the later years of her life living in Westminster, London, where she held exhibitions of her work. She remained unmarried.

Reynolds, Malvina – (1900 – 1978)
American folk vocalist, lyricist and political activist
Malvina Reynold's best known songs included ‘Turn Around’ (1958), ‘No Hole in My Head,’ (1965) and ‘Rosie Jane’ (1973). Her poems were published in the volume entitled Verse 1 (1975).

Reynolds, Marjorie – (1917 – 1997)
American film and television actress
Born Marjorie Goodspeed in Buhl, Idaho, she made her first film appearance as a small child in the silent film, Scaramouche (1924). She began her career in Hollywood as Marjorie Moore but then worked under her married name after marrying (1937) the production manager and screenwriter, Jack Reynolds. Reynolds later partnered Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby in Holiday Inn (1942), and then appeared in Star Spangled Rhythmn (1943), Dixie (1943), Meet Me On Broadway (1946), Heaven Only Knows (1947), That Midnight Kiss (1949) with Mario Lanza and Home Town Story (1951). Though her film career was minor, Reynolds was best known for role of Peg Riley in the popular television program The Life of Riley (1953 – 1958), opposite William Bendix in the title role. She also appeared in The Millionaire and Leave It to Beaver. Marjorie Reynolds died (Feb 1, 1997) aged seventy-nine, at Manhattan Beach, California.

Rhambai Bharni – (1904 – 1984)
Queen consort of Siam (1925 – 1935)
Rhambai Barni was born (Dec 20, 1904), in Bangkok, the daughter of Prince Sawatdi Sobhana of the Siamese royal house. She was raised in the household of her aunt Queen Saovabha Bongsri, the wife of King Chulalongkorn, and was married (1918) to her cousin Prince Prajadhipok, who later became King Rama VII (1925). They remained childless. A successful coup (1932) forced the king to become a consitutional monarch. However, he found his position untenable, and with the queen, he went into self-imposed exile (1934) and lived abroad in Great Britain, residing at Vane Court House at Biddenden in Kent, and at Compton House at Virginia Water in Surrey. Rama VII formally abdicated in 1935. Her husband died in Britain (May 30, 1941), and the Queen Dowager later returned home (1949) when the country had adopted the new name of Thailand, bringing her husband's ashes home with her. She was the aunt by marriage of the reigining king Bhumibol Adulyadej, and carried out many official duties on his behalf. Queen Rhamabai Bharni died (May 22, 1984) aged seventy-nine, at the Sukhothai Palace in Bangkok.

Rhead, Charlotte – (1885 – 1947)
British pottery designer
Charlotte Rhead was born (Oct 19, 1885) in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, the daughter of a designer, and was raised with a background in pottery design. With her sister she studied at the Fenton School of Art. Rhead was employed firstly by her brother, Frederick Hurten Rhead (1880 – 1942) at Hanley, and was then employed by several leading firms including Burgess & Lee of Middleport (1926 – 1931), the Crown pottery, and Wood & Sons, where she worked as art director until her death. Rhead used various traditional patterns and designs but was most admired for her method of decoration known as tube lining. Charlotte Rhead died (Nov 6, 1947) aged sixty-two.

Rhedey, Agnes Inczedy de Nagy-Varad, Countess – (1788 – 1856)
Hungarian aristocrat and dynastic figure
Baroness Agnes Inczedy de Nagy-Varad was the daughter of Baron Gregor Inczedy de Nagy-Varad (died 1816). She was a descendant of Johannes Norocza (died 1599), Logofat of Pitesti and Great Chancellor of Valachia (1589), and his wife Princess Stanca Basaraba, the daughter of Mircea III the Shepherd (died 1560), Voivode of Valachia, who was himself descended from Genghiz Khan. Agnes was married to Count Laszlo de Rhedey Kis-Rede (1773 – 1835) whom she survived for two decades as Dowager Countess (1835 – 1856). Her children included Countess Claudine Rhedey, who became the morganatic wife of Duke Alexander of Wurttemburg (1804 – 1885) and was styled Countess von Hohenstein. Through this child Agnes was the paternal great-grandmother of Queen Mary, the wife of George V of England (1910 – 1936) and was ancestress of Queen Elizabeth II.

Rhedey, Theresa Banffy de Losoncz, Countess – (c1751 – 1807)
Hungarian aristocrat and dynastic figure
Baroness Theresa Banffy de Losoncz was the daughter of Balthasar, Baron Banffy de Losoncz and his wife Baroness Christina, the daughter of Simon, Baron Kemeny de Magyar-Gyero-Monostor (died after 1704). Through her parents Theresa was a descendant of Lazar, the last Christian king of Serbia, who was killed by the Turks (1389). She was married to Mihaly, Count Rhedey de Kis-Rhede (died 1791) whom she survived as Dowager Countess (1791 – 1807). Through her son Count Laszlo Rhedey, she was the great-grandmother of Queen Mary, the wife of George V of England (1910 – 1936), and ancestor of the present royal family.

Rhinelander, Phyllis – (1921 – 1998)
American patrician and philanthropist
Phyllis Rhinelander was born (May 19, 1921) in Manhattan, New York, the daughter of Philip Kip Rhinelander. She was socially well connected being the descendant of two former mayors of New York, and was a patron of the Save the Children Fund as well as several Manhattan civic projects. She remained unmarried. Phyllis Rhinelander died (Sept 27, 1998) aged seventy-seven, in Manhatten.

Rhodogune of the Angles – (fl. c530 – c540)
Germanic queen
Rhodogune was the daughter of one of the unidentified princes of the Angles, from Brittia, near the mouth of the Rhine River who landed in England (527), and gradually established the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of East Anglia. Rhodogune was betrothed to Radiger, king of the Varnians, but with his father’s death, he chose instead to marry his father’s youthful widow, his stepmother Theudichilde, who was a granddaughter of the Merovingian king Clovis I. Rhodogune revenged this dishonour by sailing from Britain to the Rhine with a fleet of several hundred ships and an army of one thousand soldiers. She defeated the Varnian army, pardoned the king, dismissed Theudichilde, and married Radiger himself. The details of her career were recorded by the Roman historian Procopius.

Rhodogune of Parthia – (c158 – c100 BC) 
Seleucid queen
Rhodogune was the daughter of Mithridates I, king of Parthia. She was married to the Seleucid king Demetrius II (140 BC) whilst he was the prisoner of her father, and bore him several children, including a daughter Antiochis, who became the secondary wife of Mithridates VI the Great, King of Pontus. Rhodogune later accompanied Demetrius back to the Seleucid court, where the marriage caused a violent quarrel between Demetrius and his first wife Cleopatra Thea, who felt the futures of her own children to be threatened. She survived the death of Demetrius (125 BC) many years. Her unhappy life was the subject of the play Rhodogune (1644) written by the French dramatist Pierre Corneille.

Rhodokanakina, Irene (Eirene) – (c1105 – 1162)
Byzantine Imperial princess
Irene Rhodokanakina was the daughter of Andronikos Rhodokanakis and his wife Theodora Tarchanioteina. She was chosen as a bride (c1122) for Prince Isaak Komnenus, a younger son of the Emperor Alexius I (1081 – 1118), and was the mother of the ill-fated usurper emperor Andronikos I Komnenus (1124 – 1185).

Rhodophis – (fl. c580 BC)
Greek courtesan
Rhodophis was born with the name Doricha and was a slave on the island of Samos. Trained for the life of prostitution, she then received the named Rhodophis which translates as (‘Rosy cheeks’). The wine merchant Charaxus of Lesbos, brother of the poet Sappho, fell in love with her, and spent vast sums to redeem fer from the servile state, and then married her. In gratitude she dedicated valuable iron spits to the gods at the temple of Delphi. Five surviving fragments of Sappho’s poetry provide evidence of Rhodophis’ real name, her profession, and of her famous sister-in-law’s bitter disapproval of the union.

Rhoduna – (c810 – after 867)
Carolingian heiress
Rhoduna was heiress of the fief of Rhaetia, and was perhaps the daughter of Hunfrid, count of Istria and Rhaetia (died 823), the founder of the monastery of Schannis, and sister to Adalbert I, Count of Thurgau and Rhaetia (died c850). Rhoduna was married to Count Raoul (Rudolph) of Bavaria (c808 – 866), the brother of the Empress Judith, the second wife of Louis I the Pious (816 – 840). Rhoduna survived her husband and was the mother of Rudolph, count of Laesoie (died after 866), who was probably an ancestor of the counts of Bar-sur-Seine, which died out in the male line with Count Rainald (died c997). His daughter Ermengarde took the county of Bar to the counts of Vermandois after her marriage with Count Herbert III.

Rhondda, Margaret Haig Thomas, Viscountess – (1883 – 1958) 
Welsh feminist, newspaper editor, radical author and memoirist
The Hon. (Honourable) Margaret Rhondda was born (June 12, 1883) in London, the only child of David Alfred Thomas Rhondda (1856 – 1918), first Viscount Rhondda, the famous statesman and colliery owner, and his wife Sybil Margaret Haig, the daughter of George Augustus Haig of Pen Ithon, Radnorshire, in Wales. She studied at Notting Hill in London, and at Somerville College, Oxford.  Margaret Rhondda became a militant suffragette and was arrested after attempting to blow up a postal box. Sent to prison, she was released after embarking upon a hunger strike. During WW I she was employed by the war office as a food controller. With her father’s death (1918) she became Viscountess Rhondda and later founded the Time and Tide publication (1920), the political and literary journal, which she organized and edited until her death. Lady Rhondda was married firstly (1908) to Sir Humphrey Mackworth (died 1948), seventh baronet, of Caerleon-on-Usk. This marriage remained childless and ended in divorce (1923). She published a Life of her father (1921) and was the author of several volumes of memoirs entitled Notes On The Way and This Was My World (1933). Her portrait was painted by Alice Burton (1932). Lady Rhondda died suddenly (July 20, 1958) aged seventy-five, in London.

Rhuodheid    see   Rothaide

Rhys, Jean – (1894 – 1979)
Dominican novelist
Born Gwen Williams (Aug 24, 1894), she was the daughter of a Welsh physician and a Creole woman. She was educated at a convent school at Roseau in Dominica, and later travelled to England where she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, but her father’s sudden death put an end to this career. Jean Rhys was married to a Dutch poet, Max Hamer, and spent several years living in Paris, where she moved in the same literary circles as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. Her first collection of tales were published as The Left Bank and Other Stories (1927), which was followed by several novels including After Leaving Mr Mackenzie (1930) and Good Morning Midnight (1939), which dealt with self-sufficient heroines. However she was best known as the author of Wide Sargasso Sea (1967), which dealt with the life of Bertha Mason Rochester, the mad wife in Charlotte Bronte’s famous novel Jane Eyre. She wrote the collection of stories Sleep It Off, Lady (1976), whilst her autobiography Smile Please (1979) was published posthumously. Jean Rhys received the Royal Society of Literature Award and received the CBE (Commander of the British Order) (1977) from Queen Elizabeth II for her contribution to literature. Jean Rhys died (May 14, 1979) aged eighty-four, in Devonshire, England.

Rhys Williams, Juliet Evangeline Glyn, Lady – (1898 – 1964)
British public figure, economist and author
Juliet Glyn was born (Dec 17, 1898) the younger daughter of Clayton Glyn and his wife, the famous novelist, Elinor Glyn (nee Sutherland). Juliet became the wife (1921) of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Rhys Rhys Williams (died 1955), first Baronet, to whom she bore three children. Their only son was killed in action during WW II in Tunisia. During WW I she was private secretary to the director of Training and Staff Duties at the Admiralty (1918) and served with the War Cabinet Demobilisation Committee. During WW II she served as a WAAF section officer and was appointed D.G.St.J (Daughter of Grace of St John of Jerusalem) (1942). After the war Lady Juliet served as secretary of the Economic Section Congress of Europe at The Hague (1948). She was editor of the European Review (1951 – 1954) and a director of the Economic Digest, and was a governor of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) (1955 – 1960). Her published work included In Search of Reality (1925), Family Allowances and Social Security (1944), Taxation and Incentive (1952) and An Economic Policy for Britain (1963). Lady Rhys Williams died (Sept 18, 1964) aged sixty-five.

Ria – (c142 – c72 BC)
Roman Republican patrician
Ria was the mother of Quintus Sertorius (c124 – c72 BC), praetor 83 BC. The historian Plutarch called her Rhea, but her name may have been a diminutive of Maria, and she may have been of the Marii family. If so she was a cousin to Gaius Marius, with whom her son was attached during the earliest years of his military career. Widowed early in life, Ria brought up her son, who remained always devoted to her. When Sertorius was exiled with his army to Spain, he pined for her, and when he received news of her death, he took to his bed for a week and refused to issue any military commands. This dereliction of duty led to his assassination in his tent at the hands of his own officers.

Riabouchinska, Julia Petrovna – (1947 – 1973)
Russian canoeing champion
Julia Riabouchinska was born in Peschanka, Vinnitsa Oblast. She won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany (1972), but died less than a year later, at Poti, in Georgia, from the effects of ingesting anabolic steroids to enhance her performance.

Riancho Escobales, Providenica – (b. 1901)
Purto Rican poet, educator and musician
Providencia Riancho was born (Aug 30, 1901) in San Juan. She published the collections of verse entitled Crucero lirico (1939) and Aguinaldo lirico de la poesias puertorniquena (1957).

Riario, Bianca – (1421 – 1473)
Italian papal courtier
Bianca della Rovere was born at Savona, the fifth daughter of Leonardo della Rovere, and his wife Luchina Monteleoni. She was the sister to Pope Sixtus VI (1471 – 1484). Bianca was married (1440) to Paolo Riario (died 1460) and died in Rome, her children taking the additional surname of della Rovere. She left three children,

• Violante Riario della Rovere (1441 – 1483). She was married to Antonio Sansoni (c1422 – 1485) and left children.
• Girolamo Riario della Rovere (1443 – 1488), Cote del Bosco and Lord of Imola and Forli. His widow, Caterina Sforza, was raped by Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI (1492 – 1503).
• Pietro Riaro della Rovere (1445 – 1474). He was made a Cardinal (1471) and was appointed Archbishop of Florence.

Riario-Sforza, Beatrice van der Lausitz, Duchess – (1772 – 1806)
Saxon-Italian society figure
Countess Beatrice van der Lausitz was the daughter of Prince Xavier of Saxony, and his morganatic wife Clara Spinucci. She was accorded her mother’s rank and was styled Countess von der Lausitz. Beatrice was married to an Italian peer, Raffalele di Riario Sforza, marchese di Corleto (1767 – 1797), and her only child, Johanna di Riario Sforsa was married (1815) to Count Lavall Nugent (1777 – 1862), the famous Austrian field-marshal, and left children.

Ribblesdale, Charlotte Monckton Tennant, Lady – (1858 – 1911)
British society figure
Charlotte Tennant was the third daughter of Sir Charles Tennant (1823 – 1906), first Baronet, and his first wife Emma Winsloe (1821 – 1895). She was raised at Glen Castle in Peebleshire and married (1877) to Thomas Lister (1854 – 1925), the fourth Baron Lisburne of Gisburne Park. Her younger half-sister was the famous politician and author Margot Asquith. Her father paid the mortgage on Lord Ribblesdale’s property at Gisburne, and provided the couple with a town house in Mayfair. She bore her husband five children, but her surviving letters reveal that Lady Ribblesdale was involved in a liasion with Lord Curzon. She was forgiven for this indiscretion.
With her husband and sister she was a member of the group known as the ‘Souls,’ which formed an influential part of late Victorian and Edwardian society. An attractive woman, Edith Lyttelton described Charlotte Ribblesdale thus “ .. she was tall and fair, with rippling gold hair which seemed to express her eagerness and vitality,” whilst her brother John Tennant referred to her “.. natural charm allied to an armoury of beauty.” The death of her son Thomas (1904) was a severe blow to Lady Ribblesdale, who soon became diagnosed with consumption. Her last years were spent in nursing homes in Davos, Wales, and Wimbledon. Lady Ribblesdale died (May 2, 1911) aged fifty-three. Her children were,

• Captain Hon. (Honourable) Thomas Lister (1878 – 1904). He was killed in action in Jidbolli, Somaliland and was unmarried.
• Hon. Barbara Lister (b. 1880). She became the wife of Colonel Sir Matthew Rich Henry Wilson, fourth Baronet.
• Lieutenant Hon. Alfred Lister (1887 – 1915). He was killed in action during WW I from wounds received at Gallipoli, and was unmarried.
• Hon. Laura Lister (1892 – 1965). She became the wife of Simon Joseph Fraser, fourteenth Baron Lovat.
• Hon. Diana Lister (1893 – 1983). She was married three times, firstly to Percy Wyndham (1887 – 1914), secondly to Captain Arthur Edward Capell (died 1919), and lastly to Vere Anthony Fane, fourteenth Earl of Westmorland.

Ribblesdale, Emma Mure, Lady – (1833 – 1911) 
British letter writer and diarist
Emma Mure was the second wife of Thomas Lister (1828 – 1876), second Baron Ribblesdale. She kept a social diary covering a period of four decades (1870 – 1907) during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Her Letters and Diaries were compiled by Beatrix Lister and privately published (1930).

Ribemont, Agnes de – (fl. c1090 – 1103)
Anglo-Norman courtier
Agnes de Ribemont was the daughter of Anselm II, seigneur de Ribemont, who died in Palestine whilst on crusade (1099), and his wife Bertha, the daughter of Isaac, seigneur de Valenciennes in Hainault. Agnes was married (c1090) to the Norman lord, Walter Giffard (died 1102), who was created first Earl of Buckingham by King William II Rufus (1087 – 1099). The chronicler Ordericus Vitalis recorded the story that Agnes contrived to poison the Duchess Sibylla, wife of Duke Robert of Normandy, (elder brother of William II and Henry I) in the hope that he would marry her, promising in return the enjoyment of her great wealth, and also the support of her powerful family in order to restore him to power in Normandy. This story been discounted as legend as the duchess died in childbirth, and Agnes herself survived this event. Her later history remains unrecorded. Countess Agnes was the mother of Walter Giffard (c1094 – 1164), who succeeded his father as second Earl of Buckingham for six decades (1102 – 1164). He and his wife Ermengarde were either the founders or benefactors of Notley abbey in Buckinghamshire, where they were buried.

Ribera, Maria Paez de – (c1158 – 1245)
Portugese courtier and royal mistress
Maria Paez de Ribera was the daughter of Payo Moniz and his wife Urraca Nunez. She held the lordship of Villa de Conde as her dowry, and became the mistress of King Sancho I Martino (1185 – 1211). Their liasion lasted over three decades, but prior to his death Sancho arranged for Maria to be married (1211) to Juan Fernandez de Lima, and recognized and provided for the six children she had borne him, who were granted the surname of ‘Portugal.’ Her children were,

• Nuno Sanchez de Portugal. He died young (Dec 16, before 1180).
• Gille Sanchez de Portugal (c1175 – 1236).
• Rodrigo Sanchez de Portugal (c1179 – 1245). He was married and left issue.
• Teresa Sanchez de Portugal (c1180 – 123). She became the second wife of Alfonso Tellez de Meneses, senhor de Alburquerque.
• Constanza Sanchez de Portugal (1204 – 1269). She remained unmarried and became a nun.
• Mayora Sanchez de Portugal (died after 1245). She remained unmarried and became a nun at the abbey of Santa Cruz, Coimbra.

Ribeyra, Maria – (1676 – 1731)
Portugese religious victim
Maria Ribeyra was a Jewish converso and was the wife of a barber named Joao de Abrunhoza. The couple resided at the town of Castello-melhor in Lamego. Maria was arrested and interrogated by the Spanish Inquisition. Convicted of lying and impenitence she was condemned to the flames and was burnt alive in the grounds of the convent of Santo Domingo in Lisbon (June 17, 1731).

Ribla, Gertrude – (1917 – 1980)
American soprano
Gertrude Ribla was born in Brooklyn, New York, and had no musical background whatsoever. Whist employed as a stenographer, Gertrude won a singing contest sponsored by the World of New York, and won a three year scholarship to train as a singer under the famous Frances Alda. After appearing with several opera companies in New York, and San Carlo, and with the Fortune Gallo Opera Company, Gertrude made her debut at the Metropolitan in New York, in the title role of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida (1949). Other roles included that of Leonora in Verdi’s Il Trovatore, and Turandot in the Puccini opera. Gertrude sang with many symphonic orchestras, including appearances with Arturo Toscanini and Eugene Ormandy. In later years she taught singing at Stephens College, in Columbia, Montana, and the Indiana School of Music.

Ribrawst – (c410 – c470 AD)
Welsh queen consort
Ribrawst, sometimes called Prawst, was the daughter of the British king Vortigern and his first wife Maxima Severa, daughter of the Emperor Magnus Maximus. She was married to Brychan, the King of Brecknock, to whom she bore a large number of children, most of whom were revered by the early British church as saints.

Ricard, Marthe – (1889 – 1982)
French aviatrix and espionage agent
Born Marthe Betenfeld (April 15, 1889) in Blamont, Meurthe-et-Moselle, in Alsace-Lorraine, she received flying lessons and qualified for her pilot’s licence (1911). After the death of her young husband during WW I, Marthe became involved in secret intelligence work for which she later received the Legion d’Honneur. During WW II, Madame Ricard worked for the French Resistance against the Nazi invaders, and necame the mistress of the espionage chief Hans von Krohn, in order to obtain useful information. After the war and was elected a member of the Paris municipal council. She successfully campaigned for national legislation aimed at the removal of prostitutes which she regarded as exploitation. Marthe Ricard died (Feb 9, 1982) aged ninety-two, in Paris.

Ricci, Caterina dei – (1522 – 1589)
Italian nun and saint
Born Sandrina dei Ricci in Florence, she was educated in the convent of Monticelli. When she entered the siterhood of the Dominican convent of San Vincenzo in Prato (1535) she took the name Caterina. She was appointed mistress of the novices and was then elected abbess (1547). Caterina Ricci was a particular friend of the reformer St Philip Neri (1515 – 1595), and was an admirer of Girolamo Savonarola. Caterina suffered mystic visions and experienced the stigmata, and was visited by three cardinals, who ultimately became pope, Marcellus I, Clement VIII, and Leo IX. Caterine dei Ricci died (Feb 2, 1589) aged seventy-six, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV (1744). Her feast was celebrated (Feb 13).

Ricci, Lucia – (fl. c1640 – c1660)
Italian painter and artist
Lucia Ricci was trained and then worked under the supervision of her paternal uncle, the painter Ubaldo Ricci. None of her own works have been identified.

Ricci, Marianna – (c1735 – after 1777)
Italian dancer
Marianna Ricci had established a reputation for herself in Europe before travelling to Ireland to appear at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin (1757 – 1759), and then to Italy, to perform in Venice (1761 – 1762). Admired for her dancing style, though her stage expression was thought somewhat lacking, Ricci was attached to the company of Noverre, and performed with her son at Milan, in Lombardy, commanding impressive fees. Later engaged at the Drury Lane Theatre, she danced in ballets such as The Savage Hunters (1776) and The Triumph of Love (1777). She suffered from illness that year, but recovered to appear in the ballet The Chaconne, which had been composed by her son. Her last recorded appearance was in a pastoral ballet in the same year, but nothing is known of her later career.

Ricci, Nina – (1883 – 1970) 
Italian coutourier
Nina Ricci was born in Turin, Piedmont, and was apprenticed to a dressmaker in her early teens. Succeeding in becoming a head designer by the age of twenty (1903), Ricci later established (1932) her own haute couture fashion house in Paris, which she managed with her husband, the jeweller Louis Ricci. Nina Ricci catered specifically for rich society ladies and specialized in bridal trousseaux, whilst her perfume L’flair du Temps, which was launched in 1948, remained an international best-seller at the turn of the next century.

Riccio, Cecilia – (1549 – 1593)
Italian painter
Cecilia Riccio was the daughter of the artist Il Brusasorci, and sister of the painter Felice Riccio. She was famous for producing life-like portraits of people in unusual poses. The painting of St Cecilia in the Galeria Communale has been attributed to her, whilst her own likeness, painted by G.B. Calderari, has been lost.

Riccoboni, Bartolomea – (1368 – 1440)
Italian chronicler
Bartolomea Riccoboni was a nun at the convent of Corpus Domini, Venice. She entered the convent at its inception (1394), her sister Chiara later joining her there (1397). Sister Bartolomea wrote a life of the their founder and spiritual director Giovanni Dominici (1355 – 1419), Cardinal of San Sisto from 1408, of the first prioress Lucia Tiepolo, and an account of the papacy of Gregory XII (Angelo Correr). She also kept a chronicle and necrology of the Convent for over four decades (1395 – 1436).

Riccoboni, Marie Jeanne – (1713 – 1792)
French novelist and dramatist
Born Marie Jeanne Laboras de Mezieres in Paris, she was married (1735) to the actor Antonio Francesco Riccoboni, with whom she embarked upon an acting career herself. She later seperated from Riccoboni and spent the last forty years of her life living with her companion, the actress Marie Therese Biancolleli. Marie Jeanne was the author of the popular novel Ernestine, and of Lettres d’Adelaide de Dammartin, Comtesse de Sancerre, which was dramatized in Paris. The proceeds of her workLettres de Milady Juliette Catesby (1759) enabled her to retire from the theatre. She was also the author of Lettres de My-Lord Rivers a’ Sir Charles Cardigan (1776), which was recommended by Madame du Deffand to her friend Horace Walpole. Madame Riccoboni corresponded with Denis Diderot, David Hume, Sir Robert Liston and David Garrick. The rise of the French Revolution saw her deprived of her pension. Marie Jeanne Riccoboni died in poverty (Dec 6, 1792) aged seventy-nine.

Rice, Alice Hegan Caldwell – (1870 – 1942)
American writer, humourist and translator
Alice Caldwell was born (Jan 11, 1870) in Shelbyville, Kentucky. She was married to the poet and dramatist Cole Young Rice (1872 – 1943), and wrote A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill (1912).

Rice, Florence – (1907 – 1974)
American stage and film actress
Florence Rice was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of the noted sportswriter and movie producer Grantland Rice (1881 – 1954). Florence established herself as a creditable stage actress on Broadway before turning to films. Her first film role was in The Best Man Wins (1934), and she became aleading actress of the 1930’s. Other credits included Double Wedding (1937), Under Cover of Night (1937), Four Girls in White (1938), At the Circus (1939) and Broadway Melody of 1940 (1939).

Rice, Joan – (1930 – 1997)
British film actress
Joan Rice was born in Derby and was raised in a Catholic orphanage. She worked as a maid and a waitress before joing the Rank Corporation as a minor starlet. She appeared with Dirk Bogarde in, Blackmailed (1950), and other credits included, Gift Horse (1952), with Richard Attenborough and Trevor Howard and After Payroll (1961), but she was best remembered in the role of Maid Marian in Walt Disney’s film Robin Hood (1952). She retired from films in 1961, only to return a decade later to appear in The Horror of Frankenstein (1970). Joan Rice died aged sixty-six.

Rice, Rosella – (b. 1827)
American author
Rosella Rice was the writer of popular serials such as Fifty Years Ago: or, The Cabins of the West. She was born (Aug 11, 1827) and used the pseudonym ‘Pipsissiway Potts.’ Rice was employed by The Ohio Farmer periodical for which she wrote many articles during the late 1870’s.

Rice, Ruth Mason – (1884 – 1927)
American poet
Ruth Rice’s best known verses included ‘New York’ and ‘Queen Victoria.’ They were published in the collection entitled Afterward (1927).

Rice, Veatrice – (1949 – 2009)
American television personality
Veatrice Rice was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She was employed as a security guard at the parking lot where the popular television show Jimmy Kimmel Live was filmed. Rice and another security guard employed there appeared in various comic skits organized by Kimmel for his show, most notably the recurring ‘Worst Team on Television’ segment. Veatrice Rice died (Jan 21, 2009) aged fifty-nine.

Rice Pereira, Irene     see    Pereira, Irene Rice

Rich, Elizabeth Gynkes, Lady – (c1500 – 1558)
English Tudor courtier
Elizabeth Gynkes was the daughter and heiress of William Gynkes (or Jenks), a wealthy grocer of London. She was married (c1520) to Sir Richard Rich (1496 – 1567), the Lord Chancellor, later first Baron Rich, to whom she bore fifteen children. Rumour had it that Lord Rich treated his wife harshly but there is no evidence to support this accusation. Lady Rich attended the court of Henry VIII, and later entertained Queen Mary at Wanstead (Aug, 1553). She also attended the queen on her entry into London a few weeks later. Lord and Lady Rich were prominent figures at Mary’s court. Her portrait was painted by Hans Holbein (c1540) but remains in a private collection. An early version of this same portrait is known from the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as the prepatory drawings for the painting, and for a possible pendant to it with Sir Richard Rich. These drawings form part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Lady Rich died in St Bartholomew’s, London, and was interred (Dec 18) at Rochford in Essex. Her surviving children included,

• Hon. (Honourable) Mary Rich (c1521 – c1575). She became the wife of Sir Thomas Wroth (1516 – 1573), and left issue.
• Hon. Etheldreda Rich. She was the wife of Robert Drury.
• Hon. Frances Rich. She married John, Lord d’Arcy (died 1580).
• Daughter. She became the wife of Richard Barlee, of Elsenham Hall, Essex, and was ancestor of the family of Osborne, baronets, of Chicksands Priory, Bedford.
• Hon. Sir Hugh Rich (1536 – 1554). His died childless and his widow, Anne Wentworth, remarried to Henry Fitzalan, Lord Maultravers.
• Robert Rich (1537 – 1580). He succeeded his father as second Baron Rich (1567 – 1580). He was married to Elizabeth Baldry (c1537 – 1591) and left issue.
• Hon. Elizabeth Rich. She became the wife of Sir John Peyton.
• Hon. Winifred Rich (c1540 – 1578). She became the wife of Sir Henry Dudley (died 1557) and then of Roger North (1530 – 1600), second Baron North.

Rich, Frances Cromwell, Lady   see   Cromwell, Frances

Rich, Irene – (1891 – 1988)
American silent actress
Born Irene Luther, her silent credits included Stella Maris (1918), Beau Brummell (1924), Lady Windermere’s Fan (1925), from the play by Oscar Wilde and Craig’s Wife (1928), considered to be her best film. Her career faltered with the advent of sound, and Rich made only sporadic movie appearances afterwards in That Certain Age (1938), New Orleans (1947) and Joan of Arc (1948), amongst others.

Rich, Mabel – (c1155 – c1205)
English ascetic
Mabel was the wife of Reginald Rich, a merchant of Abingdon, who later became a monk, and was the mother of Edmund Rich (c1175 - 1240), Archbishop of Canterbury. Her two daughters Margaret and Alice became nuns at the convent of Catesby, Northants. Of a deeply pious nature, Mabel encouraged the piety and devout religious training of her children. Her own intense devotions were facilitated by the daily wearing of sackcloth pressed against her flesh between two iron plates.

Rich, Mary     see      Warwick, Mary Boyle, Countess of

Rich, Lady Penelope – (1561 – 1607) 
English courtier, political activist and literary figure
Lady Penelope Devereux was the elder daughter of Walter Devereux, first Earl of Essex, and his wife Lettice Knollys, the cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, and sister to Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, the queen’s favourite. Her stepfather was Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Penelope was married to Lord Rich, and then became the mistress of Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy, later Earl of Devonshire, who later married her. Lady Penelope was the inspiration for Sir Philip Sidney’s verses ‘Astrophel and Stella.’ She later fell into disgrace because of her involvement in her brother’s rebellion against the queen (1601) but attended the court of James I.

Richard, Wendy – (1943 – 2009)
British television and film actress
Wendy Emerton was born (July 20, 1943) at Middleborough, the daughter of a publican. She was raised in Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight prior to settling with her family in the West End of London. Emerton attended school in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire before studying drama at the Italia Conti Academy in London. Her first television appearance was with Sammy Davis Jr in Sammy Meets The Girls (1960) for ATV, and this was followed by roles in the popular police dramas Dixon of Dock Green and No Hiding Place. This was followed by roles in the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) series The Newcomers (1965 – 1969) as Joyce Harker, and in the comedies Hugh and I and several episodes of Dad’s Army (1970). It was at this time that she adopted the professional name of ‘Wendy Richard.’
Richard was best known for her appearance as the Cockney Miss Brahms in the comic series Are You Being Served? in which she starred with Mollie Sugden (Mrs Slocombe), John Inman (Mr Humphreys), and Trevor Bannister (Mr Lucas) and others. She later appeared in the sequel series Grace & Favour (1992 – 1993). Wendy also appeared in On the Buses with Reg Varney, and appeared in such comic films as Bless This House (1972), Carry on Matron (1972) and Carry On Girls (1973). During the latter part of her career she appeared for two decades in the role of Pauline Fowler in the BBC series EastEnders (1985 – 2006). Her final role was that of Mrs Crump in the episode ‘A Pocket Full of Rye’ of the Marple TV series which starred Julia McKenzie in the title role (2008). In recognition of her contribution to television and film Wendy Richard was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (2000). She was married four times but left no children. Wendy Richard died (Feb 26, 2009) aged sixty-five, in London.

Richarda – (fl. c749 – 782)
Carolingian noblewoman
Richarda was the daughter of Count Hieronymus (Jerome), Abbot of St Quentin, and his first wife Ermentrude. Her paternal grandfather was Charles Martel, Duke of Austrasia. Richarda was sister to Fulrad, abbot of St Quentin, and was probably half-sister to St Fulcuin, Bishop of Therouanne. Charter evidence records that Richarda received property and estates from her brother Fulrad. Richarda was married to Nithard of Saalgau, a member of the prominent Madhelgaud family, and was the mother of Angilbert (750 – 814), abbot of St Ricquier, whose mistress was Princess Bertha, the daughter of Emperor Charlemagne, by whom he left two sons, including the chronicler Nithard (795 – 844).

Richarda of Alsace – (844 – c900)
Holy Roman empress
Richarda was the daughter of Erchanger, Count of Alsace and Breisgau. She married (862) the Emperor Charles III (839 – 888) and was crowned empress with him in Rome by Pope Nicholas I. The marriage remained childless. The emperor later attempted to repudiate Richarda (881) accusing her of adultery with his chancellor, Bishop Luitward of Vercelli, a man of esteemed character. Her chosen champion, vindicated her innocence by successfully undergoing the ordeal of the burning ploughshares, though Luitward was deprived of his bishopric. Permitted to separate from the emperor (887), Richarda went to the abbey of Hohenburg. The empress later founded the abbey of Andlau where she became abbess and remained till her death. Empress Richarda died (Sept 18, c900). Pope Leo IX later visited Andlau (1049) and ordered her remains to be disinterred and exposed for public veneration.

Richarda of Stade – (1123 – 1154)
German nun
Richarda was the daughter of Rudolf I, Count of Stade and Margrave of Nordmark, and his wife Richarda of Sponheim, and sister of Hartwig of Stade, Archbishop of Bremen (1148 – 1168). Richarda was educated at the abbey of Rupertsberg under the guidance of Hildegard of Bingen. A rift later developed between the two women, after Richarda was appointed Abbess of Bassum (1151). She died young.

Richardis of Schwerin (Rikardis) – (1347 – 1377)
Queen consort of Sweden (1365 – 1377)
Richarda was the daughter of Otto I, Count of Schwerin and his wife Matilda of Mecklenburg-Werle. Richardis was betrothed (1352) to Albert of Mecklenburg (1340 – 1412), King of Sweden. The marriage did not take place until 1365, when Richardis arrived in Sweden with her suite and was crowned as consort. Queen Richardis died (April 23, 1377) aged twenty-nine. She left two children,

• Prince Erik of Sweden (1365 – 1397). He predeceased his father.
• Princess Richardis of Sweden (Katharina) (1370 – 1400). She became the wife of John of Bohemia (1370 – 1396), Margrave of Moravia and Duke of Gorlitz.

Richards, Ann Willis – (1933 – 2006)
American governor
Ann Wills was born (Sept 1, 1933) in Lakeview, Texas, and attended Baylor University and the University of Texas. She was married to David Richards, a civil rights lawyer. Richards had trained as a schoolteacher before entering state government in Texas. She became commissioner for Travis County (1976) and her career continued. She served as state treasurer (1983 – 1991) before being elected as governor of Texas (1991 – 1995). During her period in office she appointed more women to state positions. She had little admiration for the male members of the prominent Bush family, and she mocked President George Bush senior at the Democrats’ National Convention (1988). She was later displaced by his son, George W Bush (1995 – 2000) who went on to become president (2000 – 2009). Richards co-wrote Straight From the Heart: My Life in Politics and Other Places (1989). Ann Richards died (Sept 13, 2006) aged seventy-three, in Austin, Texas.

Richards, Audrey Isabel – (1899 – 1984)
British social anthropologist
Richards was born in London, the daughter of a lawyer, and she was raised in India. Audrey was sent home to England to pursue her formal education and studied at Newnham College, Cambridge (1911 – 1921). She travelled to Rhodesia in South Africa where she carried out research amongst various tribal societies. She was later appointed as director of the East African Institute of Social Research. Audrey Richards retired in 1966 and died unmarried.

Richards, Beah – (1926 – 2000)
Black American character actress, poet and dramatist
Born Beulah Richardson in Mississippi, she was the daughter of a Baptist clergyman. She attended Dillard University in New Orleans and first began performing at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Her film credits included The Miracle Worker (1962) and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. She was also known for two other memorable character roles in film as Rose in Hurry Sundown (1966) with Michael Caine and Jane Fonda and In the Heat of the Night (1967) with Sidney Poitier. For her last movie role, Baby Suggs in Beloved (1998) Richards was nominated at Outstanding Supporting Actress. Richards appeared on several popular television programs such as, The Bill Cosby Show (1970 – 1971), Roots: The Next Generation (1979 – 1981), Hill Street Blues, Murder She Wrote, with Angela Lansbury, and Hearts Afire (1992). She also appeared as Mrs Benton in the popular hospital show ER. Her best known poems included ‘It’s Time for Love’ and ‘Love Is Cause It Has to Be’ which were published in A Black Woman Speaks and Other Poems (1974). Beah Richards died aged seventy-four.

Richards, Ellen Henrietta Swallow – (1842 – 1911)
American chemist and scientific researcher
Ellen Swallow was born in Westford, Massachusetts, and was raised in a rural community. She attended Vassar College before going on to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), becoming the first woman to study there. Ellen was married (1875) to Robert Richards, an engineer. Ellen Richards assisted with the establishment of the Woman’s Laboratory at MIT and was co-founder of the AAUW (American Association of University Women). She was a lecturer in sanitary chemistry, and taught analysis of water, sewage, and air, as well as being a consultant in food analysis. Her published works included Food Materials and their Adulterations (1885), which had great influence over the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Acts, and was the founder of the Journal of Home Economics.

Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe – (1850 – 1943)
American writer
Laura Howe was born (Feb 27, 1850) in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Samuel Gridley Howe (1801 – 1876), the noted educator and philanthropist, and his wife Julia Ward Howe, who composed ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic.’ Laura Richards was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Literature (1917), and her best known verses included ‘Dedication,’ ‘Song for Hal’ and ‘Eletelphony’ all published in the collection Tirra Lirra (1890). Laura Howe Richards died (Jan 14, 1943) aged ninety-two.

Richards, Noel Olivier – (1892 – 1969)
British children’s physician and author
The Hon. (Honourable) Noel Olivier was the daughter of the first and last Baron Olivier. She attended the University College in London and the London School of Medicine for Women. She was married (1920) to William Arthur Richards, to whom she bore five children. Noel Richards was the consulting physician at the Westminster Children’s Hospital and also worked in the Children’s Department of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. She was later the senior medical officer at the Queen Victoria Hopsital for Children. She was the author of Healthy Babies (1940). Noel Richards died (April 11, 1969) aged seventy-six.

Richards, Shelah – (1903 – 1985)
Irish actress and theatrical producer
Richards was born in Dublin (May, 1903). Educated in Dublin and Paris she later joined the Abbey Theatre (1924) and ran the Abbey School of Acting. Shelah Richards worked with Dame Gladys Cooper in the USA (1938 – 1940) and then formed her own company at the Olympia Theatre. One of her more notable productions was Synge’s Playboy of the Western World, which starred Siobhan McKenna as Pegeen Mike. She was the wife of the dramatist Denis Johnston, and was mother of the actress Jennifer Johnston. Shelah Richards died (Jan 19, 1985) aged eighty-one, at Ballybrack, Dublin.

Richardson, Dorcas – (1741 – 1834)
American revolutionary heroine and patriot
Born Dorcas Nelson, she was the wife of Captain Richard Richardson. Her brave and defiant speech to the British in which she warned them of her husband’s vengeance was printed in The Women of the American Revolution (1848), by Elizabeth F. Ellet, it having been quoted for her by Dr Samuel Johnson. Dorcas survived these events by over half a century.

Richardson, Dorothy Miller – (1873 – 1957)
British novelist, journalist, translator and feminist writer
Dorothy Rivhardson was born in Abingdon, Berkshire. She was later employed as a schoolteacher in London, and was a member of the Fabian Society, through which she became involved in a romantic liasion with the famous writer, H.G. Wells. This affair ended and she eventually married (1917) the painter Alan Odle. Richardson’s twelve volume autobiography including Pointed Roofs (1915) and Dimple Hill (1938), was published during a period of over two decades (1915 – 1938), and was long and intense. It established Dorothy Richardson as the first writer of the stream-of-consciousness style.

Richardson, Elizabeth Ashburnham, Lady    see   Cramond, Elizabeth Beaumont, Lady

Richardson, Henry Handel – (1870 – 1946)
Australian novelist and writer
Born Ethel Florence Richardson (Jan 3, 1870) in Fitzroy, Melbourne, she was the daughter of a physician, who was distantly related to the Irish earls of Lindesay. With her father’s early death she travelled extensively and studied music at the Leipzig Conservatorium in Saxony and was trained in London as a musician. However, after her marriage with British professor, John George Robertson from London University, she gave up music and devoted herself to writing, though her first novel Maurice Guest did not appear in print until 1908, under her male pseudonym. Richardson adopted her pseudonym and is best remembered for her trilogy of novels, the last of which The Fortunes of Richard Mahony (1929) dealt with the life in the outback of Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. Her other published works included The Young Cosima (1934) and The End of a Childhood (1939). Her autobiography Myself When Young (1948), was published posthumously. Henry Handel Richardson died (March 20, 1946) aged seventy-six, at Hastings, in Sussex, England.

Richardson, Katy (Kathleen) – (1864 – 1927)
British mountaineer
Katy Richardson ascended Mt Zermat at the early age of sixteen (1882) which stimulated her desire for mountaineering. In the decade prior to 1892 Richardson made over one hundred ascents, wearing skirts. Her most notable accomplishment was the ascent of the Aguille de Bionnassay with two others (1888).

Richardson, Mary Raleigh – (1889 – 1961) 
Anglo-Canadian suffragette
Mary Raleigh Richardson was the granddaughter of a bank manager, and was raised and educated in Canada. She became famous for publicly slashing the Rokeby Venus (1914) in the National Gallery, and earned the popular sobriquet ‘Slasher Mary.’

Richardson, Natasha – (1963 – 2009)
British film actress
Natasha Jane Richardson was born (May 11, 1963) in London, the daughter of actors Tony Richardson (1928 – 1991) and his wife Vanessa Redgrave. She was the maternal granddaughter of Sir Michael Redgrave (1908 – 1985) and his wife the actress Rachel Kempson. She was the elder sister to actress Joely Richardson. Her parents were divorced and she was raised between London and Provence in France. She made her stage debut in London when she appeared in in Anton Chekhov’s play The Seagull (1985) in which the mother was played by her own mother Vanessa Redgrave. Richardson appeared in such films as In the Secret State (1985), Gothic (1986) produced by Ken Russell in which she played Mary Shelley, Patty Hearst (1988), The Comfort of Strangers (1990), Past Midnight (1991), The Parent Trap (1998), Chelsea Walls (2001) and Maid in Manhattan (2002). She received the London Theatre Critics’ Award for her performance in Eugene O’Neill’s play Anna Christie (1990). Her performances on Broadway in New York in Cabaret (1998) produced by Sam Mendes won her an Antoinette Perry Award (Tony), and the awards as best actress from the Outer Critics’ Circle and the Drama Desk.
Her first marriage with producer Robert Fox (1990 – 1992) ended in divorce and there were no children. Her second marriage (1994) with Irish actor Liam Neeson produced two sons. She had appeared together with Neeson in the film Nell (1994) produced by Michael Apted. Her last film appearances included roles in The White Countess (2005), the period drama produced by Merchant Ivory, in which she appeared with both her mother and her aunt, and in Asylum (2005) where she played the wife of psychiatrist. After being injured in a skiing accident Natasha Richardson died (March 18, 2009) aged forty-five, in New York.

Richebourg, Marie Lydie Albertine de Melun, Marquise de – (1692 – 1746)
French grandee and society figure, grandee of Spain
Marie Lydie de Melun was the daughter of Guillaume de Melun, Marquis de Richebourg, the Viceroy of Galicia, and his wife Marie Francoise d’Ursel. Marie Lydie never married and was a prominent figure during the Regency period (1715 – 1723). With her father’s death (1737) she inherited the marquisate of Richebourg and became a grandee of Spain, of the first class. Madame de Richebourg died (Dec 13, 1746) aged fifty-four.

Richelieu, Marie Charlotte de La Porte-Mazarin, Marquise de – (1662 – 1729)
French society figure
Marie Charlotte de La Porte-Mazarin was born (March 28, 1662), the daughter of Armand Charles de La Porte, Duc de Mazarin and de La Meilleraye, and his wife, the famous beauty and adventuress, Hortense Mancini. Marie Charlotte was married to Louis Armand du Plessis, Marquis de Richelieu, and like her mother, she was known for her sexual escapades. She was the mother of Armand Louis du Plessis de Richelieu, Duc d’Aiguillon (1683 – 1750) who left descendants. Madame de Richelieu died (May 13, 1729) aged sixty-seven.

Richelieu, Marie Elisabeth Sophie de Lorraine-Guise, Duchesse de – (1710 – 1740)
French courtier
A prominent figure at the court of Louis XV (1715 – 1774) at Versailles, Princesse Marie Elisabeth de Lorraine-Guise was the second daughter of Anne Marie Joseph de Lorraine, Prince de Guise and Harcourt, and his wife Marie Louise Jeannin de Castille, marquise de Montjeu. She became the second wife (1734) of the infamous roue, Louis Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu (1696 – 1788), they having been introduced by the philosopher Voltaire, who wrote an epithalamium to celebrate the wedding. Madame de Richelieu was tall and elegant in manner, but plain in looks, but her overiding virtue in the eyes of her new husband was her pedigree, as she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). The duchesse accompanied Voltaire on a short holiday to Luneville in Lorraine (1735) and then visited the court of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, where she attended the marriage of her kinswoman Elisabeth of Lorraine with Carlo Emmanuele III, king of Sardinia (1737). When her husband received his appointment as lieutenant-general of Languedoc, the duchesse accompanied there, and established their court at Montpellier (1738). Already suffering from consumption, the duchesse never properly recovered from the birth of her last child (March, 1740) and died (Aug 2, 1740) in her apartments in the Temple in Paris, in the arms of her husband. Madame de Richelieu left two surviving children,

• Louis Antoine de Vignerot du Plessis (1736 – 1791), Duc de Fronsac. He succeeded as Duc de Richelieu on the death of his father (1788). He married twice and left children by both marriages.
• Septimanie de Vignerot du Plessis (1740 – 1773). She was forced into an unhappy marriage with the widowed Casimir Pignatelli, Comte d’Egmont, and died childless.

Richenza of Nordheim – (1095 – 1141)
Holy Roman empress (1125 – 1137)
Richenza was the elder daughter of Henry the Fat, Duke of Nordheim and his wife Gertrude of Brunswick. She was married (1100), at the age of five years, to Lothair, Count of Supplinburg (1075 – 1137) to whom she ultimately bore an only surviving daughter and heiress Gertrude (1115 – 1143). With the death, without heirs, of her brother Otto of Nordheim (1116), Richenza inherited the vast Saxon estates of her paternal grandfather Duke Otto the Illustrious. With Lothair’s election to the German throne, Richenza was crowned queen with him at Aachen (Sept 3, 1125). She later accompanied Lothair on his visit to Pope Innocent II at Leige (1131), and the pope eventually crowned the couple emperor and empress in the Lateran Church in Rome (June 4, 1133).
With the death of Lothair (Dec, 1137) Richenza became Dowager Empress supported the claim of her son-in-law Henry of Saxony to be the next emperor. However, the Council of Lechrain and the German Diet compelled the empress to elect their own candidate Conrad of Swabia instead, and forced her to renounce her son-in-law’s claims. With the remarriage of her daughter to Henry Jasmirgott of Austria (1141) the empress took control of the upbringing of her infant grandson, the future Henry the Lion of Saxony, who had been abandoned by Duchess Gertrude, on the insistence of her new husband. Always a popular figure, the Dowager Empress Richenza then assumed the regency of Saxony during her grandson’s minority, but died very soon afterwards. Empress Richenza died (June 10, 1141) at Brunswick aged forty-five. The empress was interred in the Abbey of Konigslutter with her late husband, which she had jointly founded with him.

Richenza of Stade – (c1056 – after 1108)
German noblewoman
Richenza of Stade was the daughter of either Dedo of Ditmarsch, Count of Stade or of his brother Count Etheler, who had both been married to her mother, Ida von Elstorf, the granddaughter of the Empress Gisela, the wife of Emperor Conrad II, through her first marriage with Count Bruno of Brunswick. Her parentage was recorded by the Annales Stadenses which called her ‘Rikencem,’ and stated that she was married to ‘comes Elimardus de Aldenburg,’ Egilmar II, Count of Oldenburg and Lerigau (c1091 – c1108), whom she survived as Dowager Countess of Oldenburg. Countess Richenza is the first identifiable female ancestress of the Oldenburg comital family, and her descendants included the dukes of Holstein-Gottorp, through whom she was ancestress of the Romanov dynasty of Russia. She bore two children,

• Egilmar II (c1075 – c1142). He succeeded his father as Count of Oldenburg (1108 – c1142) who left issue.
• Gertrude of Oldenburg. She remained unmarried or died young.

Richenza of Zulpichgau – (c970 – c1049)
German mediaeval nun
Richenza was the daughter of Hermann II Pusillus, Count of Zulpichgau and Lorraine, and his first wife Hedwig of Aders, heiress of Dillingen, the daughter of Count Heinrich of Aders and Adelaide of Monchenthal. Richenza never married and was dedicated by her parents to the church. She became a nun and was appointed as abbess of the convent of St Gertrude at Nivelles, in Brabant.

Riches, Georgina    see    Reid, Georgina Stanley

Richesa of Poland (Rixa) – (1018 – c1059)
Duchess of Hungary
Richesa was the daughter of Mieszko II Lambert, King of Poland, and his wife Richeza, the daughter of Ezzo, Count Palatine of Lorraine and Matilda, sister to the Emperor Otto III (983 – 1002). Richesa, whose name remains uncertain, and may have actually been called Adelaide, was married (c1039) to Duke Bela (c1016 – 1063), the brother of King Andrew I (Andras) of Hungary. Bela had served with Richesa’s father, King Mieszko, during his campaigns agains the pagan Pomeranian tribes. Bela later succeeded his brother on the throne of Hungary as King Bela I (1060 – 1063). Richesa never lived to be queen, and probably died from the effects of childbirth the previous year. There were nine children,

• Geza I (1041 – 1077), King of Hungary (1074 – 1077). He married and left issue.
• St Ladislas I (1043 – 1095), succeeded his brother as King of Hungary (1077 – 1095). He married and left issue.
• Prince Lambert of Hungary (Lampert) (1044 – 1076). He died unmarried.
• Princess Sophia of Hungary (Zofia) (1047 – 1095). She married firstly to Count Ulric I of Istria, margrave of Carinthia (died 1070), and secondly to Magnus I Billung (1045 – 1106), Duke of Saxony, and left children by both marriages.
• Princess Euphemia of Hungary (Ludmilla) (1048 – 1111). She married Otto I (c1041 – 1086), Prince of Olomouc (Olmutz) and left issue.
• Princess Helena of Hungary (Ilona) (1049 – 1092). She married Zvonomir (died 1089), King of Croatia, and left two daughters.
• Princess Lanka of Hungary (1050 – after 1093). She was married to Rotislav (1045 – 1067), Prince of Tmutarakan, and left issue.
• Princess Bertha of Hungary (c1054 – before 1132). She married firstly Count Hartwig of Bogen, and secondly Count Lambert de Hont-Pazmany.
• Princess Maria of Hungary (1059 – after 1081). She became the wife of andronikos Dukas (c1057 – after 1081), co-Emperor of Byzantium. There were no children.

Richeza of Denmark – (1273 – 1308)
Princess
Richeza was the elder daughter of Erik V, king of Denmark and his wife Agnes of Brandenburg. She was married (1292) to Nicholas II of Mecklenburg-Parchim (c1268 – 1316), Prince of Werle and was the mother of Johann III (c1295 – 1352), Prince of Werle-Goldberg. Richeza’s daughter, Sophia (c1293 – 1339) was married to Gerhard III of Schleswig-Holstein-Rendsborg (1293 – 1340), later duke of Jutland. Through them richeza was ancestress of the counts of Holstein, and was the link between the dynasty of King Christian I and the old ruling dynasty of Denmark. Princess Richeza died (before Oct 27, 1308) aged about thirty-five.

Richeza of Lorraine – (996 – 1063)
Queen consort of Poland
Richeza was born at Saalfeld, near Mulhausen, in Thuringia, the daughter of Ezzo, Count Palatine of Lorraine and his wife Matilda of Saxony, the youngest daughter of the Holy Roman emperor Otto II. She was married (1013) to Mieszko II Lambert of Poland, following the peace which had been arranged between the emperor Henry II (1002 – 1024) and the king of Poland. She was later crowned with him (1025). Queen Richeza worked devotedly to support the Christian religion, but she and Mieszko were forced to flee Poland during the usurpation of Bezprym (1031 – 1032). They later returned and reclaimed the throne after his death. With her husband’s death (1034), Queen Richeza ruled as the country as regent for their son Kasimir I (1016 – 1058) and exercised considerable power and influence over the government. This proved to be resented and her misuse of authority caused an uprising of Polish magnates against the crown, which resulted in mother and son being exiled to the court of the Russian grand prince Jaroslav I, at Kiev in the Ukraine. Her son Kazimir was later recalled to the Polish throne, but Queen Richeza later entered a convent at Saalfeld, near Mulhausen, Thuringia, and became a nun, Queen Richeza died at Saalfeld at the age of sixty-six (March 21, 1063) and was interred in Cologne. Her large inheritance was divided by the emperor Henry III between the monastery of Brauweiler, and the two churches of Cologne and of Wurzburg in Bavaria.  Regarded a saint her feast was celebrated (March 21).

Richeza of Poland (Rixa) – (1116 – 1185)
Scandinavian queen consort
Richeza was born (April 2, 1116), the second daughter of Boleslav III (Burrislev), Duke of Poland, and his second wife Salome, the daughter of Count Henry of Berg-Schelkingen. Princess Richeza was married three times, firstly (1129) to Magnus (1106 – 1134), king of Denmark, secondly (1135) to Volodar, the Russian prince of Minsk, which union ended in divorce (c1145) and lastly to Sverker I (c1090 – 1156), King of Sweden, as his second wife. The queen is said to have been a woman of great beauty and attractions of manner. She survived her last husband for three decades as Queen Dowager of Sweden (1156 – 1185). Queen Richeza died at the court of Poland (June 16, 1185) aged sixty-nine. She left children from all three marriages, including Knud III (1130 – 1157), king of Denmark, who left descendants, and Sophia Volodarovna of Minsk, the wife of Valdemar I, king of Denmark.

Richeza of Silesia (Rixa, Ryksa) – (c1130 – 1185)
Queen consort of Castile (1152 – 1157)
Princess Richeza was the daughter of Vladislav II, Duke of Silesia and Krakow in Poland, and his wife Agnes of Austria, the daughter of Leopold III, margrave of Austria. She became the second wife (1152) of Alfonso VII, by whom she left a daughter, Infanta Sanchia Alfonsez (1154 – 1208), later the wife of Alfonso II, king of Aragon. Her Spanish subjects called her Riquilda. The French chronicler Alberic de Trois-Fontaines called her ‘Rikissam.’ As a widow she left her daughter to be raised in Castile and travelled to France where she remarried (1161) to Ramon Berenger II, count of Provence (died 1166). The queen later abandoned her new husband in order to live with Raymond V, count of Toulouse openly as his mistress.  He then divorced his Capetian wife Constance, daughter of Louis VII (1137 – 1180) and married Queen Richeza. When her scandalous relationship with Raymond ended the queen remarried to a German lord, Count Albert von Everstein (c1125 – c1197).

Richilda of Arles – (c830 – 883)
Carolingian countess
Richilda was the daughter of Count Boso III the Old of Arles (died 855), an Eastern Frank who made Count of Turin in Italy. Richilda was married firstly to Bivinus (died before 869), count of Metz and lay abbot of Gorze (842 – 862) to whom she bore three children. Countess Richilda remarried secondly (before Aug, 869) to Count Ekkehard of Autun (c815 – 876) as his second wife. There were no children of this marriage. Countess Richilda is mentioned, together with Ekkehard’s first wife Albegundis, in a surviving testamentary charter made shortly before his death (Jan, 876). Richilda survived for seven years as Dowager Countess of Autun. The children from her first marriage were,

• Boso of Vienne and Arles (c848 – 887), King of Provence (876 – 887). He was married twice and left many descendants.
• Richilda of Metz (c853 – 914). She was the second wife of Charles II the Bald (823 – 877), Emperor of the Franks (877 – 879), and then remarried to Viscount Theobald of Troyes.
• Richard the Justiciar (c855 – 921), Duke of Burgundy (896 – 921) and count of Auxerre. He was married and left many descendants.

Richilda of Egisheim – (c1032 – 1086)
Flemish ruler
Richilda was the daughter of Gerard III, Count of Egisheim, and was niece to Pope Leo IX. She was married firstly (c1047) to Herman, son and heir of Rainer V, count of Hainault to whom she bore two children, including Roger, Bishop of Chalons-sur-Marne (c1049 – 1093). With Herman’s death (1052) she became the wife of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders the brother-in-law of William the Conqueror, who succeeded as count of Hainault (Baldwin I) in her right. With Baldwin’s death in battle (1070), Hainault was reserved for their younger son Baldwin II (1054 – 1099), whilst her elder son, Arnulf III (born 1053) became count of Flanders. The two were still minors and Richilda ruled for them as regent, to the disgruntlement of the nobility. Her husband’s uncle, Robert the Frisian, seized his chance to claim the patrimony, although he had been legally barred from the succession. The countess threatened to have him imprisoned, whereupon Robert appealed to his suzerain, Philip I of France, for justice. With a large bribe Richilda persuaded the king to abandon any thought of intervention on Robert’s behalf, and he took up arms instead on behalf of her son Arnulf. Philip defeated Robert at the battle of Kassel (1071) but Arnulf was killed, as was Richilda’s third husband, William Fitzosbern, earl of Hereford. Richilda governed Hainault until her son Baldwin came of age (1073) and then retired to the abbey of Hasnan to live as a nun. Countess Richilda died (March 15, 1086) at Hasnan.

Richilda of Metz (Richardis) – (c853 – 914)
Carolingian empress
Richilda was the daughter of Bivinus, Count of Metz, and his wife Richilda of Arles, the daughter of Boso III the Old of Arles, Count of Turin in Italy. She was sister to Boso of Vienne, King of Burgundy, and of Duke Richard the Justiciar of Burgundy. Richilda became the second wife (870) of the emperor Charles II the Bald (823 – 877). Richilda accompanied Charles and her brother Boso to Vercelli where they were received by Pope John VIII (877) and Richilda was formally crowned as empress. Their two sons died in infancy, but the empress left descendants through her surviving daughter Rothilda, countess of Bourges. With her husband’s death she and Boso influenced the magantes of the realm to refuse to accept her stepson Louis the Stammerer as king, and her troops ravaged the countryside. However, order was eventually restored due to the intercession of Archbichop Hincmar of Rheims, and Richilda and Louis were reconciled, the empress formally consigning the royal insignia to his possession, which duty her late husband had enjoined her to perform at his deathbed. Richilda then witnessed the coronation of Louis and his wife Adelaide at Compeigne (Dec 8, 877). The empress then retired to her own estates in Lorraine, and eventually remarried to Theobald (Gerlon), vicomte of Troyes (c840 – 904), whom she survived. Empress Richilda died (Jan 30, 914) aged about sixty.

Richilda of Saxony – (c940 – c1007)
Saxon Imperial noblewoman
Richilda was the illegitimate daughter of Otto I the Illustious, Holy Roman emperor (962 – 973) by an unidentified mistress or concubine. She was half-sister to the emperor Otto II (973 – 983) and perhaps full sister to the emperor’s natural son Willigis, the Archbishop of Mainz. She became the wife of Kuno, Count of Oeningen and left many descendants.

Richli, Anna – (1884 – 1954)
Swiss author
Richli was born (Oct 9, 1884) at Willisau in Lucerne. She attended the convent school in Menzingen, and trained as a schoolteacher. She travelled widely in Italy, and then returned to Lucerne where she was employed as an educator. Richli published essays, novels, and biographies including Schatten im Licht (Shadow in Light) (1920). Anna Richli died (Dec 18, 1954) aged seventy, in Lucerne.

Richmond, Charlotte Gordon, Duchess of – (1768 – 1842)
British society leader, traveller and memoirist
Lady Charlotte Gordon was born (Sept 20, 1768) at Gordon Castle, the eldest daughter and senior coheiress of Alexander, fourth Duke of Gordon (1743 – 1827), and his first wife Jane Maxwell (1748 – 1812). She was married (1789) at Gordon Castle, to Charles Lennox (1764 – 1819), the fourth duke of Richmond, to whom she bore many children. Farrington described her as ‘excessively proud and disdainful of persons of inferior rank’ (1807). She accompanied her husband to Brussels, where the duchess was best remembered as the hostess of the the ball held the evening before the famous battle of Quatre Bras (1815) the famous ‘Waterloo Ball’ which was referred to in the verses of the famous poet, Lord Byron. It was held in a coachmaker’s depot in the Rue de Blandisserie. The duchess published a volume of reminiscences entitled Balls I have Held (1816) in London. Charlotte survived her husband as Dowager Duchess of Richmond (1819 – 1842) and with the death of her brother, the fifth and last Duke of Gordon (1836), her son Charles, inherited Gordon Castle, and other estates of the family, in her right. The Duchess of Richmond died (May 5, 1842) aged seventy-three, at her residence in Upper Portland Street, London. She was interred in Chichester Cathedral. The duchess left fourteen children,

• Charles Lennox (1791 – 1860). He succeeded his father as fifth Duke of Richmond (1819 – 1860) and assumed the surname of Gordon-Lennox (1836). He married Lady Caroline Paget (1796 – 1874) and left children.
• Lady Mary Lennox (1792 – 1847). She became the first wife of Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy (1796 – 1858) and left children. She died in a carriage accident.
• Lord John George Lennox (1793 – 1873). He became a Lieutenant-Colonel and was Member of Parliament for West Sussex. He married and left children.
• Lady Sarah Lennox (1794 – 1873). She became the wife of General Sir Peregrine Maitland (died 1854) and left children.
• Lady Georgiana Lennox (1795 – 1891). She became the wife of William Lascelles Fitzgerald De Ros (1797 – 1874), twenty-second Baron De Ros, and left children.
• Lord Henry Adam Lennox (1797 – 1812). He joined the navy aboard the Blake, and drowned after falling overboard near Port Mahon.
• Lady Jane Lennox (1797 – 1861). She became the wife of Lawrence Peel (1801 – 1888), of Kemp Town, Brighton, and left children.
• Lord William Pitt Lennox (1799 – 1881). He was married three times and left children.
• Lord Frederick Lennox (1801 – 1829). He became a captain in the army and died unmarried.
• Lord Sussex Lennox (1802 – 1874). He was married and left children.
• Lady Louisa Maddalena Lennox (1803 – 1900). She became the wife of William Frederick Fownes Tighe (died 1878), of Woodstock, Kilkenny.
• Lady Charlotte Lennox (1804 – 1833). She became the first wife of Maurice Berkeley (1788 – 1867), first Baron Fitzhardinge, and left children.
• Lord Arthur Lennox (1806 – 1864) He became a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Member of Parliament, and was Clerk of the Ordinance (1844). He married and left children.
• Lady Sophia Georgiana Lennox (1808 – 1902). She became the wife of Colonel Lord Thomas Cecil (1797 – 1873).

Richmond, Euphemia Johnson – (1825 – after 1901)
American novelist
Euphemia Richmond was born near Mt Upton, New York, and published her work using the pseudonym ‘Ettie Johnson.’ Her published work included The Jeweled Serpent (1872), Rose Clifton (1881), Anna Maynard (1888) and Aunt Chloe and Her Young Friends (1891).

Richmond, Frances Teresa Stewart, Duchess of   see   Stewart, Frances Teresa

Richmond, Grace Louise – (1866 – 1959)
American novelist
Born Grace Smith in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Mrs Richmond published works included The Second Violin (1906), A Court of Inquiry (1909), Strawberry Acres (1911), Red and Black (1919) and The Listening Post (1929).

Richmond, Mary Ellen – (1861 – 1928)
American pioneer of social reform and author
Mary Richmond was born (Aug 5, 1861) in Belleville, Illinois. Mary Richmond established the Baltimore Charity Organization Society in Maryland (1889). For almost a decade (1900 – 1909) she served as general secretary of the organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was later appointed as director of the Russell Sage Foundation. Mary wrote four volumes concerning issues of social welfare including Friendly Visiting among the Poor (1899). Mary Ellen Richmond died (Sept 12, 1928) aged seventy-seven.

Richmond, Mary Howard, Duchess of – (1519 – 1557)
English Tudor royal
Lady Mary Howard was the only daughter of Thomas Howard, third Duke of Norfolk, and his second wife Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham. She was raised at Tendring Hall, Suffolk and at Hunsdon in Hertfordshire. She was married (1533) to Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII and Bessie Blount, but was left a childless widow (1536). The duchess received the manor of Swaffham in Norfolk as her dower. She was later considered as a possible bride for Henry VIII by the Catholic faction led by her father, but the union would have been incestuous, and the duchess herself was not amenable to the plan. Eventually her younger cousin, Catharine Howard was chosen as the king’s bride. She never remarried despite a scheme organized by her father to marry her to Sir Thomas Seymour (1546).
During the investigation into the supposed conspiracy between her father and Lord Surrey, the duchess and her father’s mistress, Elizabeth Holland, were sent from Kenninghall Palace to London in order to answer questioning by the king’s commissioners. Her testimony saved her father but damned her brother Surrey. The duchess was given custody of Lord Surrey’s children, and granted an income from the crown for their maintenance at Reigate Castle. A patron of the martyrologist John Foxe, she was mentioned favourably in her father’s will (1554). Her portrait by Hans Holbein, and engraved by Bartolozzi, remained in the royal collection. The Duchess of Richmond died (Dec 9, 1557) aged thirty-eight.

Richmond, Sarah Cadogan, Duchess of – (1706 – 1751)
British Hanoverian beauty and courtier
Lady Sarah Cadogan was born (Sept 18, 1706) at The Hague in Holland, the daughter and coheir of William Cadogan, first Baron and first Earl of Cadogan, and his wife Margaretha Cecilia Munter. She became the wife (1719) of Charles Lennox (1701 – 1750), Earl of March, the son and heir of Charles, first Duke of Lennox, the natural son of Charles II and his French mistress Louise de Keroualle. He succeeded his father as second Duke of Lennox (1723 – 1750). Lord March had not been keen on the idea of marriage, and after the wedding he travelled on France for several months, during which time his youthful bride continued her education and training for society in England. Upon his return, reluctant to see to his unwanted wife, Lord March visited the theatre in London. There he was captivated by a beautiful woman he noticed sitting alone in her box. Upon asking her indentity from a bystander, he received the reply, ' Why tis the beautiful Lady March, the toast of London.’ Thus he became unwittingly captivated by the charms of his own wife. The marriage was one of mutual love and affection which lasted till death. The duke’s death left Duchess Sarah grief-stricken. When several months later, she gave birth to their posthumous twelfth child, she never recovered from the ordeal. Her children were,

• Lady Caroline Georgiana Lennox (1723 – 1774). She became the wife of Henry Fox (1705 – 1774), first Baron Holland and was the mother of politician Charles James Fox.
• Unnamed son (born and died 1724).
• Lady Louisa Margaret Lennox (1725 – 1728). She died young.
• Lady Anne Lennox (1726 – 1727). She died young.
• Charles Lennox (born and died 1730). He was styled Earl of March.
• Lady Emilia Mary Lennox (1731 – 1814). She was married firstly to John Fitzgerald (1722 – 1773), second Duke of Leinster, and secondly to William Ogilvie (1740 – 1832), a clergyman. She left children by both marriages.
• Charles Lennox (1735 – 1806). Styled Earl of March, he succeeded his father as third Duke of Richmond (1750 – 1806). He was married to Lady Mary Bruce (1740 – 1796) but died childless.
• Lord George Henry Lennox (1737 – 1805). He was the father of Charles Lennox (1764 – 1819) who succeeded his father as fourth Duke of Richmond (1806 – 1819) and left many descendants.
• Lady Margaret Lennox (1739 – 1741). She died young.
• Lady Louisa Augusta Lennox (1743 – 1825). She married Thomas Conolly (1738 – 1803) of Castletwon, and left issue.
• Lady Sarah Lennox (1745 – 1826). She was much admired by the youthful George III. She married firstly to Sir Thomas Charles Bunbury (1740 – 1921), sixth Baronet, from whom she was divorced, and secondly to George Napier (1751 – 1804). She left children by both marriages.
• Lady Cecilia Margaret Lennox (1751 – 1769). She died unmarried.

Richoara of Salornay    see   Salornay, Richoara de

Richter, Gisela Marie Augusta – (1882 – 1972)
Anglo-American art historian, classical archaeologist and museum curator
Gisela Richter was born (Aug 15, 1882) in London, the daughter of the art historian Jean Paul Richter, of German-French origins. She became a US citizen in 1917. Richter attended school in Florence, Italy, and in London, and was the author of The Craft of Athenian Pottery (1923) and Korai: Archaic Greek Maidens (1968). She specialized in works of Graeco-Roman antiquity for the Metropolitan Museum in New York and she recieved the lifetime achievement award from the American Association of University Women (1944) in recognition to her contribution to classical antiquities. Richter later received the Gold Medal from the Archaeological Institute of America (1968). Her published works included The Craft of Athenian Pottery and Attic Red-Figured Vases, whilst her personal recollections were published as My Memories Recollections of an Archaeologist’s Life (1972). Gisela Richter died (Dec 24, 1972) aged ninety, in Rome.

Ricthofen, Baroness von     see    Lawrence, Frieda

Richwara of Swabia – (c1032 – c1065)
Duchess consort of Carinthia (1061 – c1065)
Richwara was the daughter of Otto II, Duke of Swabia and his first wife Richilda, the daughter of Hugh IV, Count of Egisheim. She was married (c1046) to Berthold I the Bearded (c1018 – 1078), Duke of Carinthia and Margrave of Verona in Italy (1061 – 1078) as his first wife. Duchess Richwara left twosons, Herman I (c1048 – 1074), who was created Margrave of Verona and Count of Breisgau by his father, but predeceased him, leaving descendants, and Gebhard of Carinthia (c1050 – 1111). He took holy orders and became Bishop of Constanz. Richwara’s daughter Luitgard of Carinthia (c1054 – 1119) was married to Diepold II, Margrave of Vohburg (died 1078) whom she survived forty years.

Ricker, Marilla – (1840 – 1920)
American lawyer and civil rights activist
Marilla Ricker was especially noted for her humanitarian efforts towards prisoners and was popularly referred to as ‘The Prisoner’s Friend.’ Ricker was the author of The Philistine (c1901).

Rickert, Edith – (1871 – 1938)
American educator, philologist and author
Martha Edith Rickert was born (July 11, 1871) in Dover, Ohio. Together with Jessie Paton she was co-editor of the American Lyrics publication (1912). Rickert later became a member of the English department at the University of Chicago in Illinois (1924 – 1938). Together with John Matthews Manly (1865 – 1940), the noted Chaucerian scholar and English department head at Chicago University, she wrote several educational texts such as The Writing of English (1919) and Contemporary American Literature (1922). Her other published works included Out of the Cypress Swamp (1902), Folly (1906), The Beggar in the Heart (1909) and The Bojabi Tree (1923). Edith Rickert died (May 23, 1938) aged sixty-six.

‘Ricketty Kate’    see   Filson, Minnie Agnes May

Riclinda of Dhaun – (c1079 – 1126)
German dynastic matriarch
Riclinda was the daughter of Richolf, Rheingrave of Dhaun and his wife Dankmodis, the sister of Archbishop Ruthard of Mainz. The identity of her husband remains unknown, but Riclinda’s son Embricho I, a minister to the archbishop of Cologne, inherited the rheingraviate of Dhaun through her, making her ancestress of the descending dynastic lines of that family, including those of Neufville, Lyburg, and Grumbach. Of her three daughters, the eldest, Hadevig, became a nun at the abbey of Johannisberg.

Riclinda of Saxony – (c956 – c995)
German heiress
Riclinda was the daughter of Luidolf of Saxony, Duke of Swabia, the eldest son and heir of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I (962 – 973). Her mother was Ida, the daughter and heiress of Herman I, Duke of Swabia. Riclinda became the second wife (c974) of Conrad, Count of Rheingau (920 – 997), to whom she bore a daughter, Bertrada, the wife of Udo I of Stade, Count of Liesgau.With the death of her brother, Otto II of Swabia and Bavaria, without issue (982), Riclinda brought the important fief to her husband, who became Duke Conrad II.

Ricthryth (Ricthrith) – (c725 – 786)
Anglo-Saxon queen consort of Northumbria (758 – 759)
Her lineage remains unknown, but Ricthryth was married (c740) to king Oswulf of Northumbria, and bore him two children. She has been identified as the daughter of King Eadbert (died 768), but he was in fact, her father-in-law. Eadbert resigned the crown (758) in favour of Oswulf, so that he could retire and become a monk. However, less than a year afterwards Oswulf was murdered by his own servants. Queen Ricthryth eventually retired from the court of her son, King Elfwold (759 – 788), took the veil and became a nun, being appointed abbess of a royal convent (unnamed). She was venerated as a saint after her death, her feast being recorded in the British Martyrology (Sept 21). Her daughter Osgifu (Osgyva) was married to a cousin, the aetheling Alchred, who ruled Northumbria as king (765 – 774), and left descendants.

Rictrude – (612 – 688)
Merovingian abbess and saint
Rictrude was the daughter of Count Ernold of Gascony. She was married to Adalbert, count of Ostrevant, a courtier of Dagobert I, King of Austrasia (629 – 639). Rictrude bore him four children, all revered as saints, Eusebia, Clotsinda, Maurentius, founder and abbot of Breuil, and Adalsinda. Adalbert was murdered by Rictrude’s own kinsmen (646) and she then founded the double monastery of Marchiennes, Flanders, which she ruled as abbess. Her daughters Clotsinda and Adalsinda were nuns under her rule, and Clotsinda succeeded Rictrude as abbess (688 – 714). Rictrude was revered as a saint (May 12).

Ricula (Ricola) – (fl. c570 – 580)
Anglo-Saxon queen
Ricula was the daughter of Eormenric, king of Kent, and was sister to King Aethelbert I (560 – 616). Ricula was given in marriage (c570) to Sledda, the son and heir of King Aescwine of Essex, whom he succeeded as king (576). She bore him two sons, King Saebert (c590 – 617), who left descendants, and the aetheling Sexbald (Seaxa), who was the father of two later kings, Sigherbert II ‘the Good’ (died c660) and Swithelm (died c665). An entry in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle implies that Aethelbert of Kent, through Ricula, had some amount of political power within the kingdom of Essex, and that he used that influence to appoint his sister’s son Saebert on the throne there, an early example of the usefulness of medieval marriage alliances to extend royal power.

Riddell, Charlotte Eliza Lawson – (1832 – 1906) 
Irish author
Charlotte Cowan was born in Antrim, the daughter of James Cowan, High Sheriff of Carrickfergus. She was married (1857) to the grandson of Luke Riddell. Sometimes described as the most famous writer of Victorian supernatural fiction, Charlotte was forced to take up writing as a career to provide an income for her family, because of financial indigence caused by both father and husband.
One of the most popular themes of her novels was ghost afflicted manses such as The Haunted House at Latchford (1873), The Uninhabited House (1875) and The Haunted River (1877). All three deal with the solving of an old crime. Her other written works included The Ruling Passion (1858), City and Suburb (1861), Far Above Rubies (1868), Home, Sweet Home (1873), Her Mother’s Darling (1877), Daisies and Buttercups (1882), The Nun’s Curse (1887), A Rich Man’s Daughter (1897) and Poor Fellow (1902). Charlotte Lawson Riddell died (Sept 24, 1906) at Spring Grove, near Isleworth.

Riddell, Maria Woodley – (1772 – 1808)
British poet and travel writer
Maria Woodley was born (Nov 4, 1772) the daughter of William Woodley, a plantation owner who twice served as governor of the Leeward Islands. Maria was married firstly (1790) Lieutenant Walter Riddell (1764 – 1802), a plantation owner at Antigua, and secondly (1808), just prior to her death, to Phillips Lloyd Fletcher (1782 – 1863), an officer of the dragoons. Her earliest known verses Inscriptions on an Hermitage (1788) were addressed to the wit Joseph Jekyll during a visit to the Caribbean. In 1790 – 1791 the visit was repeated, and Maria composed he work Voyages to the Madeira and Leeward Caribbean Isles: With Sketches of the Natural History of these Islands which was published in Edinburgh (1792). Maria remained on terms of friendship with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, and collaborated with his biographer, James Currie. She travelled to London (1797), and was granted apartments at Hampton Court Palace. Highly intelligent, well read, and linguistically proficient Maria published The Metrical Miscellany (1802), a poetic anthology including verses composed by Maria herself and many of her literary contemporaries. Maria Woodley Liddell died (Dec 15, 1808) aged thirty-six, at Chester.

Riddelsdell, Dame Mildred – (1913 – 2006)
British civil servant
Mildred Riddelsdell was born (Dec 1, 1913) in Oxfordshire, the daughter of a clergyman. She attended Bedford College in London and then entered the Ministry of Labour (1936), becoming the private secretary to Ernest Bevin during the war years (1939 – 1945). Mildred Riddelsdell assisted with the formation and organization of the contributory benefits scheme which formed the core of the public welfare system. She was later attached to the United Nations (1953 – 1956) and was granted the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her work there. She was later appointed as permanent secretary (1971) and was made Dame Commander of the Order of Bath (1972), the first woman to be so honoured in the order’s two hundred and fifty year existence. Known for her no nonsense attitude, attention to detail, and her terse vocabulary, Dame Mildred remained unmarried. Dame Mildred Riddelsdell died (July 25, 2006) aged ninety-two.

Ridder, Elizabeth Sullivan – (1899 – 1993)
American philanthropist
Elizabeth Ridder was born in Amsterdam, New York and was raised in Manhatten She attended Trinity College in Washinton. Ridder received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award from Pope Pius XII (1942) for her services to Catholic youth, and the Catholic Youth Organization award (1958). Ridder was twice a member on the national board of the Girl Scouts (1946 – 1958) and (1961 – 1970) and also served as National Secretary of the Girl Scouts of America for nearly two decades (1950 – 1968). Elizabeth Sullivan Ridder died (Aug 12, 1993) aged ninety-three, in Palm Beach, Florida.

Rider, Alex    see   Keene, Frances

Rider-Kelsey, Corinne – (1877 – 1947)
American soprano and poet
Corinne Rider-Kelsey was born (Feb 24, 1877) at Le Roy in New York. She studied under Theodore Toedt, and made her stage debut as Micaela in Bizet’s Carmen (1908). Her best known poems included ‘Brief Encounters’ and ‘Nocturnal Passage.’ Madame Rider-Kelsey died (July 10, 1947) aged seventy.

Ridge, Antonia – (1895 – 1981)
British children’s author
Antonia Ridge was born in Holland. Ridge wrote radio plays for children, and translated Dutch and French children’s tales into English. She was best remembered for collections of short stories such as The Handy Elephant (1946).

Ridge, Lola – (1873 – 1941)
Irish-American poet and radical
Rose Emily Ridge was born (Dec 12, 1873) in Dublin. She studied art in Sydney, Australia and later removed permanently to the USA (1907) where she sttled in New York. Lola Ridge was best known for the work, Firehead (1929), which recorded the incidents connected with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Her last published collection of verse was entitled Dance of Fire (1935). Lola Ridge died (May 19, 1941) aged sixty-seven, in Brooklyn, New York.

Riding, Laura Reichenthal – (1901 – 1991)
American poet, critic and novelist
Laura Reichenthal was born (Jan 16, 1901) in New York, the daughter of Austrian migrants. She attended Cornell University, where she worked with British historian and scholar, Robert Graves (1895 – 1985) and became the wife of a history lecturer, Louis Gottschalk, from whom she was divorced (1925). Riding’s work attracted the attention of the avante-garde literary group known as the ‘Fugitives’ from Vanderbilt University, and her first collection of verses The Close Chaplet (1926), were published in England by the company established by writer Virginia Woolf and her husband Leonard. Her work was considered completely unique and she was the founder of the New Criticism style, in which Riding attempts to find a reasoning framework for human existence. Riding later became involved in a liasion with the historian and author Robert Graves, with whom she was co-founder of the Sezin Press (1927 – 1938), and the couple resided in London, France, and Spain, but the couple fell out in a very publicly embarrassing manner. She later remarried (1938) to Schuyler Jackson, the poetry editor of Time magazine. Other works included Laura and Francisca (1931), Poet: A Lying Word (1933), Trojan Ending (1937) and Collected Poems (1938). With Graves she co-wrote A Survey of Modernist Poetry (1927).
Laura Riding died (Sept 2, 1991) aged ninety, in Sebastian, Florida.

Ridler, Anne Barbara – (1912 – 2001)   
British librettist, poet, dramatist and translator
Anne Bradby was born (July 30, 1912) in Rugby, in Warwickshire, daughter of the housemaster of Rugby School. She attended King’s College, London, and studied abroad in Rome and Florence. She was married to Vivian Hughes Ridler, the printer to the University of Oxford (1958 – 1978), and bore him four children. Anne Ridler’s collections of verse included The Nine Bright Shiners (1943), A Matter of Life and Death (1959) and New and Selected Poems (1988). She translated many Italian opera libretti into English including Rosinda (1973), Return of Ulysses (1978), Agrippina (1981) and Cosi fan Tute (1986). Her plays included The Trial of Thomas Cranmer (1956) and Who Is My Neighbour? (1963). Anne Ridler died (Oct 15, 2001) aged eighy-nine, at Oxford.

Ridley, Annie – (fl. 1864 – 1870)
British water colour painter
Annie Ridley specialized in flower portraits. Her work was exhibited at the British Institute prior to 1867 and at the Suffolk Street Gallery.

Ridley, Dame Betty – (1910 – 2005)
British churchwoman and reformer
Born Mildred Betty Mosley at Poplar, East London, she was the daughter of Henry Mosley, Bishop of Stepney, and was educated at the North London Collegiate School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. She married (1929) Rev. Michael Ridley.  Ridley played a leading role in the reform of the Church of England organisation from the 1960’s, and was a firm advocate for more responsibility to be shouldered by women within the church. She was appointed as the first female Third Church Estates Commissioner in 1972, and strongly supported the Movement for the Ordination of Women from its inception (1979).

Ridley, Cressida – (1917 – 1998)
British archaeologist
Helen Laura Cressida Bonham-Carter was born (April 22, 1917) the elder daughter of Maurice Bonham-Carter, and his wife Violet, Lady Asquith of Yarnbury, the daughter of Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith. She was educated in Paris and Vienna, and became the wife (1939) of Jasper Alexander Maurice Ridley (1913 – 1943), Lieutenant of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who perished during WW II. The couple had one son. Always fascinated by archaeology, Cressida Ridley established excavations in the Haliakmon Valley of Greece (1971) and became a formidable authority on neolithic Greece. She continued to study in Greece for several months of the year, and join other excavations, until prevented by ill-health (1993).

Ridley, Marjorie – (1926 – 2000)
British physician, gynaecologist and dermatologist
Ridley was born (May 22, 1926). She was appointed as a consultant to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital for Women, where she established a specialized dermatology clinic. Ridley wrote reports concerning diseases of the vulva as well as authoring a volume of the Major Problems in Dermatology series (1974). Marjorie Ridley died (Oct 28, 2000) aged seventy-four.

Ridste, Frances Lillian Mary   see   Landis, Carole

Rie, Dame Lucie – (1902 – 1995)
British pottery designer
Born Lucie Gomperz in Vienna, Austria, she attended the Kunstgewerbeschule. She was married (1926 – 1940) to Hans Rie, from whom she was later divorced. With her husband she fled to England after the Nazi takeover (1938). During WW II she worked in ceramics with Hans Coper (1920 – 1981) and the couple worked together until 1960, by which time Lucie had evolved her own particular stoneware technique using an electric kiln. An exhibition of her work was held in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (1994). In recognition of her valuable contribution to ceramic design, she was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1991).

Riedel, Deborah – (1958 – 2009)
Australian soprano
Riedel was born (July 31, 1958) in Sydney, New South Wales, the daughter of a pianist. She was raised in Sydney and studied the piano at the Sydney Conservatorium. Deborah then trained as a schoolteacher before winning a place in the chorus of the Australian Opera (1983) where Richard Bonynge was much impressed by her vocal range. She made her debut in her homeland with the Victoria State Opera as Enrichetta in I Puritani and was able to perform soprano, mezzo soprano and coloratura roles. Ridel performed overseas with the Vienna State Opera and at the Metropolitan in New York, Covent Garden in London and in Rome and Paris. Riedel made her American debut as Amina in La Sonnambula with the San Diego Opera (1994). Her roles included Mimi in La boheme, Leila in Pearlfishers, Violetta in La Traviata and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. She performed the role of Sieglinde in Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle in Adelaide, South Australia (2004). Deborah Riedel died (Jan 8, 2009) aged fifty, in Sydney.

Riedesel, Frederika Charlotte Louise von – (1746 – 1808)
German diarist and letter writer
Born Frederica Charlotte Louisa Massow, she was the daughter of a Prussian minister of state and became the wife of General Baron von Riedesel, the commander of the Brunswick troops which were serving with the British Army in America. Madame von Riedesel lived in Canada during the American Revolution and later established an orphanage for the children of soldiers, and built a poorhouse in Brunswick, Germany. Her personal correspondene was edited and published posthumously in English as Letters and Journals Relating to the War of the American Revolution, and the Capture of the German Troops at Saratoga (1867).

Riefenstahl, Leni – (1902 – 2003)
German actress, film producer and photographer
Hlene Berte Amalie Riefenstahl was born (Aug 22, 1902) in Berlin, Prussia, the daughter of Alfred Riefenstahl. She was trained as a dancer and during the 1920’s she made her cinema appearance in several popular ‘ice’ films. She then moved to directing and produced four important feature films The Blue Light (1932), Victory of Faith (1933), Triumph of Will (1934) which dealt with the emergence of Nazi Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, and Olympia 1936 (1938), which dealt with the Olympic games of that year which were held in Germany. With the end of WW II and the fall of the Nazi regime, Riefenstahl was banned from making films because of her former associations, though she would always maintain that her work had remained objective. She turned her talents to photography and produced three books The Last of the Nuba (1973), The People of Kau (1976) and Coral Gardens(1978). She also wrote her autobiography The Sieve of Time (1993). Leni Riefenstahl died (Sept 9, 2003) aged one hundred and one, in Berlin.

Riese, Felicia    see   Roc, Patricia

Rieseneck, Maria Triebel, Baroness von    see   Triebel, Maria Martha

Riesenfeld, Charlotte (Lotte) – (1902 – 2000)
Austrian-Australian philanthropist
Charlotte Rink was born in Austria the daughter of Heinrich Rink, an Austrian Jew. Lotte was educated at a Free School, which did not teach religion, and she later studied philosophy and chemistry at university, where she met her future husband, the research chemist Franz Riesenfeld (1902 – 1974) whom she married in 1929. The couple had no children. Because of the rise of the Nazi regime, the couple left Austria, and immigrated to England, other family members going on to Australia. In London Lotte helped support them by giving bridge lessons. The couple later immigrated to Australia (1951) and resided at Maroubra in Sydney, New South Wales, where they ran several pharmacy businesses with great success. Widowed in 1974, Charlotte moved to Randwick. Through the influence of several of her Quaker friends, Charlotte was introduced to the anthroposophical teachings of Rudolf Steiner, and joined the Anthroposophical Society. There she met Helga Forster, and the two women planned and financed the construction of the Christophorus House Retirement Centre in Hornsby, which was to be organized around anthroposophical precepts and was officially opened in 1981. She herself suffered increasingly from Alzheimer’s disease during the last decade of her life. Charlotte Riesenfeld died (Nov 20, 2000) aged ninety-eight, in Hornsby.

Rieti, Philippa de – (c1190 – 1236)
Italian Clarissan nun
Philippa was born into a wealthy family of Rieti, she was converted by the preaching of St Francis of Assissi. Eventually winning over her family, Philippa and some companions established themselves at a convent built for them by her brother at Mareri. These ladies observed the rule of St Clara, and Philippa was the first superior of this foundation. She died at Mareri, and her worship as a saint within the Order of St Francis was authorized by Pope Pius VII (Feb 16).

Rietz, Madame de    see    Enke, Wilhelmina

Rieux, Renee de – (c1530 – 1567)
French heiress
Renee de Rieux was the elder daughter of Charles de Rieux and his wife Catherine, the eldest daughter of Guy XVI, Seigneur de Laval. She was married to Louis de Sainte-Maure, Marquis de Nesle. She inherited the seigneurie of Laval in Maine, but her marriage remained childless, and at her death the fief passed to her sister Claude de Rieux, the wife of Francois de Coligny, and her descendants, later passing to the La Tremoille branch of the family.

Rifaat, Alifa – (1930 – 1996)
Egyptian author
Alifa Rifaat was born (June 5, 1930) and denied a university education by her parents who arranged her marriage instead. She accepted this though her criticism of traditional Muslim mores as regards the lot of wives reveals her own frustration.Rifaat spoke only Arabic but nevertheless she travelled the world wideley, visiting England, Germany, and Austria, as well as various Mediterranean countries. With the death of her husband (1978) she raised their children alone. Her published works were translated into several languages including English, Dutch, and Swedish, but her most famous work was Distant View of a Minaret. Alifa Rifaat died (Jan, 1996) aged sixty-five, in Cairo.

Rignold, Marie Braybrook – (1842 – 1901)
Anglo-Australian stage actress and comedienne
Marie Braybrook was born (Nov 11, 1842) in England. Possessed of great personal beauty and natural dancing ability, she quickly became an established leading lady and character actress.  Marie became the wife of fellow actor and producer, George Rignold, with whom she toured London and Sydney, Australia. Her best received roles were the blind lady in My Jack (1891), and Mother Shipton in Romany Rye (1893). Marie Rignold died (Feb 25, 1901) aged fifty-eight, in Sydney.

Rihinu (Ri-nui) – (fl. c150 – c120 BC)
Parthian queen
Rihinu was one of the wives of King Mithridates I, the founder of the Parthian empire, and was the mother of Phraates II, for whom she ruled as regent (138 – 128 BC). Her son was killed in battle against the Scythian Tochari tribe of Baktria, and she handed over the government to her brother-in-law, Artabanus I (128 – 124 BC).

Rijck, Cornelia de – (1656 – after 1710)
Flemish painter
Cornelia was the daughter of artist Willem de Rijck, who wrked on commissions in Antwerp and in London, England. She was married to the painter Gerrit van Goor (died c1694) whom she survived, and is said to have worked in Delft. Her surviving works included Poultry Scene. Cornelia de Rijck was later living in Amsterdam (1710), where she died before 1727.

Rikardis    see   Richardis of Schwerin

Rilliet-Huber, Catherine – (1764 – after 1810)
Italian-French letter writer and salon figure
Catherone Rilliet-Huber was a friend of Madame de Stael. Her surviving letters have been published.

Rimer, Louisa Serena – (fl. 1855 – 1875)
British artist and flower painter
Louisa Rimer was a married woman who exhibited her work at the Royal Academy, the British Institute, and various other exhibitions in London.

Rimskaia-Korsakova, Julia    see   Veysberg, Yuliya Lazarevna

Rin, Ishigaki – (1920 – 2004)
Japanese contemporary poet and writer
Ishagaki Rin was born (Feb 21, 1920) in Tokyo, where she attended high school. She never married and worked for many years with the Industrial Bank of Japan. With this income Ishigaki supported her family. Her verse made use of ordinary everyday objects, which a woman used within the home, and was based upon simple simplistic lines and common sense. Her published collections included The Pan, the Pot, the Burning Fire I Have in Front of Me (1959), Nameplate and Other Works (1968), considered her best work, and Tender Words (1984). Ishigaki Rin died (Dec 26, 2004) aged eighty-four.

Rincon, Providencia Porrata Doria de    see   Rubens, Alma (2)

Rind, Clementina – (c1740 – 1774)
American printer and newspaper editor
Prominent during the revolutionary period, Clementina may have been born in Maryland. She became the wife of William Rind (1733 – 1773), co-publisher of the Maryland Gazette. At the invititation of Thomas Jefferson, William moved to Williamsburg, Virginia where he established the Virginia Gazette (1766). With William’s death Clementina took over her husband’s business in Williamsburg. Her deed of mortgage to her late husband’s printing business survives. Clementina Rind printed Thomas Jefferson’s pamphlet A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774), which was declared as ‘second only to the Declaration of Independence’ in political importance. George Washington was one of the first to buy a copy. The House of Burgesses appointed Rind as public printer (May, 1774). Clementina Rind died (Sept, 1774) aged about thirty-four.

Rinehart, Mary Roberts – (1876 – 1958)
American crime fiction writer
Mary Roberts was born (Aug 12, 1876) nee Roberts in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the daughter of a salesman. She trained as a nurse in Pittsburgh, and was married (1896) to Stanley Rinehart, a surgeon. Mary Rinehart’s first published work was the detective novel, The Circular Staircase (1908), which was followed by over five dozen more novels such as The Amazing Interlude (1917) and Dangerous Days (1919). With Avery Hopwood she co-wrote The Bat (1953), which was later made into a film of the same name (1959) which starred Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead. She was widowed in 1932 and moved to New York, where she survived a murder attempt by her own cook (1947) and a house fire (1948). Mary Roberts Rinehart died of cancer (Sept 22, 1958) aged eighty-two, in New York.

Ringardis – (c805 – after 836)
Carolingian queen consort
Ringardis was the daughter of Theodebert, Count of Madrie in Aquitaine, and was sister to Robert, Count of Sesseau in Berry. Her paternal grandparetns were Nibelung II, Count of Autun (himself the great-grandson of Pepin II of Heristal through an illegitimate son), and his wife Aba of Autun, the sister of William of Autun, count of Toulouse (Guillaume de Gellone). Ringardis was married (822) to Pepin I (797 – 838), King of Aquitaine, the son of the Emperor Louis I. The Vita Hludowicis Imperatoris calls her filia Theotberti comitis, but does not name her, as do the Annales of Einhard. A surviving contemporary poem names the queen ‘Ringart’. A spurious charter of Pepin’s (March 12, 836) is the source that confusingly gives her the incorrect name of Ingeltrude. There is no record of Queen Ringardis surviving her husband. She was buried with him in the collegiate abbey of Saint-Radegone at Poitiers, and left four children,

• Pepin II (823 – after 864). He succeeded his father as King of Aquitaine (838 – 848) but was deposed.
• Daughter (born 824). She became the second wife of Gerard I (died 841), Count of Auvergne.
• Charles of Aquitaine (825 – 863). He took holy orders and was appointed as Archbishop of Mainz (856 – 863).
• Daughter. She became the wife of Rather, Count of Limoges.

Rinser, Luise – (1911 – 2002)
German novelist, writer and diarist
Rinser was born (April 30, 1911) in Landsberg-Pitzling, Bavaria. She was raised a Roman Catholic and studied psychology prior to training as a schoolteacher. She gave up this career after she refused to join the Nazi Party. Her first work, Die glasernen Ringe (The Glass Rings) (1940) proved successful, but a second edition was later banned, and Rinser was imprisoned, and accused of treason. Theses experiences led to the publication of, Gefangnis-Tagebuch (Prison Diary) (1946). This work was followed by novels such as Hochebene (High Plateau (1948), Jan Lobel aus Warschau (Jan Lobel from Warsaw) (1948), and Mitte des Lebens (Middle of Life) (1950). Her two religious novels which followed proved less of a success. Her later works included Baustelle.Eine Art Tagebuch (Construction Site.A Sort of Diary) (1970) and Kriegsspielzeug (Toys of War) (1978). Her autobiography was published as Wolf umarmen (Embracing the Wolf) (1981). Luise Rinser died (March 17, 2002) aged ninety, at Unterhaching, near Munich

Rinteau de Verrieres, Marie – (1730 – 1775)
French dancer and courtesan
Marie Rinteau was the daughter of Claude Louis Rinteau and his wife Marie Anne Dupuy. She became a dancer and was sometimes known as Madamoiselle de Verrieres. Marie became the mistress of the famous general Maurice de Saxe (1696 – 1750) and was the mother of his illegitimate daughter, Marie Aurore de Saxe, herself the grandmother of the famous novelist George Sand (1804 – 1876).

Riordan, Marjorie – (1921 – 1984)
American film actress
Marjorie Riordan was born (Jan 24, 1921) in Washington, D.C., and studied clinical psychology. Marjorie was living in Wisconsin when she was noticed by an acting scout, and became a contract player with Warner Brothers Studios. Marjorie Riordan played young Fanny in, Mr Skeffington (1944) with Claude Rains and Bette Davis. Her other film credits included Pardon My Sarong (1942), Navy Nurse (1945), South of Monterey (1946) as Maria Morales, and The Hoodlum (1951). Riordan later pursued her career in psychology and speech pathology, and eventually retired from acting altogether. She was married to fellow psychologist, Allan Schlaff. Marjorie Riordan died (March 8, 1984) aged sixty-three, in Los Angeles, California.

Rios, Elvira – (1914 – 1987)
Mexican film actress and vocalist
Rios was born (Nov 16, 1914) in Mexico City. She appeared in many feature films of the 1930’s and 1940’s, and was best remembered for her appearance as the Apache Indian squaw Yakima in John Ford’s classic western, Stagecoach (1939). The pianist and conductor Paul Baron arranged some of her vocal pieces. Her other film credits included, Tropic Holiday (1938), The Real Glory (1939), Murallas de pasion (1944) and Tango vuelve a Paris (1948) where she played Lupe Torres. Elvira Rios died (Jan 13, 1987) aged seventy-two.

Riperton, Minnie – (1947 – 1979) 
Black American vocalist
Minnie Riperton was born in Chicago, Illinois. She began her professional singing career in her teens with a group called the Gems.  From 1963 – 1970 she was a back-up singer at Chess Records, and from 1966 – 1970 was a member of the Rotary Connection group which toured with Janis Joplin, Santana, the Rolling Stones and Jefferson Airplane amongst others. Her first solo album ‘Come to My Garden’ was released in 1970, but she is best remembered for the lilting love song Loving You from her ‘Perfect Angel’ album (1973) released through Epic Records. From 1976 she suffered from breast cancer, and in 1978 became the first black woman chosen to be national education chairman of the American Cancer Council. Minnie Riperton died in Los Angeles, California, at the early age of thirty-one.

Ripley, Alexandra – (1934 – 2004)
American novelist
Born Alexandra Braid (Jan 8, 1934) in Charleston, South Carolina, she was the daughter of an insurance salesman. She attended finishing school for studying Russian at Vassar College. She worked in advertising with Life magazine in New York prior to her first marriage (1958 – 1963) with Leonard Ripley. The couple had two daughters before they were divorced. Alexandra Ripley returned to Charleston and later lived in Virginia. Her first historical novel, Charleston (1981) became a best-seller, as did several subsequent novels On Leaving Charleston (1984), The Time Returns (1984) and New Orleans Legacy (1987). She was most famous for the best-selling, Scarlett (1991), a sequel to Gone With the Wind (1939), and had been commissioned to write the book by author Margaret Mitchell’s own family. Alexandra Ripley died (Jan 10, 2004) aged seventy.

Ripley, Dorothy – (1767 – 1831)
British missionary, anti-slavery campaigner and prison reformer
Dorothy Ripley was born (April 24, 1767) in Whitby, Yorkshire, the daughter of a Methodist clergyman. She held strong religious beliefs and felt that she was called to missionary work in the USA (1797), though she worked independently and refused to categorize herself as a member of any particular religious community. She remained unmarried. In America Ripley worked tirelessly for the cause of the Negro slaves, and once preached before President Thomas Jefferson himself and Aaron Burr, becoming the first woman to ever officially speak in Congress (1806). Ripley was the author of Extraordinary Conversion, and Religious Experience ….with her First Voyage and Travels in America (1810), which was printed in London, and of The Bank of Faith and Works United (1819), which was published in Philadelphia. She also published her own memoirs An Address to All in Difficulties (1821). Dorothy Ripley died (Dec 23, 1831) aged sixty-four, in Mecklenburgh, Virginia.

Ripley, Sarah Alden – (1793 – 1867)
American scholar
Born Sarah Bradford, she was related to Priscilla Alden of ‘Mayflower’ fame and to William Bradford, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. She was the aunt of the philosopher Ralph Emerson Waldo (1803 – 1892).

Ripon, Gladys Herbert, Marchioness of  see  De Grey, Gladys Herbert, Lady

Rippin, Jane Parker Deeter – (1882 – 1953)
American Girl Scout leader, journalist and social reformer
Jane Deeter was born (May 30, 1882) at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the daughter of a businesswoman. She was educated at home before attending the Irving College in Mechanicsburg, after which she was appointed as a n assistant school principal. She was married (1913) to James Yardley Rippin, an architect. Jane Rippin was appointed as chief probation officer in Philadelphia (1914), and then operated a public detention centre for female offenders. She was later director of the female section of the Commission on Training Camp Activities set up by the war department. Rippin later served as national director of the Girl Scouts (1919 – 1930). Jane Rippin died (June 2, 1953) aged seventy-one, in Tarrytown, New York.

Ripsime – (1777 – 1847)
Princess of Georgia
Ripsime was the fifth daughter of Giorgi XII (1749 – 1801), King of Georgia, and his first wife, Princess Kethevan Petrovna Andronikachvili. Princess Ripsime became the wife (c1799) of Prince Dimitri Iroubakidze-Tcholokoeff and was appointed a Lady of the Russian Order of St Catherine (Lesser cross) by the Imperial Russian court. Princess Ripsime died (April 8, 1847) aged sixty-nine, at Tiflis.

Riquilda of Poland    see   Richeza of Silesia

Rischbieth, Bessie Mabel – (1874 – 1967)
Australian feminist and theosophist
Born Bessie Earle (Oct 16, 1874) in Adelaide, South Australia, Mrs Rischbieth served as president of the AFWV (Australian Federation of Women Voters) for two decades (1921 – 1942). Bessie Rischbieth died (March 13, 1967) aged ninety-two, in Perth, Western Australia.

Rischgitz, Mary – (fl. 1882 – 1892)
British artist and flower painter
Mary Rischgitz was a resident of London. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and at various galleries including Suffolk Street.

Ristori, Adelaide – (1822 – 1906)
Italian actress
Adelaide Ristori was born in Cividale, in Friuli, Lombardy, the daughter of travelling players. She made her stage debut at the age of fourteen (1836) in the title role of Silvio Pellico’s Francesca da Rimini, and eventually became the leading lady of the Royal Sardinian Company. However, her marriage with the Marquis del Grillo (1847) temporarily interrupted her acting career. Enthusiastically acclaimed by the Paris audiences in the comic role of Mirandelina in Goldoni’s La Locandiera (1855), she was admired by Alexandre Dumas the elder for her passion and spontaneity, and earned international reknown as a leading tragedy actress. Adelaide toured Germany, Vienna, London, Warsaw, Madrid, South America and the USA with great success. Other acclaimed roles included Racine’s Phedre, Legoure’s Midie, and Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth. She retired in 1885, and left reminiscences Memoirs and Artistic Studies (1888). Adelaide Ristori died (Oct 8, 1906) in Rome.

Rita of Armenia – (1278 – 1333)
Byzantine Augusta
Rita was the daughter of Leo II, King of Armenia (1270 – 1289) and his wife Keran of Lampron (Anna), and was niece to Sibylla, the wife of Bohemond VI, Prince of Antioch in Palestine. Rita was the paternal great-granddaughter of Queen Zabel and paternal granddaughter of the redoubtable Rita of Barbaron for whom she named. Rita was married (1295) to Emperor Michael IX Palaeologus (1277 – 1320), the eldest son and heir of the Emperor Andronikos II (1282 – 1328), with whom he became co-ruler. Rita then adopted the name of Maria. With her husband’s death the Empress became a nun, taking the name Xene (Xenia) in religion. She left four children,

• Andronikos III (1297 – 1341). He succeeded his grandfather as emperor (1328 – 1341). He was married twice and left issue.
• Princess Anna Despoina Palaeologina (1298 – 1321). She was married firstly to Thomas Angelos (died 1318), despot of Epirus, and secondly to Niccolo Orsini (died 1323), count of Kephallenia.
• Princess Theodora Palaeologina (died before 1330). She was married firstly to the Bulgarian tsar Svetslav (died 1323), and then to his successor, Tsar Mikhail III (died 1330).
• Prince Manuel Palaeologus (c1302 – 1319). His father’s favourite child, he was later murdered by soldiers.

Rita of Barbaron – (c1125 – 1210)
Armenian queen mother
Rita of Barbaron was the daughter of Sempad, lord of Barbaron (died 1153), who was killed in battle against the Greeks. She was married (1143) to Prince Stephen of Armenia (1110 – 1165), a younger brother of Prince Thoros II. With the murder of her husband, Rita and her children obtained refuge with her brother Panguran at Barbaron. A woman of remarkable character she carefully protected them throughout their youth, and with the death of their uncle Mleh, her elder son Roupen (1145 – 1182) was summoned to Armenia as his successor, and became Prince Roupen III (1174 – 1182) and of King Leo II (1150 – 1219) in whose reign she was honoured as queen mother. When her son Leo captured the Hetoumid stronghold of Lampron (1188), he entrusted that castle to the charge of his mother. She also bore Stephen two daughters, of whom Doleta became the wife (1186) of the Crusader lord, Bernard Embriaco of Jebail in Palestine (c1140 – c1217).

Rita of Cascia – (1377 – 1457)
Italian Augustinian nun and mystic
Rita was born in Roccaporena, near Spoleto. She was married to a difficult husband at the command of her parents. After two decades she was left a widow by his murder. Rita then became an Augustinian nun at Cascia in Umbria, and devoted herself to nursing and died of tuberculosis, aged seventy-nine. Credited with mystical visitations and mysterious wounds, she was beatied by Pope Urban VIII (1626) and later canonized by Leo IX (1900), the church observing her feast annually (May 22). Rita of Cascia is the patron saint of desperate cases.

Ritchie, Anne Isabella Thackeray, Lady – (1837 – 1919)
British writer
Anne Thackeray was born in London, the elder daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray, author of Vanity Fair, and his wife Isabella Shawe. Anne was educated at Kensington and in Paris, and was her father’s closest companion until his death (1863). She contributed to a library of her father’s novels, a number of invaluable personal reminiscences to an edition of his works (1898 – 1899). She married (1877), when she was forty, Sir Richmond Ritchie (1854 – 1912), who was seventeen years her junior, to whom she bore a daughter. The marriage proved very happy, the difference in their ages being equalized somewhat by the early maturity of her husband’s character, and the lasting youthful outlook of her own.
Her published novels included The Story of Elizabeth (1863), The Village on the Cliff (1867), Old Kensington (1873) and Mrs Dymond (1885). Her introduction to Cranford and Our Village, her Study of Mme de Sevigne (1881), A Book of Sybils (1883), her, Lord Tennyson and His Friends (1892), and her chapters Favoursome Memoirs (1894), abound with indelicate, revealing touches of biography. With the publication of the Dictionary of National Biography (1900), Lady Ritchie contributed the life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her niece, the novelist Virginia Woolf, based her character of Mrs Hilbery in her work Night and Day (1919) upon Lady Ritchie. Lady Ritchie died (Feb 26, 1919) in Chelsea, London.

Ritchie, Margaret Willard – (1903 – 1969) 
British soprano and teacher
Margaret Ritchie was born (June 7, 1903) at Grimsby, Lindsey, and studied abroad in Italy before attending the Royal College of Music in London and later with Agnes Nicholls and Sir Henry Wood. She joined the Intimate Opera Company established by Frederick Woodhouse, and became the lead soprano there. Ritchie was particularly admired as Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte at Sadler’s Wells (1944), and performed the role of Lucia in the premiere of Benjamin Britten’s Rape of Lucretia (1946). She later joined the English Opera Group (1947) and was noted for her renditions of the works of Mozart, Liszt, and Monteverdi. The latter part of her career was spent as a singing teacher in Oxford and London. Margaret Willard Ritchie died (Feb 7, 1969) aged sixty-five.

Ritter, Dorothy Fay    see   Fay, Dorothy

Ritter, Rosa Dorothea – (1759 – 1833)
German courtier
The mistress of Wilhelm I, Elector of Hesse-Kassel, Rosa Ritter was born (July 29, 1759), the daughter of Johann George Ritter and his wife Maria Magdalena Witz. Rosa became the elector’s mistress (1778) and bore him eight children. She was created Baroness von Lindenthal (1783), and their children bore the title of barons and baronesses von Haynau by electoral decree (1800). She later married Johann George Kleinhaus (died 1835). Rosa Dorothea Ritter died (Jan 13, 1833) aged seventy-three.

Ritter-Gotze, Marie – (1865 – 1922)
German mezzo soprano
Ritter-Gotze was born in Berlin, Prussia, and became the pupil of the concert singer and teacher Jenny Meyer at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, and studied under Levysohn. Marie made her debut at the Royal Opera in Berlin, and then performed for four years in Hamburg. Later she toured America in concert and performed at the Metropolitan in New York. From 1902 she was attached to the Berlin Opera. Marie Ritter-Gotze died (Feb 18, 1922) in London, England.

Ritza – (fl. c950)
German saint
Ritza was buried in the church of St Castor at Koblentz, and her feast was recorded in the Acta Sanctorum (Aug 30). No details are recorded of her life apart from the fact that she was credited with miracles.

River, Pearl     see    Nicholson, Eliza Jane Poitevent

Rivera, Frida    see   Kahlo, Frida

Rivera, Marika - (1919 - 2010)
French film and television actress
Marika Rivera was born (Nov 13, 1919) in Paris, the daughter of the painter Diego Rivera (1886 - 1957) and his mistress the painter Marevna Vorobieff-Stebelska (1892 - 1984). She was raised by her mother and had acting and dancing instruction from early childhood. She was married firstly (1938) to the painter Jean Paul Brusset (1909 - 1985), and secondly to the British national Rodney Philipps. Each marriage produced a son but ended in divorce. Miss Rivera appeared in over one dozen films including The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968), Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Percy's Progress (1974), Casanova (1976) directed by Federico Fellini, The Supergrass (1985), Hotel du Paradis (1986) and Vincent : The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh (1987) which was her last movie. Rivera also made appearances in episodes of such popular television shows as Home Tonight (1961) and The Saint (1966) with Roger Moore. Marika Rivera died (Jan 14, 2010) aged ninety, at Charlton Down in Dorset.

Rivers, Elizabeth Scales, Countess of – (c1437 – 1473)
English medieval heiress
Elizabeth Scales was the only child of Thomas, seventh Baron Scales, and his wife Emma Whalesburgh, of Cornwall. She was married firstly (c1452) to Sir Henry Bourchier, second son of Henry, Earl of Essex. Both her husband and father died at the hands of the Yorkists (1460). Lady Bourchier had inherited the ancient baronies of Scales and Neucelles from her father, and remarried to (1461) Sir Anthony Woodville, who with his father transferred their allegiance to Edward IV, who would later marry (1464) Anthony’s sister Elizabeth Woodville. In recognition of their support Anthony was recognized as Baron Scales by right of his wife Elizabeth, and was summoned to Parliament under that title (1462).
Lady Elizabeth and her sister-in-law, Anne, Lady Bourchier (nee Woodville) were appointed as ladies-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, and received the salary of forty pounds annually. Elizabeth and her husband later formed part of the company who accompanied the king’s sister, Margaret of York, to Dover, where she embarked for her marriage with Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy. Anthony Woodville succeeded his father as second Earl Rivers (1469). Lady Rivers accompanied her husband on a pilgrimage to Santiago in Spain, and died whilst on a visit to Compostella (Sept 2, 1473). The countess had remained childless, and the barony of Scales fell into abeyance between the representatives of the two daughters of Robert, third Baron Scales, Margaret, the wife of Sir Robert Howard, and Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Robert Felbrigge.

Rivers, Mary Fitz-Lewis, Countess of – (1465 – c1497)
English Plantagenet and Tudor courtier
Mary Fitz-Lewis was the daughter of Sir Henry Fitz-Lewis of Horndon, Essex, and his wife Elizabeth, the daughter of Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset and was a descendant of Edward III (1327 – 1377). Mary was born in 1465, according to her father’s will. Shortly before April, 1483 she became the second wife of Anthony Woodville (1442 – 1483), second Earl of Rivers, the favourite brother of Queen Elizabeth, wife of Edward IV. By this marriage Mary became aunt to Edward V (1483) and to Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII. The marriage caused no stir socially, despite the importance of the bridegroom. By terms of the marriage contract they were not bound to reside under the same roof, and the marriage remained childless. Several months afterwards Lord Anthony was executed by order of Richard III (June, 1483). By the terms of her husband’s will the young countess received all the plate that had come from her father and bed furniture and hangings. Lady Rivers later remarried to Sir George Neville to whom she bore a daughter Anne, later the wife of Sir John Markham. She later entered the household of her niece Elizabeth of York, and with Elizabeth de Vere, the Dowager Countess of Oxford, attended the queen at her coronation banquet (Nov, 1487). The countess died quite young during the reign of Henry VII.

Rivers-Bulkeley, Elisabeth – (1924 – 2006)
British financier and columnist
Elisabeth was born in Vienna, Austria (April 30, 1924) and was raised in Scotland. She was married twice, her second husband being the Scots Guards officer, Major Robert Rivers-Bulkeley. Elisabeth worked in radio broadcasting with The Money Programme, and also wrote newspaper articles which provided financial advice for women. She was one of the first women to be admitted to membership of the London Stock Exchange (1973). Elisabeth Rivers-Bulkeley died of cancer (Dec 19, 2006) aged eighty-two, in Switzerland.

Rives, Amelie – (1863 – 1945)
American novelist, poet, dramatist and essayist
Amelie Rives was born (Aug 23, 1863) in Richmond, Virginia, the daughter of Alfred Landon Rives (1830 – 1903), the prominent engineeer, and was the granddaughter of William Cabell Rives (1793 – 1868), the noted senator and minister to France. Her first husband (1888) was John Armstrong Chanler (1862 – 1935), from whom she was later divorced, and her second (1896) was the Russian prince Pierre Troubetzky (1864 – 1936). With the death of her grandfather Amelie inherited his estates at Castle Hill, Albermarle County, Virginia. Her first novel was The Quick and the Dead (1888) dealt with a widow’s attachment to a new lover, and created a sensation, which established her literary reputation. She also wrote essays, poems, and plays. Her other published works included by the novels The Quick or The Dead (1888), Virginia of Virginia (1889), The Golden Rose (1908), Queerness of Cecilia (1926), The World’s End (1914) and the blank verse tragedy, Augustine the Man (1906). Amelie Rives survived her second husband as the Dowager Princess Troubetzkaia (1936 – 1945). Amelie Rives died (June 15, 1945) aged eighty-one, at Charlottesville, Virginia.

Rivett, Carol   see   Rivett, Edith Caroline

Rivett, Edith Caroline (Carol Rivett) – (1894 – 1958)
British detective writer
Edith Rivett was born in Hendon. Rivett wrote two series of detective fiction featuring Chief Inspector Robert MacDonald of the Metropolitan Police, using the pesudonym E.C.R. Lorac. The other series, which she published as Carol Carnac detailed the exploits of Inspector Julian Rivers. She also published several novels as Carol Rivett. Rivett’s published novels included Murder on the Burrows (1931), Murder at St John’s Wood (1934), Murder in the Mill-Race (1952) and The Double Turn (1956).

Riviere, Alice – (fl. 1867 – after 1920)
British artist and watercolour flower painter
Born Mary Alice Dobell, she was the daughter of John Dobell of Detmore, and was sister to the poet Sydney Dobell (died 1874). She was married (1867) at Cheltenham, to animal painter and artist Briton Riviere (1840 – 1920), to whom she bore five sons and two daughters. Alice survived her husband and her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and at various exhibitions.

Rixa     see   Richeza

Rixinde of Narbonne – (c1015 – after 1079)
French medieval heiress
Rixinde was the daughter of Vicomte Berenger I of Narbonne and his wife Gersende, the daughter of Bernard I, Comte de Besalu. She was the sister to Vicomte Bernard V of Narbonne. Rixinde was heiress of the important fiefs of Lodeve and Montbrun, which she brought to her husband, Richard II (c1004 – c1051), Vicomte de Millau and Gevaudan. Charter evidence reveals that she was still living as a widow in 1079, and she is sometimes referred to as Rixinde de Lodeve. Her eldest son was Berenger II of Carlat (c1029 – 1080), vicomte de Millau and Rodez, and left descendants. Rixinde was a distant ancestress of Queen Elizabeth II of England.

Rizpah – (fl. c1030 – c1010 BC)
Hebrew concubine
Rizpah was the daughter of Aiah, and became the mistress of the Israelite king Saul, to whom she bore several sons. With Saul’s death (c1010 BC), Abner took her hostage in order to facilitate his claim to the throne. King David later handed over two of her sons to the Gibeonites as a peace offerring, after breaking a treaty with them. They were then killed and their bodies ordered to be exposed without proper burial. Rizpah, in her grief, kept vigil over their remains for an eight month period (April – October), keeping away the birds and scavenging beasts.

Roach, Elma – (1897 – 1942)
Australian watercolour painter and wood engraver
Elma Roach studied in Paris (1926 – 1929) and her work was exhibited at the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, and with the Victorian Artist’s Society prior to WW II.

Roache, Viola – (1885 – 1961)
Anglo-American stage, film and television actress
Roache was born (Oct 3, 1885) in Norfolk, was was educated by Catholic nuns. After a creditable career as a stage actress in England, she later went to the USA after WWII where she appeared in various character roles in a small number of films. Her movie credits included Harriet Craig (1950) with Wendell Corey and Joan Crawford in which she played the housekeeper Mrs Harold, Royal Wedding (1951) and Goodbye, My Fancy (1951) in which she appeared as Miss Shackelford. Roache also appeared in television and appeared in such popular early programs as Suspense (1949), Studio One (1949), The Philco Television Playhouse (1949 – 1951) and Robert Montgomery Presents (1952 – 1955). Viola Roache retired from acting in 1955 and died (May 17, 1961) aged seventy-five, at Hollywood in California.

Robb, Inez Calloway – (1901 – 1979)
American journalist and columnist
Inez Robb wrote the society column for the New York Daily News as Nancy Randolph (1928 – 1938). Later attached to the International New Service as a roving journalist she visited dozens of foreign countries as correspondent for, ‘Assignment: America’ (1938 – 1953). Her last appointment was with the United Features Syndicate (1953 – 1969). Inez Calloway Robb died (April 4, 1979) in Tuczon, Arizona.

Robbins, Gale – (1921 – 1980)
American actress and vocalist
Gale Robbins was best known for songs such as, ‘Oh, You Beautiful Doll’ and ‘The Fuller Brush Girl.’ Her film credits included The Barkleys of Broadway (1949), Oh You Beautiful Doll (1949), Strictly Dishonourable (1951) and The Belle of New York (1952). Gale Robbins died (Feb 18, 1980) aged fifty-eight, in Los Angeles, California.

Roberti, Lyda – (1906 – 1938)
German-Polish comic actress and vocalist
Lyda Roberti was born (May 20, 1906) in Warsaw, Poland, the daughter of a circus clown. She led a varied career travelling around the world with her father, and appearing as a trapeze performer, as well as being a successful child café singer before coming to the United States. In America she achieved some success as a platinum haired leading lady in Hollywood films during the 1930’s. She died of a heart attack after making less than a dozen films, and was best known for roles in movies such as Million Dollar Legs (1932) her screen debut, Torch Singers (1933), The Big Broadcast of 1936 (1935), Nobody’s Baby (1937) and Wide Open Spaces (1938).

Roberts, Aileen Mary – (1870 – 1944)
British peeress
Lady Aileen Roberts was born (Sept 20, 1870), the only surviving child of General Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts and his wife Nora Henrietta Bews. She was, by special royal remainder, permitted to succeed her father in the earldom of Roberts, being known as the second Countess Roberts and appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire). She remained unmarried, died childless, and the title became extinct.

Roberts, Anne Mason – (1910 – 1971)
Black American educator and public housing official
Anne Mason was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Cincinnati University (1928). She became a teacher in the public school system (1936 – 1945) and married Stanley Roberts, a journalist for the World Journal Tribune. Later she joined the consumer relations division of the Office of Price Administration. Mrs Roberts was the first female to achieve the office of deputy administrator of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in New York and served two terms in that capacity (1962 – 1964) and (1966 – 1971). She was one of the winners of the seventh annual Federal Women’s Award (1967) and was a member of the National Council of Negro Women. Anne Mason Roberts died (Oct 18, 1971) aged sixty-one, in New York.

Roberts, Eirlys Rhiwen Cadwaladr – (1911 – 2008)
British consumer advocate and editor
Eirlys Roberts was born (Jan 3, 1911) near Caerphilly in Wales. She attended secondary school at Clapham in London, and then studied the classics at Girton College, Cambridge. During WW II Roberts served in military and political intelligence. After the war she was employed by the Treasury department before she became editor of Which? magazine (1958 – 1973) a highly respected and successful consumer advice magazine for the British public. Eirlys Roberts founded the CA (Consumer’s Association) (1957) and was the author of several related works such as Consumers (1966) and Which? 25: Consumers’ Association, 1957 – 1982 (1982) written to celebrate the organization’s twenty-five year history. Roberts was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) (1971) and was then appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1977) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her services to the public. Eirlys Roberts died (March 18, 2008) aged ninety-seven.

Roberts, Elizabeth Madox – (1866 – 1941)
American novelist and poet
Elizabeth Roberts was born in Perrysville, near Springfield, Kentucky. Roberts was the author of such popular novels as The Time of Man (1926), My Heart and My Flesh (1927), a family saga and The Great Meadow (1930), which dealt with the settlement of the state of Kentucky by Virginian emigrants. Elizabeth Madox Roberts died (March 13, 1941).

Roberts, Emma – (1794 – 1840) 
Anglo-Indian traveller, author and editor
Emma Roberts was born in England the daughter of an army captain, growing up in Bath. Her first work was an historical one, The White and Red Roses (1827). In 1828 she came to Calcutta in India with her family and began writing poetry with Indian themes. With the help of the Anglo-Indian poet H. Derozio, Emma produced Oriental Scenes, Dramatic Sketches and Tales and other Poems (1830) and received the patronage of Lady William Bentinck, wife of the Indian governor-general. With the death of her sister (1831) Emma became the editor of, The Oriental Observer in Calcutta, and also contributed articles to the Asiatic Journal before returning to England (1832). Three further volumes appeared, all in 1835, Scenes and Characteristics of Hindostan, which reveals her own views on Anglo-Indian society, Views of India, China and Shores of the Red Sea, and Hindostan Illustrated, the Shores of the Red Sea and the Himalaya Mountains. Emma Roberts died at Poona and was buried there. Her last work Noted on an Overland Journey through France and Egypt to Bombay was published posthumously.

Roberts, Jane – (fl. 1829 – 1834)
British traveller and memoirist
Jane Roberts was born into comfortable conditions and later travelled by ship from England to Hobart in Tasmania, Australia, during which time she visited Madeira, Bahai, and the Cape of Good Hope. Roberts spent seven weeks living with new emigrants in tents ashore the Swan River and visited Fremantle, and she recorded her rather negative observations of the new colony. Her observations of life in Tasmania were much more favourable, where she was invited to attend a function at Government House. During the return voyage to England, Roberts visited Singapore and Rangoon in Burma, as well as Calcutta and Madras in India, and the island of St Helena, and Ascension. Her personal account of her trip was later published in London as Two Years at Sea: Being the Narrative of a Voyage to the Swan River and Van Diemen’s Land During the Years 1829, 30, 31 (1834).

Roberts, Kate – (1891 – 1985) 
Welsh novelist, prose writer and literary journalist
Kate Roberts was born at Rhosgadfan, near Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and attended the University College of North Wales at Bangor. Roberts trained as a schoolteacher, and taught the Welsh language at Ystalyfera and at Aberdare. With her husband Morris Williams she purchased the Gwasg Gee publishing company.

Roberts, Lydia Jane – (1879 – 1965)
American nutritionist and home economics educator
Lydia Roberts was born (June 30, 1879) in Barry County, Michigan, the daughter of a carpenter. She taught school in Montana amd Virginia, and then attended the University of Chicago where she became assistant professor of home economics (1919). A specialist in the study of nutrition in children, Roberts was the author of several works including Nutrition Work With Children (1927). Roberts served on the Council of Foods and the Nutrition of the American Medical Association, and on the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Council. She later joined the faculty of the University of Puerto Rico, and was the head of the economics department (1946 – 1952). She co-wrote Patterns of Living in Puerto Rican Families (1949) with Rosa Stefani. Lydia Roberts died (May 28, 1965) aged eighty-five, at Rio Piedras.

Roberts, Mary May – (1877 – 1959)
American nurse, educator and editor
Roberts was born (Jan 30, 1877) in Duncan City, Michigan, the daughter of a sawmill worker. Mary trained as a nurse in Cincinnati, and held various posts prior to 1917, when she joined the American Red Cross. Roberts later studied at the Teachers College at Columbia University, and succeeded Sophia Palmer as editor of the American Journal of Nursing (1923 – 1949). She ran the ANA (American Nurses Association) (1934 – 1948) and was the author of American Nursing: History and Interpretation (1954). Mary Roberts died (Jan 11, 1959) aged eighty-one, in New York.

Roberts, Nora Henrietta Bews, Countess – (1838 – 1920)
British peeress and traveller
Nora Bews was born (March 17, 1838) at Castlebar, Mayo, the daughter of John Bews, an army captain. She was married (1859) at Waterford in Ireland to General Frederick Sleigh Roberts (1832 – 1914), who was later created first Earl Roberts of Kandahar in India (1901 – 1914), and to whom she bore six children. She was awarded the CI (Imperial Order of the Crown of India) and survived her husband as Dowager Countess (1914 – 1920). Lady Roberts died (Dec 21, 1920) aged eighty-two, at Englemere, Ascot, and was interred at Bracknell. Her children were,

• Nora Frederica Roberts (1860 – 1861). She died in infancy.
• Evelyn Santille Roberts (1868 – 1869). She died in infancy.
• Frederick Henry Roberts (July – Aug, 1869). He died in infancy and was buried at Simla in India.
• Lady Aileen Mary Roberts (1870 – 1944), succeeded her father as Countess Roberts.
• Lieutenant Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts (1872 – 1899). He served as Commander-in-Chief of Ireland (1896 – 1899). He died unmarried of wounds received in the battle of Colenso.
• Lady Ada Edwina Stewart Roberts (born 1875). She was married to Brigadier-General Henry Frederick Elliot Lewin.

Roberts, Rachel – (1927 – 1980)
Welsh stage and film actress
Roberts was born in Llanelli, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in This Sporting Life (1963) and appeared as the school headmistress in Picnic at Hanging Rock (1976). Rachel Roberts was married firstly (1955 – 1961) to fellow actor Alan Dobie, and secondly (1962 – 1971) to British actor Rex Harrison. Both marriages ended in divorce and she committed suicide.

Robertson, Anne Strachan – (1910 – 1997)
Scottish archaeologist
Robertson was born in Glasgow, where she later attended university, and later studied at London University. She was particularly noted for her excavations during the Roman Antonine period, and published the manual The Antonine Wall (1960). She became a leading authority on Roman and Anglo-Saxon coins and was later appointed as professor of Roman Archaeology at Glasgow University (1974). Anne Robertson died (Oct 4, 1997) aged eighty-seven.

Robertson, Christina Jane – (fl. 1823 – 1850) 
British painter
Christina Robertson was known in London from 1823 as a talented and popular miniaturist. Christina travelled to the Romanov court in Russia, where she painted oil portraits, and succeeded in gaining the patronage of the Imperial family and the Russian nobility. Christina was appointed a member of the Russian Imperial Academy (1841). Many of her portraits survive in Russia in private collections.

Robertson, Frances Maria – (1717 – 1764) 
British actress and vocalist
Born Frances Fowler, she was married (before 1739) to the actor James Robertson (1712 – 1795). Their only child died in infancy. By 1750 Frances and her husband had joined the theatrical company at Smock Alley in Dublin. Her first role was that of Belinda in The Old Bachelor, and she also played in Edinburgh (1750 – 1751). Other popular roles inlcuded Kitty Pry in The Lying Valet, Lady Anne in Richard III, Lucinda in The Conscious Lovers, Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice and Valeria in The Roman Father. The couple later joined the Richmond-Twickenham company where Frances played the title role in Jane Shore and the role of Mrs Peachum in the ever popular The Beggar’s Opera, amongst many others. Frances Robertson died at York, and was interred in the church of St Olave there.

Robertson, Hannah – (1724 – c1800)
British author and teacher
Born Hannah Swan, after marriage she and her husband kept a tavern, but with his death (1771) she turned to teaching needlework and embroidery to young girls in order to make a living. Hannah Robertson published the two volume work The Young Ladies School of Arts, which inckuded recipes, household tips, and pretty hobbies. She later published her autobiography (1791).

Robertson, Jeannie – (1908 – 1975) 
Scottish folk-singer
Jeannie Robertson was born in Aberdeen, where she spent most of her life. She collected an enormous repertoire of traditonal Scottish ballads and songs. Robertson was much admired by the folk-lorist and poet, Hamish Henderson.

Robertson, Muriel – (1883 – 1973)
Scottish microbiologist and parasitologist
Muriel Robertson was born in Glasgow, and was educated at home by a governess before attending Glasgow University. She was employed by the Lister Institute in London for over five decades (1909 – 1961), where she conducted research into trypanosomes and other blood parasites. Robertson was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society (1947).

Robeson, Eslanda Cardoza Goode – (1896 – 1965) 
Black American writer, anthropologist and civil rights reformer
Eslanda Cardoza was born (Dec 15, 1896) in Washington, D.C., the daughter of a government clerk, and was the granddaughter of Francis Lewis Cardoza, the black statesman who served as secretary state in South Carolina after the civil war. Eslanda attended secondary school in New York and went to the University of Illinois and the Teachers College of Columbia University. Having been employed as a surgical technician and chemist, she was married (1921) to Paul Le Roy Robeson (1898 – 1976), the famous black actor and vocalist. Eslanda actively encouraged her husband’s career and published Paul Robeson Negro (1930). She later lived in England (1928 – 1940) with her husband and also visited Russia (1934) and Africa (1936), which led to the publication of African Journey (1945). Robeson wrote concerning the activities of the United Nations and assisted with the founding of the Progressive Party (1948), headed by the presidential candidate Henry A. Wallace. She herself ran unsuccessfully as candidate for secretary of state (1948) and then Congresswoman (1950) for Connecticut. Both she and her husband were investigated by Senator McCarthy (1953) and she published An American Argument (1949), a dialogue between herself and author Pearl Buck. Eslanda Robeson died of cancer (Dec 13, 1965) aged eighty-eight, in New York.

Robespierre, Charlotte – (1760 – 1834)
French revolutionary memoirist
Marie Margeurite Charlotte Robespierre was born in Arras, and was sister to the famous revolutionary figures, Maximilien (1758 – 1794) and Augustin Robespierre. Orphaned in 1765, she and her brothers were raised by maiden aunts. Charlotte remained unmarried and left a memoir which praised the political views by her brothers, and attempted to restore the figure of Maximilien as a great man. It was published as Memoires de Charlotte Robespierre sur ses deux freres, precedes d’une introduction par Laponneraye et suivis de pieces justificatives (1835).

Robilant, Valentina Mocenigo, Contessa di – (1878 – 1950)
Italian society figure and salon hostess
Contessa Valentina Mocenigo was born (July 5, 1878) in Salzburg, Austria, the daughter of the Venetian Conte Andrea Mocenigo, and was a descendant of the former Doges of the Venetian Republic. Valentina was married in Venice (1896) to Conte Edmondo Nicolis di Robilant e Cereaglio (1871 – 1941), to whom she bore four sons and a daughter, Olga Nicolis di Robilant (born 1900) who became the wife of the Portugese grandee Antonio Alvares Pereira de Mello (1894 – 1939) Marques de Cadaval. The Contessa di Robilant was a famous beauty and society hostess, who was feared because of her wittily sharp tongue. With the end of WW I the contessa and her family removed to the Palazzo Mocenigo along the Grand Canal in Florence. Her husband was a spendthrift who disspiated what remained of the Mocenigo family fortune, and many antiques, paintings and heirlooms had to be sold to maintain the family finances. She survived her husband as Dowager Contesss di Robilant e Cereaglio (1941 – 1950). She was great-grandmother to the noted journalist and author, Andrea di Robilant. Contessa Valentina died (May 1, 1950) aged seventy-one, at Sintra in Portugal.

Robin, Eline – (fl. 1826 – 1829)
French painter
Eline Robin specialized in water colour paintings of flowers. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.

Robin, Mado – (1918 – 1960)
French coloratura soprano
Madeleine Marie Robin was born (Dec 29, 1918) in Yzeures-sur-Creuse, Touraine. She was married to a British man, Alan Smith, who was killed in a car crash. Known for her exceptional vocal range, Robin was best remembered for her performance in the title role of Lakme (1952) and Lucia di Lammermoor, as Gilda in Rigoletto, Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and as Leyla in Lespecheurs de perles. She later toured the USA and Russia (1954) with great success. Mado Robin died of cancer (Dec 10, 1960) aged forty-one, in Paris.

Robineau, Adelaide Alsop – (1865 – 1929)
American ceramic designer and decorator
Adelaide Alsop was born in Connecticut, and taught herself china painting as a young girl. After moving to New York she studied painting under William Chase, and was married (1899) to Samuel Robineau. With her husband she established a ceramic workshop and kiln in Syracuse, New York, and Adelaide became the editor of the Keramic Studio magazine. Robinson began working in porcelain and experimented with various types of glaze and her works were exhibited nationally, including her famous Scarab Vase, which was exhibited at the Turin International Exhibition in Italy, for which she won the Grand Prize (1911).

Robins, Denise Naomi – (1897 – 1985)
British romantic novelist and journalist
Born Denise Klein (Feb 1, 1897) in London, she was the daughter of a vocal teacher. She attended school in Staten Island, New York, San Diego in California, and in London. She was married twice and left several children. Robins began her career as a journalist with the Dundee Courier in Scotland during WW I (1914 – 1915), and kater turned to freelance work. She made many appearances on BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) television. Robins was a prolific writer and many of her novels such as The Passionate Flame (1928) and The Dark Death (1929) were published through Mills & Boon. Other novels included Forget That I Remember (1940), Dust of Dreams (1943), Heart’s Desire (1946), Could I Forget (1948), Strange Meeting (1952), The Noble One (1957), The Unlit Fire (1960), Mad Is the Heart (1963), Meet Me in Monte Carlo (1964), House by the Watchtower (1968), Twice Have I Loved (1973) and Come Back, Yesterday (1976). Robins also published works under several pseudonyms. As ‘Julia Kane’ she published several works such as Dark Secret Love (1967) and The Sin was Mine (1967). As ‘Ashley French’ she published work such as One Is Enough (1953), The Bitter Core (1954), and The Breaking Point (1956). The Kane and French novels were late reprinted under her own name. Robins was one of the co-founders (1960) of the Romantic Novelists Association, of which she served as president (1960 – 1966). Denise Robins died aged eighty-eight.

Robins, Elizabeth – (1862 – 1952)
American-Anglo actress, dramatist, novelist and feminist campaigner
Elizabeth Robins was born (Aug 6, 1862) in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of a metallurgist. Her mother became mentally unstable and Elizabeth resided with her grandmother at Zanesville, Ohio. She was educated at the Putnam Female Seminary. Elizabeth made her stage debut at the age of eighteen (1880) before joining a touring acting company. Her first husband committed suicide and Elizabeth travelled to England where she became involved in a liasion with the noted literary critic, William Archer (1856 – 1924). Remaining in England, Elizabeth Robins established herself there as a leading stage actress, and appeared in the premiere performance of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabbler (1891), and in several other of his works including John Gabriel Borkman (1897) as Ella Rentheim. She retired from the stage (1902) in order to become more involved in the female suffrage movement, and published several novels using the pseudonym ‘C.E. Raimond.’
Elizabeth Robins was the author of two plays including Votes for Women? (1906), and assisted with the foundation of the Actresses Franchise League (1908). She then became the first president of the Women Writers’ Suffrage League (1908 – 1912). Robins published the semi-autobiographical novel The Open Question (1898). Her other works included The Magnetic North (1904) which became a best-seller, The Convert (1907), Way Stations (1913) and Ancilla’s Share (1924). Elizabeth Robins died (May 8, 1952) aged eighty-nine, in Brighton, London.

Robins, Margaret Dreier – (1868 – 1945) 
American Labour activist and reformer
Margaret Dreier was born in Brooklyn, New York into a German immigrant family. She was educated at home by a governess and after her marriage with Raymond Robins (1905) the couple resided in Chicago, Illinois. Margaret Robins worked with Rose Schneiderman to organize strikes for the benefit of badly underpaid garment workers in New York and Chicago, and she was elected as president of the National Women’s Trades Union League (1907 – 1922). She later resigned this position and became president of the International Federation of Working Women.

Robinson, Anastasia – (c1692 – 1755)
British soprano and actress
Anastasia Robinson was the daughter of portrait painter Thomas Robinson. Anastasia made her stage debut in 1714, and both Dr Burney (father of novelist Fanny) in his History of Music and Lord Oxford in his Peerage Memoranda, provide intersting accounts of her. Anastasia was secretly married (1722) to Charles Mordaunt, third Earl of Peterborough, the first ever marriage contracted in England between a peer and an actress. However, she was long believed to be only his mistress, as the union was kept secret until a few months before Lord Peterborough’s death (1735), when he assembled a party of his relations together in his apartment at St James’ Palace, and formally introduced Anastasia to them as Countess of Peterborough. Anastasia then accompanied her husband to Lisbon, where he died, and then accompanied his body back to England for burial. Whilst going through his papers she came across his memoirs which so shocked her that she burnt them. Lady Peterborough was later a pensioner of the convent of the Holy Sepulchre at Liege (1745 – 1749) and died aged in her early sixties.

Robinson, Annie Douglas Green – (1842 – 1913)
American poet, children’s writer and author
Annie Robinson was born (Jan 12, 1842) in Plymouth, New Hampshire. She used the pseudonym ‘Marian Douglas.’ She published the collection of verse entitled Days we Remember (1903), and several works for children such as Picture Poems for Young Folks (1872) and Peter and Polly; or, Home Life in New England a Hundred Years Ago (1876).

Robinson, Cecile Louise – (1907 – 2007)
British war heroine
Cecile Bishop was born (Dec 6, 2007) at St Pancras, London, the daughter of Cecil Clayforth Bishop, a police officer and actor. She was married (1936) to Ray Robinson (died 1958). She and her husband worked to save the Inner Temple, near the House of Commons in London from being destroyed during an air raid in WW II (May 10, 1941), and formed human chains to save important documents, books, and valuable paintings from the blaze. Because her heroism she was popularly known as the ‘Florence Nightingale of the Temple.’ Cecile Robinson died (Jan 9, 2007) aged ninety-nine, in London.

Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt – (1861 – 1933)
American poet and socialite
Corinne Roosevelt was the third daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and his wife Martha Bulloch. She was the sister of President Theodore Roosevelt (1901 – 1909), and was the aunt of Edith Kermit Carew Roosevelt and of Eleanor Roosevelt. Corinne was married to Douglas Robinson and bore him several children. Corinne Robinson was the author of My Brother Theodore Roosevelt (1921), and of several collections of verse including The Call of Brotherhood and Other Poems (1912) and One Woman to Another (1914).

Robinson, Edie – (1906 – 2000)
Australian athlete
Edith Frances Robinson was born (Feb 26, 1906) and became the first Australian female track and field athlete to compete at any Olympics when she competed in the Games in Amsterdam (1928) which was the first games to feature female athletics. Edie Robinson won the Australian Championships over 100 yeards (1935) and the 220 yards, but after 1936 she never represented Australia again. Her married name was Payne. During the Olympic Games in Sydney (2000) Robinson was Australia’s oldest living Olympian and opened the Olympic Village. Edie Robinson died (Oct 7, 2000) aged ninety-four.

Robinson, Gertrude – (1890 – 1962)
American silent film actress
Gertrude Robinson was born in New York, the sister of actress Daisy Robinson (Jefferson). She made her first film in The Feud and the Turkey in 1908, aged eighteen and was billed as ‘Miss Robinson’ in, The Stolen Letter (1912). Gertrude made near one hundred and sixty films in less than twenty years before her retirement in 1925 after her last film On Thin Ice. She is best remembered in the title role of Pippa Passes; or, The Song of Conscience (1909). Gertrude Robinson died in Hollywood, California.

Robinson, Henrietta – (1816 – 1905)
American murderess and figure of mystery
Beautiful and elegant, Henrietta Robinson was resident of Troy, New York, and almost nothing is known of her background, except that she was rumoured to be the kept mistress of a powerful and important New York official, and she may have been of Irish background. Because of some indistinct personal insult, probably due to her status as a kept woman, Robinson quarrelled with the local grocer and his wife, Lanagan by name, and attempted to poison the family by placing arsenic in their beer (1853). Two members of the family died in agony and Robinson was arrested. However her behaviour became decidedly strange and she was thought to be not rational. She created a stir in the court by appearing in deep black, her face covered by several blue veils, which she steadfastly refused wholly remove, despite it being detrimental to her case, only lifting it from time to time so that witnesses might identify her. Neighbours and townspeople called as witnesses testified to her unbalanced behaviour, but the attempts of Henrietta’s lawyer to have her declared insane foundered, and she was sentenced to be hanged.
On the day of her execution, the governor of New York commuted her sentence to life imprisonment and she was immured in Sing Sing prison. Though she remained a model prisoner for five decades, the mystery surrounding Henrietta Robinson was never explained. She was continually visited by intrigued journalists, and she always covered her face, which led to her being known popularly as ‘the Veiled Murderess.’ When she later set fire to the contents of her cell and tried to commit suicide she was restrained by warders and then sent to the Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane (1890). The mystery of her life was deepened by the fact that each year she received several blue veils and other goods from an unknown sender. Henrietta Robinson died there (May 14, 1905) aged eighty-nine, having been in prison for fifty-two years.

Robinson, Joan Violet – (1903 – 1983) 
British economist
Born Joan Maurice (Oct 31, 1903) in Camberly, Surrey, she was educated at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London and at Girton College, Cambridge. She was married (1926) to the economist Austin Robinson. Joan Robinson later joined the faculty at Cambridge as a lecturer in economics (1931) and worked with the noted economist, John Maynard Keynes (1883 – 1946). She eventually became a professor (1965 – 1971). A woman of radical and forceful personality, Robinson was the author of several works including The Economics of Imperfect Competition (1933), Introduction to the Theory of Employment (1937), and Essay on Marxian Economics (1942). Her later work included, Exercises in Economics Analysis (1960), Essays in the Theory of Economic Growth (1962), and, Economic Heresies (1971). Joan Robinson died (Aug 5, 1983) aged seventy-nine, in Cambridge.

Robinson, Kathleen Mary – (1901 – 1983)
Australian theatrical producer
Kathleen Robinson was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and later managed the Minerva Theatre in King’s Cross, Sydney (1940 – 1950). The famous actor Peter Finch (1916 – 1977) began his stage career under her direction. Illness forced her eventual retirement (1950). Kathleen Robinson died (Dec 28, 1983) aged eighty-two, in Sydney.

Robinson, Mabel Louise – (1883 – 1962)
American educator and writer
Mabel Robinson was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, and was a lecturer in English at Columbia University for five decades (1910 – 1958). Her published work included Bright Island (1937), Runner of the Mountain Tops; The Life of Louis Agassiz (1939), The Writer’s Book (1950) and Strong Wings (1951). Mabel Robinson died (Feb 21, 1962).

Robinson, Mary (Perdita) – (1758 – 1800)
British actress, she was born Mary Darby (Nov 27, 1758) in Bristol, the daughter of a merchant. She taught school with her mother, and was married young, to Thomas Robinson, to whom she bore a daughter. She was later imprisoned with her husband and infant daughter for debt. She had been trained for the stage and made her first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre (1776). A popular actress, she received her famous nickname of ‘Perdita’ taken from her role in William Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale. When she became the mistress of the Prince of Wales (George IV) the couple corresponded together, the prince styling himself her ‘Florizel’ though the affair petered out and in 1780 the prince deserted her.
The politician Charles James Robinson procured Mary an annuity which saved her from penury, and she then became the mistress of Colonel Banastre Tarleton (1754 – 1833). After Tarleton deserted her (1792), Robinson turned to writing in order to provide for herself and her child. Mary Robinson wrote novels, plays and verse such as Lyrical Tales (1800) which dealt with the French Revolution and the extremely popular Gothic romance Vancenza (1792). She sometimes used the pseudonyms ‘La Belle Anglaise,’ Laura Maria’ and ‘Tabitha Bramble.’ Despite her literary success she was always bothered by debt. Mary Robinson died (Dec 26, 1800) aged forty-two, in poverty. Her romance with the Prince of Wales was the subject of the historical novel Perdita's Prince (1969) by Jean Plaidy.

Robinson, Rubye Doris Smith – (1942 – 1967)
African-American civil rights reformer
Rubye Smith was born (April 25, 1942) in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of a tradesman who rose to become a minister, and attended college there. A fervent supporter of the civil rights movement, Rubye became a leading figure in the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee), one of the most radical of 1960’s civil rights organizations, and spent some time in prison, after being arrested for protesting. Rubye was married (1964) to Cifford Robinson. Rubye Smith Robinson died of lymphoma (Oct 7, 1967) in Atlanta, aged only twenty-five.

Robinson, Sophie Michau – (fl. 1817 – 1828)
American diarist
Born Sophie Michau, of French ancestry, her family resided at Gallipolis in Ohio. Her surviving letters to relatives, covering the period (Oct, 1817 – Oct, 1828) were edited and published in Paris as L’Odysee Americain D’une Famille Francaise.Le Docteur Anton Saugrain. Etude de Suivie de Manuscripts inedits et de la Correspondence de Sophie Michau Robinson (1936). This work was later translated in English and published in Baltimore, Maryland, and in London.

Robinson, Susan     see    Elliott, Susan

Robinson, Therese Albertine Louise – (1797 – 1870)
German-Russian poet, historian, translator and novelist
Born Therese Jacobi (Jan 26, 1797) in Halle, Germany, she was married to the noted philologist and author, Edward Robinson (1794 – 1863). Therese was the author of Life’s Discipline, a Tale of the Annals of Hungary (1851) and sometimes used the pseudonym ‘Ernst Berthold Talvi.’ She later married an American named Robinson. Therese Robinson died (April 23, 1870) aged seventy-three.

Robinson, Vicki Sue – (1953 – 2000)
American disco and pop-gospel vocalist
Robinson was born in Harlem, the daughter of a black actor and a white folk-singer, and made her public debut singing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival when she was only six years old (1959). Robinson appeared on Broadway in such popular contemporary musicals as Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. She was signed up by RCA Records, and made several albums, which achieved great popularity, her style being influenced by jazz performers such as Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. However, she was best remembered for the popular disco song. Turn the Beat Around (1976). She was nominated for a Grammy Award for best female pop vocalist. She later appeared in New York in the one woman show entitled Vicki Sue Robinson: Behind the Beat (1999). Vicki Sue Robinson died of cancer aged forty-six, at Connecticut.

Robsart, Amy – (1533 – 1560)
English tragedy victim
Amy Robsart was the daughter of Sir John Robsart, of Sidester, Norfolk, and his wife Elizabeth Scott. She was married (1550) to Sir Robert Dudley (later earl of Leicester), the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. The marriage remained childless. Amy never accompained her husband to the court, but when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for his part in the affair of Lady Jane Grey, she was permitted to visit him (1553). Apart from this she remained much sequestered in the country, especially as Dudley’a relationship with the queen became more wideley known. Taking up residence at Cumnor Place, she directed the entire household, apart from three lady friends, to visit the Abingdon Fair. She made an excuse to leave her friends, who, when she did not return, went in search of her, and found Amy lying dead at the bottom of the staircase with a broken neck (Sept 8, 1560).
Her death caused the first grave scandal of the court in Elizabeth’s reign. It was wideley rumoured in England and abroad that Dudley had had Amy murdered so that he could be married to the queen. Dudley was closely questioned for some time, but nothing of any substance could be proved, and he was acquitted. The mystery surrounding Amy’s death has never been satisfactorily explained. Modern writers have suggested that evidence recorded from her personal maid indicates that she may have in fact been sufferring from breast cancer, and that her death may have been suicide. She was played by Emilia Fox in the television mini-series The Virgin Queen (2006) with Anne Marie Duff as Elizabeth I.

Robscheit-Robbins, Freda – (1893 – 1973)
German-American pathologist
Freda Robscheit-Robbins was born in Germany and immigrated to the US with her family. She studied at the universities of Chicago and California. Together with her research partner George Whipple they studied the properties and workings of iron metabolism in the human body, which led to the discovery of the causes of pernicious anaemia. Despite her valuable work, it was only Whipple who received a share of the Nobel Prize (1934) for their research.

Robson, Dame Flora McKenzie – (1902 – 1984)
British actress
Flora Robson was born in Durham (March 28, 1902) and made her first stage appearance as a small child. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Robson made her stage debut in Clemence Dane’s play Will Shakespeare (1921). Flora performed her first season at the Old Vic Theatre in London (1934), after which she appeared on stage in London and in New York in the USA. She was particulalry acclaimed in the play The Damask Cheek (1942) written by John Van Druten. Robson appeared in over sixty films, and her first movie role was as the Tsarina Elizabeth in Alexander Korda’s Catherine the Great (1934), and she appeared in films such as Fire Over England (1936) as Queen Elizabeth I, The Damask Check (1942), Guilty (1944) as Therese Raquin, and Black Chiffon (1949). She also appeared as the evil Countess Clara von Platen in Saraband for Dead Lovers (1948) with Stewart Granger and Francoise Rosay and with Beryl Reid in the horror flick The Beast in the Cellar (1971). Robson was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1960) because of her contribution to theatre and film. Dame Flora Robson died (July 7, 1984) aged eighty-two, at Brighton, London.

Robson, Inga-Stina Arvidsson, Lady – (1919 – 1999)
British Liberal politician and public activist
Inga-Stina Arvidsson was born (Aug 20, 1919), the daughter of Erik Arvidsson and became the wife of sir Laurence William Robson (died 1982). Inga-Stina Robson was appointed president of the Liberal Party Organization (1970 – 1971). She was later created a life peer as Baroness Robson by Queen Elizabeth II (1974) in recognition of her service in politics. Lady Robson died (Feb 6, 1999) aged seventy-nine.

Roc, Patricia – (1915 – 2003)
British film actress
Born Felicia Riese (July 7, 1915), she made her first film appearance in The Gaunt Stranger (1938) directed by Walter Forde. She achieved considerable popularity during the war years, and was seen in Let the People Sing (1942) and Millions Like Us (1943), before making several popular costume films with the Gainsborough Company. Patricia Roc made appearances as gentle ladies such as in The Wicked Lady (1945) and Jassy (1947), a gypsy melodrama, before playing more substantial heroine roles, and often appeared opposite Margaret Leighton. She made several films in Hollywood such as Canyon Passage (1946) and The Man on the Eiffel Tower (1950). She returned to Britain and continued her career, playing Bluebeard’s ‘first wife’ opposite George Sanders in Bluebeard’s Ten Honeymoons (1960). Patricia Roc died (Dec 30, 2003) aged eighty-eight, in London.

Rocafort-Altazarra, Marta Ester – (1913 – 1993)
Cuban-Spanish aristocrat and morganatic royal wife
Marta Rocafort was born (Sept 18, 1913) in Havana, Cuba, the eldest daughter of Blas Manuel Rocafort y Gonzalez, a dentist, and his wife Rogelia Altazarra y Carbonell. She later went to the USA where she attracted the attention of the Spanish infante Alfonso, who had renounced the succession and was known as Conde de Covadonga. Marta began appearing in public with Alfonso before his divorce from his first wife, Edelmira Sampedro-Robato. They were then married in Havana (1937), the event receiving much contemporary media coverage, and being attended by the Cuban president, Federico Laredo Bru. She then assumed the title of Condesa de Covadonga, but the marriage quickly failed, and the couple seperated two months afterwards. They were then divorced in New York (1938). Marta Rocafort then remarried (1938) to the noted millionaire form Miami, Florida, Tommy Adkins, the marriage being covered by the New York Times. She survived the media publicity surrounding her marriages by more than five decades. Marta Rocafort died (Feb 4, 1993) aged seventy-nine, in Miami.

Rocca of Hauteville – (c1043 – after 1097)
Norman-Sicilian princess
Rocca was the elder daughter of Diego of Hauteville, count of Apulia (1046 – 1051) and his first wife Altrude, and was the niece of the famous Norman leader Robert Guiscard. She inherited the valuable fief of Ullano, and became the wife of Roberto di Acerenza. She was still living in Feb, 1097 when she left her estates in Selletano to the abbey of Monte Cassino, which donation by charter was recorded and confirmed by her half-uncle, Roger I, Count of Sicily.

Rocca, Daniela – (1937 – 1995)
Sicilian model and actress
Rocca was born (Sept 12, 1937) in Catania, Sicily, into a poor family. She began her career as a beauty contestant and made her film debut in Marchands de Filles (1957) by French director Maurice Cloche. Daniela Rocca found international fame with her role in Divorzio all’Italiano (1962). She then made ten more films but by 1972 her career was over. Rocca’s mental health declined and many years were spent in therapy and various institutions before she eventually recovered. She then wrote several novels and a collection of verse. Daniela Rocca died (May 28, 1995) aged fifty-seven, in Milo, Sicily.

Roche, Audrey Sylvia – (1918 – 2009)
British WW II heroine
Audrey Coningham was born (July 2, 1918) in Sussex, the daughter of a farmer. She was educated in a convent and then travelled to rural New South Wales in Australia where she worked as a farmhand. With the declaration of war (1939) Audrey returned to England where she joined the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) (1940). As a third officer (1942) she was a passenger aboard the submarine depot ship Medway when it was torpedoed by the enemy. Audrey gave up her own life-belt in order to assist a drowning seaman who did not. For this she brave action received a mention in dispatches and was decorated. She was married to David Roche, an army officer and resided with him in India (1946 – 1947). They thereafter resided for several decades in Kenya before finally returning to England (1975). Audrey Roche died (Jan 13, 2009) aged ninety.

Roche, Josephine Aspinwall – (1886 – 1976)
American industrialist, government and Labour official
Josephine Roche was born (Dec 2, 1886). She rose to become the head of the Rocky Mountain Fuel Company, and signed the historic agreement with the United Mine Worlers (1928). Josephine Roche filled several public service positions, and was assistant secretary of the treasury in charge of the Unites States Public Health service (1934 – 1937). She failed in a bid to become the governor of Colorado (1934) and then served as the first director of the United Mine Workers welfare and retirement fund (1947 – 1971). Josephine Roche died (July 29, 1976) aged eighty-nine, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Roche, Mazo de la     see     de la Roche, Mazo

Roche, Regina Maria – (1764 – 1845)
Irish Gothic novelist
Regina Roche was born in Waterford and was raised in Dublin. After her marriage she resided in England. Her published works included The Children of the Abbey: a Tale (1796) which proved enormously popular and Clermont: a Tale (1798), which possessed darker undertones. These books went through several editions and were translated into French and Spanish. Clermont rivalled Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) in popularity, and was one of the Northanger Horrid Novels which was satirized by Jane Austen in her novel Northanger Abbey (1812). Due to financial problems Roche died not publish for a seven year period (1800 – 1807) and then produced almost a dozen more novels, such as The Houses of Osma and Almeria: or, Convent of St Ildefonso; a Tale (1810), Trecothick Bower: or, The Lady of the West Country; A Tale (1814), and The Tradition of the Castle: or, Scenes in the Emerald Isle (1824). None of these however, managed to replicate her earlier success. Regina Roche died aged eighty-one, in Waterford, and her obituary appeared in The Gentleman’s Magazine.

Rochechouart, Louise Francoise de – (1664 – 1743)
French nun
Louise Francoise was the fourth daughter of Louis de Rochechouart, second Duc de Mortemart and his first wife, Antoinette Louise de Mesmes. She was the paternal niece of the infamous Athenais de Montespan, the fascinating mistress of Louis XIV. Louise Francoise never married and became a nun during childhood (1670), being sent to the abbey of St Marie, at Fontevrault in Anjou, where she was professed. There she resided for thirty-five years under the rule of her paternal aunt, Marie Madeleine de Rochechouart, the younger sister of Madame de Montespan. Louise Francoise was appointed to succeed her aunt as abbess, a position she filled with dignity for almost four decades (1704 – 1743).  Together with her younger sister Gabrielle, the Dowager Duchesse de Lesdiguieres, the abbess received the princesses Victoire, Sophie, Therese Felicite, and Louise, the young daughters of Louis XV at Fontevrault. The girls were sent for their education, and to be raised away from the court. The abbess attired herself and several nuns who were to greet their royal charges in habits of white for the occasion, so that the religious solemnity would not frighten them. They remained in her care for five years (1738 – 1743) and Louis XV created the abbess a duchess (1738) so that she would be of suitable rank to educate the royal princesses. Louise Francoise de Rochechouart died (Feb, 1743) aged seventy-eight.

Rochechouart, Marie de Boucher, Vicomtesse de – (1742 – 1794)
French heiress
Marie de Boucher was the daughter of Jean Baptiste Boucher and his wife Margeurite de La Roche. She became the wife (1767) of Louis de Pontville, Vicomte de Rochechouart. Not long after her marriage her mother gave her the viscounty of Bridiers in La Marche. Madame de Rochechouart perished in Paris under the guillotine during Rodespierre’s Terror. The remains of her estate, the Chateau de Bridiers, partly destroyed during the Revolution was later purchased by the town of La Souterraine (1846).

Rochechouart, Marie Madeleine Gabrielle de – (1644 – 1704)
French nun
Marie Madeleine de Rochechouart was the daughter of Gabriel de Rochechouart, Duc de Mortemart, and his wife Diane de Grandseigne. She was the younger sister to the marquise de Montespan, the mistress of Louis XIV. Marie Madeleine became a nun at the Benedictine abbey of St Marie, at Fontevrault, and was ultimately appointed abbess (1670 – 1704). Considered the most beautiful of the Mortemart sisters, she was also the most brilliantly learned and educated, being fluent in Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. She translated religious tracts and classics, most notably succeeding in translating the entire works of Plato into French from the Latin translation by Ficino. She also composed poetic verse. Admired by Louis XIV and Bishop Jacques Bossuet, she made periodic visits to the court of Versailles.

Rochefort, Christiane – (1917 – 1998) 
French novelist, feminist and social critic
Christiane Rochefort was born in Paris, and studied psychology, medicine, and ethnography at the Sorbonne. She achieved international fame and success with her first novel Le Repos du guerrier (Warrior’s Rest) (1959), which dealt with an abusive alcoholic domestic situation and for which she recieved the Prix de la Nouvelle Vague. It was made into a film (1962) which starred Brigitte Bardot. Rochefort later worked with Henri Langlois at the Cinematique, and worked for fifteen years (1953 – 1968) as a press secretary at the Canne Film Festiva, though she was ultimately dismissed from her post because her superiors took umbrage at her liberal views. Her published works deal mainly with the problems faced by those of society members who felt oppressed and outcast from the mainstream. These included Les Petits Enfants du siecle (Children of Heaven) (1961). She was the recipient of several other literary prizes including the Prix du Roman Populiste (1961) and the Medici Prize (1988). Christiane Rochefort died (April 24, 1998) aged eighty, in Paris.

Rochefort, Madeleine de Montmorency-Laval, Duchesse de – (1646 – 1729)
French courtier
A member of the court of Louis XIV at Versailles, the duchesse was mentioned in the Memoires of the famous Duc de Saint-Simon. Her second husband was Charles de La Rochefoucauld de Roye, Comte de Blanzac (1665 – 1732), twenty years her junior. Their daughter, Genevieve Armande de La Rochefoucauld-Roye de Blanzac, became the wife of the Marquis de Clermont-Tonerre. The duchesse and Blanzac had been lovers for sometime preceeding their marriage and the duchesse gave birth to their daughter on their wedding-night. The duchesse was the grandmother of Louis Armand de Brichanteau, Marquis de Nangis (1682 – 1742).

Roches, Catherine des – (1542 – 1587)
French poet and writer
Catherine des Roches was born in Poitiers into an upper class family, the daughter of Madeleine des Roches. She was very well educated by her mother, and attended her salon in Poitiers, where Catherine wrote poetry, epistolary works, declaimed her extensive knowledge of the classics.Despite receiving many offers of marriage Catherine chose to remain unmarried. She wrote on a wide variety of subjects, and studied the myths of the Amazon women, whom she admired as chaste and educated female warriors. Her published work included Les oeuvres (1578), Les secondes oeuvres (1583) and Le missives (1586).

Roches, Madeleine des – (c1520 – 1587)
French poet and writer
Madeleine des Roches was born in Poitiers. A woman of considerable literary erudition, she was the mother of Catherine des Roches, and educated her daughter with great care and proficiency. Madame des Roches established a noted literary salon in Poitiers, and wrote poems, and verse dialogues including Epistle to the Ladies, in which she exhorts women not to remain silent Epistle to My Daughter, in which Madeleine encouraged the education of Catherine, and Ode which debated the virtues and vices of women in general.

Roches-Baritaud, Marie Anne Francoise Mouchard, Comtesse de    see   Mouchard, Fanny

Rochester, Anna – (1880 – 1966)
American economist and historian
Anna Rochester was educated at Bryn Mawr College (1897 – 1899) where she first met her lifelong friend and companion, (1924 – 1966), Grace Hutchins, the noted social reformer. Together they co-wrote Jesus Christ and the World Today (1922). Anna Rochester died in New York.

Rochester, Anne St John, Countess of – (1615 – 1696)
English Stuart courtier
Born Anne St John, she was the daughter of Sir John St John and his wife Anne, the daughter of Sir Thomas Leighton. She became the wife (1637) of Sir Francis Henry Lee (died 1639), to whom she bore two sons. She then remarried (1644) to Henry Wilmot (1612 – 1658), later the first Earl of Rochester (1652) and was mother of the famous Restoration wit, John Wilmot (1647 – 1680), who succeeded his father as second Earl of Rochester. Portraits of the countess and her first husband were reproduced in Memoirs of the Verney Family. Her portrait was painted in old age by Sir Peter Lely. She lived in Paris for several years (1653 – 1656) due to her husband’s involvement in the Royalist cause, but was not impressed with the life at court. As a widow she later resided in the household of her son (1677), where she proved to be the cause of much of the discord between her son and his wife Elizabeth, due to her jealousy of her son’s affections. An imperious woman of stubborn disposition her last years were spent bringing up her orphaned grandchildren. Lady Rochester died (March 18, 1696) aged eighty, and was buried at Spelsbury, Oxfordshire.

Rochester, Elizabeth Malet, Countess of – (1648 – 1681)
English Stuart courtier and heiress
Elizabeth Malet was the daughter of John Malet, of Enmore, Somerset, and his wife Unton Hawley (later Lady Warre), the daughter of Francis, first Baron Hawley of Duncommon (c1608 – 1684) and his wife Jane, the daughter of Sir Ralph Gibbes, of Honington, Warwick. Her maternal grandmother Lady Hawley was herself the granddaughter of Sir Thomas Wroughton, a prominent Elizabethan courtier. Samuel Pepys referred to Elizabeth Malet as ‘the great beauty and fortune of the north.’ John Wilmot (1647 – 1680), the second Earl of Rochester was encouraged by Charles II to pay addresseses to her but Elizabeth refused him. He managed to abduct her in London with the idea of forcing her to marry him, but they were apprehended at Uxbridge, and Rochester committed to the Tower by order of the king (1665).
Various suitors such as Lord Herbert, Lord John Butler, Sir Francis Popham, and Lord Hinchingbrooke sued for her hand in marriage, but eventually she married (1667) her abductor, who had redeemed himself by his valour on the field at the battle of Bergen. The marriage succeeded in bolstering Rochester’s decaying fortunes, but he treated Elizabeth abombinably. Despite this, she proved a long-suffering and exemplary wife. The chronicler Hearne recorded how; “… they say he (Rochester) was very barbarous to his own lady, tho’ so very fine a woman.”  With her husband’s death Elizabeth became the junior Dowager Countess of Rochester (1680 – 1681), as her widowed mother-in-law was still living. She and her mother-in-law were appointed in his will to be the joint guardians of Rochester’s young children. He exhorted the two women to live in amity, and ordered that if Elizabeth remarried, the children’s grandmother would become their sole guardian. Her portrait was painted by Sir Peter Lely. Lady Rochester died of apoplexy, aged thirty-three, and was buried (Aug 20, 1681) at Spelsbury, Oxfordshire. Her four children were,

• Lady Anne Wilmot (born 1669), she was married firstly to Henry Baynton, of Bromham, Wiltshire, and secondly to Francis Greville.
• Charles Wilmot (1671 – 1681). He succeeded his father as third Earl of Rochester (1680 – 1681) but died a child, and the Rochester title became extinct.
• Lady Elizabeth Wilmot (1674 – 1757). She became the wife of Edward Montagu (1670 – 1729), third Earl of Sandwich.
• Lady Malet Wilmot (1676 – 1709). She became the first wife of John Vaughan (1760 – 1721), first Viscount Lisburne.

Rochester, J.W. – (1861 – 1924)
Russian novelist
Born Vera Ivanovna Kryzhanskaia, she practised spiritualism with her husband, Serge Semenov. Her popular novels were translated into English and other languages. J.W. Rochester died of tuberculosis in Latvia.

Rochester, Jane Leveson-Gower, Countess of   see   Clarendon, Jane Leveson-Gower, Countess of

Rochford, Jane Parker, Lady – (c1505 – 1542)
English courtier
Jane Parker was the daughter of Henry Parker, Lord Morley and his wife Alice St John. She attednhed Catherine of Aragon at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in France (1520) and then served her as lady-in-waiting. Jane was married (1524) to George Boleyn, viscount Rochford, the brother of Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. The marriage had been arranged by their respective families, and remained childless. Lady Rochford and her mother were originally attached to the household of the king’s daughter, Princess Mary, the daughter of Catharine of Aragon. Lady Rochford was traditionally said to have been jealous of her husband’s close relationship with his royal sister, and she was briefly imprisoned in the Tower of London for making some unwise remarks on the subject. She provided certain evidence, which was used against the queen at her trial, and caused her to be accused of incest with her brother, Lord Rochford. After their execution, Lady Rochford was appointed lady-in-waiting to Jane Seymour, and was present at the birth of Edward VI (Oct, 1537). Briefly serving Anne of Cleves (1540), Lady Rochford was then attached to the household of Catharine Howard, whom she encouraged in her extramarital activities, though her motives for setting this extremely dangerous course remain difficult to assess. When the queen’s misconduct was uncovered, Lady Rochford was arrested and removed from Hampton Court, the details of her guilt being supplied by many other members of the household.
]Charged with having acted as procuress to the queen, she was thought to be  half-mad at her trial, but was found guilty of high treason, and executed with the queen on Tower Green (Feb 12, 1542). Witnesses recorded that she was lucid enough on the scaffold to make a coherent speech as was customary. Her remains were interred within the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula. In the the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) series The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) she was portrayed by Sheila Burrell. In BBC film The Other Boleyn Girl (2003) she was portrayed by actress Zoe Waites, with Jared Harris as Henry and Jodhi May as Queen Anne. She was portrayed by Joanne King in the Showtime television series The Tudors (2007 - 2010) with Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII. Lady Rochford was also one of the main characters of the historical novel The Boleyn Inheritance (2006) by Philippa Gregory (2006).

Rochford, Jane Wroth, Countess of – (1659 – 1703)
Anglo-Dutch courtier
Jane Wroth was the daughter of Sir Henry Wroth and his wife Anne Maynard. Jane attended Mary Stuart, the niece of Charles II, on her marriage (1677) with William of Orange, and then accompanied the princess to the Dutch court at The Hague as maid-of-honour. Jane indulged in a liasion with William Zuylestein (1645 – 1709), the kinsman of Prince William and became pregant. Much to the anger of the prince, Princess Mary insisted that the couple be legally married (1681). Zuylestein was later created Earl of Rochford by William when he and Mary ascended the Enhglish throne (1688). Lady Rochford predeceased her husband, and left eight children,

• Hon. (Honourable) William Henry Zuylestein (1681 – 1710). He succeeded his father as second Earl of Rochford (1709 – 1710) but died unmarried.
• Hon. Frederick Zuylestein (1682 – 1738). He succeeded his brother as the third Earl of Rochford (1710 – 1738) and left descendants.
• Lieutenant-Colonel Hon. Henry Zuylestein (1684 – 1740).
• Hon. Maurice (Moritz) Zuylestein (1685 – 1722). He died unmarried.
• Lady Anna Zuylestein (1685 – 1701). She died unmarried.
• Lady Maria Zuylestein (born 1687). She became the wife of Gotthard Adrian, Baron van Reede van Ginkel, Lord of Horwald in Holland.
• Lady Elisabeth Zuylestein (1688 – 1720). She died unmarried.
• Lady Henrietta Zuylestein (1688 – 1719). She was a twin with her sister Elisabeth, and became the wife of Frederick Christian, Baron van Reede van Amerongen (1668 – 1719), the second Earl of Athlone.

Rock, Blossom – (1895 – 1978)
American stage, film and television actress
Born Edith Marie Blossom Macdonald (Aug 21, 1895) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the elder sister of actress and operetta star, Jeanette MacDonald. Originally using the name of Marie Blake she performed in vaudeville with her younger sister. After her marriage with fellow vaudevillian Clarence Rock, she adopted the professional name of ‘Blossom Rock.’ Blossom Rock appeared in Broadway plays, and in films, but was best remembered as the white-haired Grandmama Addams in the popular television series The Addams Family. Blossom Rock died (Jan 14, 1978) aged eighty-two, in Los Angeles, California.

Rockley, Lady    see   Amherst, Alicia Margaret

Rocksavage, Sybil Sassoon, Countess of    see   Cholmondeley, Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of

Rodde, Dorothea von – (1770 – 1824)
German philosopher
Dorothea von Schlozer was born (Aug 18, 1770) in Gottingen, the daughter of August Ludwig von Schlozer, the noted lawyer and historian. She studied geometry early in childhood, and became proficient in many languages. Such was her education that Dorothea was granted a doctorate in philosophy (1787) from the University of Gottingen after a verbal examination, becoming the first German woman to achieve such a distinction. She was married (1792) to the Baron von Rodde of Lubeck, to whom she bore three children. Dorothea established her own salon in Lubeck which was visited by the noted translator Johann Heinrich Voss, and the French scholar Charles de Villers. Dorothea von Rodde died (July 12, 1825) aged fifty-four, in Avignon, Provence, France.

Roddenberry, Majel Barrett     see     Barrett, Majel

Roddick, Dame Anita – (1942 – 2007)
British retailer and cosmetician
Born Anita Perella in Brighton, London, she originally trained and worked as a schoolteacher and was married to Thomas Gordon Roddick. Anita later abandoned teaching and founded the world famous, eco-friendly, anti-animal testing Body Shop International chain of stores (1976). Anita Roddick established well over one thousand of these stores world-wide and remained the managing director until 1994, when she became the chief executive. She received an environmental award from the United Nations (1989) and was the author of Body and Soul (1991). Roddick was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her valuable work as an environmental campaigner with Friends of the Earth. Dame Anita Roddick died (Sept 10, 2007) aged sixty-four, at Chichester, Sussex.

Rodelinda – (c510 – c550)
Queen consort of Lombardy (c530 – c550)
Rodelinda was the daughter of Herminifredus, King of Thuringia, and his wife Amalaberga, the niece to the Ostrogothic king of Italy Theodoric I (493 AD - 526). The Byzantine emperor Justinian I caused Rodelinda to be married (c533) to King Audoin of Lombardy (c500 – c565), the marriage being recorded by the historian Procopius in his de bello Gothico.
Queen Rodelinda was the mother of Audoin’s successor King Alboin (c535 – 572), and of an unnamed daughter who was married to Grasulf I, duke of Friuli. She was mentioned in several historical chronicles such as the Origo Gentis Langobardorum and the Historia Langobardorum of Paulus Diakonus (Paul the Deacon).

Rodiani, Onorata – (c1401 – 1452)
Italian painter and heroine
Onorata Rodiani was born near Cremona and was trained as a painter, becoming proficient with the difficult affresco style. She was commissioned by the wealthy patrician Gabrino Fondulo to decorate his own palazzo in this style. Whilst engaged with this work, Onorata was forced tp protect herself from the unwanted sexual attentions of a predatory young nobleman, and stabbed him. She escaped from the city and survived disguised as a man in the cavalry of Oldrado Lampugnano (1423). She achieved considerable fame as a soldier under the leadership of Conrad Sforza. Years later she was pardoned and returned to finish the Fondulo commission. When Catelleone was later attacked by the Venetians she personally led a troupe of soldiers, but died of wounds she received (Aug, 1452).

Rodilia – (d. c303 AD)
Roman Christian martyr
Rodilia probably perished during the persecutions initiated by the emperors Diocletian and Maximian Daia. She was executed with two hundred and twenty-six other martyrs who were killed at the same time, who were commemorated together in the Martyrology of St Jerome. Revered as a saint, her feast is recorded in the Acta Sanctorum (June 2).

Rodoreda, Merce – (1909 – 1983) 
Spanish writer and novelist, journalist and short story writer
Merce was born in Barcelona, the only daughter of a comfortable middle-class family. She was married by her family to her uncle, to whom she bore an only son. Merce produced novels and short stories in Catalan, and received the Creixells prize for her first novel Aloma (1938). However, with the end of the Spanish Civil War (1939) her works were banned by the Franco government and Merce fled to France where she resided in exile. Rodoreda’s published work included the collection of stories Vint-i-dos Contes (Twenty-two Stories) (1957) and the novel La Placa del Diamant (Diamond Plaza) (1962), considered to be her best work, which dealt with the sufferrings of a Catalan woman during the civil war. Her later works included Carrer de les Camelies (Camellia Street) (1966) and the collection of stories entitled Cristina i altres Contes (My Christina and Other Stories) (1967). With Franco’s death (1979) she was able to return to Spain, and was awarded the Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes (1980) in recognition of her valuable contribution to Catalan literature. Merce Rodoreda died at Romanya de la Selva, Girona.

Rodriguez de Tio, Lola – (1843 – 1924)
Puerto-Rican poet and critic
Lola Rodriguez de Tio was born in San German. Rodriguez was the editor of the annual review Compentes La Almjoabana (1881). She published the collection of verse entitled Mi libro de Cuba (1893). Lola Rodriguez de Tio died (Nov 10, 1924) aged eighty-one, at Havana, Cuba.

Rodway, Florence Aline – (1881 – 1971)
Australian pastellist and portrait painter
Florence Rodway was born in Hobart, Tasmania, the daughter of a botanist. She was educated at the Hobart Technical College and at the Royal Academy School in London. Upon her return to Australia she studied at the Julian Ashton Art School. Rodway was a foundation member of the Society of Women Painters in Sydney, New South Wales (1910), and exhibited her works with the Sydney Society of artists and the Australian Art Association. Examples of her work were preserved in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Rodzinski, Halina – (1904 – 1993) 
Polish-American activist and memoirist
Halina was born in Warsaw, Poland, and married (1934) the conductor Arthur Rodzinski, director of the New York Philharmonic (1943 – 1948). Her memoir Our Two Lives (1976) was the story of their lives together till his death (1958). Active with the Polish Mutual Assistance, founded (1956) to help Poles left destitute after WW II, for nearly thirty-five years up until her death (1959 – 1993) Halina was president of the Committee for the Blind of Poland. Just prior to her death Halina’s work was recognized when she was awarded the Officers Cross of the Order of Merit, Poland’s highest civilian honour. Halina Rodzinski died (June 29, 1993) aged eighty-eight, in Lake Placid, New York.

Roe, Anne – (1904 – 1991)
American clinical psychologist
Anne Roe studied psychology at Columbia University. She was a lecturer at Harvard University (1959 – 1967) before removing to the University of Arizona (1967 – 1984), where she was appointed as professor of psychology. She was the wife of George Gaylord Simpson (died 1984), the noted scientist and was a prolific writer, being the author of The Making of a Scientist (1952). Anne Roe died (May 29, 1991) aged eighty-seven, at Tuczon.

Roe, Daphne – (1923 – 1993)
American dermatologist, scientific researcher and author
Daphne Roe was born in London, England, where she attended the University of London. She married and had several children and later joined the faculty of Cornell University in the USA (1963), where she eventually became professor emeritus of nutritional sciences. Roe’s research concerned the role of beta carotene, an early form of vitamin A, which protected the human immune system in many ways, such as protection from sunlight, nutiritional deficiencies in the elderly, and the interactions between medical drugs and various nutrients. Her published work included Drug-Induced Nutritional Deficiencies (1976), Alcohol and Diet (1980) and Geriatric Nutrition (1992). The American Medical Association awarded Dr Roe the Joseph B. Goldberger Award in Clinical Nutrition (1987) whilst the American Institute of Nutrition gave her the Lederle Award (1987). Daphne Roe died (Sept 22, 1993) aged seventy, in Ithaca, New York.

Roe, Mary Abigail – (1839 – after 1899)
American author
Mary Roe was born (July 20, 1839), the elder daughter of Peter Roe and his wife Susan Elizabeth Williams, and was sister to the clergyman novelist Edward Payson Roe (1838 – 1888) of whom she wrote the memoir E.P. Roe: Reminiscences of His Life (1899). She published her work, Free, Yet Forging Their Own Chains (1876) under the pseudonym ‘C.M. Cornwall.’

Roederer, Blanche Josephine de Corcelle, Comtesse – (1797 – 1884)
French Bourbon aristocrat
Blanche de Corcelle was sister to Madame Helene de Barberey and Comtesse Edouard de Liederkerke. Her personal correspondence, including letter which passed between her sisters, were later published posthumously in the volume of memoirs entitled Notice et souvenirs de famille (1899) which was published in Brussels, Belgium.

Roet, Elisabeth de (Isabel) – (c1335 – 1368)
French nun
Elisabeth de Roet was the eldest daughter of Sir Paon de Roet (died 1360) and an unknown first wife. Elisabeth and her brother, Walter de Roet (died c1356), were the elder half-siblings of Katherine de Roet, lady Swynford, the mistress and third wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and of Philippa de Roet, wife of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Elisabeth de Roet became a nun at Mons, near Roeulx in Hainault. The Cartulaire des Comtes de Hainault referred to her as ‘nobilis,’ and recorded that she had been nominated for the chapter of St Waudru (Waldetrude) at Mons, as a canoness (chainonesse), by the Holy Roman empress, Margaret of Hainault, the sister of Queen Philippa of England, wife of Edward III. Elisabeth de Roet died (cJuly 24, 1368) at Mons.

Roet, Philippa de – (c1350 – 1387)
English courtier
Philippa de Roet was the younger daughter of Paon de Roet, Guienne King at Arms, and sister to Catherine, widow of Sir Hugh Swynford and mistress (and later third wife) of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, son of Edward III. Philippa and her sister were brought to England after the death of their father in battle (1360) and placed under the wardship of Queen Philippa, wife of Edward III. She was later appointed as lady-in-waiting to the queen, remaining in the royal household till that lady’s death (1369). From 1371 she served in the household of Constance of Castile, John of Gaunt’s second wife, in the same capacity. Philippa was married (c1364) to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer (c1345 – 1400), to whom she bore at least three children,

• Elizabeth Chaucer (c1365 – after 1397). She became a nun at the Abbey of Barking.
• Thomas Chaucer (1367 – 1434). He was married and left descendants.
• Agnes Chaucer (died after 1399). She served at the court of Henry IV as a lady-in-waiting.

Lewis Chaucer (1381 – after 1403) is often called the legitimate son of Philippa and her husband, may actually have been the fruit of Geoffrey’s dramatic liasion with Cecily Chaumpaigne. Philippa’s granddaughter, Alice Chaucer (1404 – 1474), became the wife of John de La Pole, the first Duke of Suffolk, and was prominent at the court of Henry VI. Through Alice Philippa was a direct progenatrix of the de La Pole branch of the Yorkist dynasty. Philippa de Roet died between (June 18 – Nov 17, 1387), traditionally in Lincolnshire. She was said to have been buried either at Kettlethorpe, or in Lincoln Cathedral. However, there is some indirect evidence that she may have actually died at Leon in Spain, during a dysentery epidemic, whilst attending John of Gaunt and his second wife Constance, for the marriage of their daughter Catherine of Lancaster (Catalina) with Enrique III, King of Castile. Philippa appears in the historical novel Katherine (1954) by Anya Seton.

Rogatilla – (d. c303 AD)
Graeco-Roman Christian martyr
Rogatilla was arrested in Nikomedia in Bithynia and refused to abjure her faith. She was executed with a large number of other Christians. Her feast is recorded in the Acta Sanctorum (Feb 24).

Rogendorf, Cecilia von – (1775 – 1814)
German aristocrat and letter writer
Born Countess Cecilia von Rogendorf (Oct 28, 1775), her father died penniless (1790) and her fiancee was killed in battle (1796). At the urging of her brother, Baron Ernst von Rogendorf, Cecilia wrote a series of letters (1797 – 1798) to the retired roue, Giacomo Casanova, then under the protection of Count Joseph Karl von Waldstein. Through Casanova’s intercession, Cecilia received a post as lady-in-waiting at the court of Kurland. He died soon afterwards. The two had never met, except by letter, and this surviving correspondence presents another view of the infamous Casanova, apart from that of the sexual predator. In a letter to her brother (June 12, 1797) Casanova declared “ I have cultivated in your sister a love of the truth, moderation, submission, a noble pride which is not to be confounded with haughtiness, and finally, all those virtues suitable to her sex and befitting honor.” Cecilia later became the second wife (1802) of Anton Joseph Franz von Paula Kalixt, Count von Batthyany (1762 – 1828). Countess Cecilia von Batthyany died (Nov 27, 1814) aged thirty-nine.

Rogers, Annette – (1913 – 2006)
American track athlete
Annette Rogers was born (Oct 22, 1913). She competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics at Los Angeles in California, where she won a gold medal for the 400 metres, and the Berlin Olympics (1936) where she again received gold for winning the 400 metres. Her married name was Kelly. Annette Rogers died (Nov 8, 2006) aged ninety-three.

Rogers, Betty Jayne    see   Rogers, Elizabeth

Rogers, Dale Evans    see   Evans, Dale

Rogers, Edith Nourse – (1881 – 1960)
American politician and Congresswoman
Edith Nourse was born in Saco, Maine (March 19, 1881) and became a popular socialite before marrying (1907) John Jacob Rogers. She was from the Fifth District in Massachusetts, and was the sixth woman in America to be elected a representative, serving for thirty-five years. Edith Nourse Rogers died (Sept 10, 1960) aged seventy-nine, in Boston.

Rogers, Elizabeth – (1934 – 2004)
American television and film actress
Born Betty Jayne Rogers (May 18, 1934) in Austin Texas, Elizabeth Rogers was best remembered in the popular television series Star Trek, with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, where she played the stand in communications officer for Lieutenant Uhura. She also appeared in episodes of several other television series including Bewitched with Elizabeth Montgomery, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke. Roger appeared in several of the famous Irwin Allen films such as The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. Her last film role was in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). Elizabeth Rogers died (Nov 6, 2004) aged seventy, in Tarzana, California.

Rogers, Ginger – (1911 – 1995)
American film actress and dancer
Born Virginia McMath in Independence, Missouri, she was trained as a singer and dancer and worked in vaudeville, before she became a band singer before appearing on the Broadway stage in musicals such as Top Speed (1929) and Girl Crazy (1931). Her career there was short and she then removed to Hollywood in California, where she adopted the professional name of Ginger Rogers, and became famous for making over thirty romantic musical films with actor and dancer Fred Astaire (1899 – 1987). Her film credits included, 42nd Street (1933), Flying Down to Rio (1933), The Gay Divorcee (1934), Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Stage Door (1937), The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939), Bachelor Mother (1939), Kitty Foyle (1940), for which appearance she received an Academy Award as best actress, and Roxie Hart (1942), amongst many others. As well as her extremely successful movie career, Rogers maintained her links with Broadway, where she appeared in Hello Dolly! (1965), and in London, where appeared in the title role of Mame (1969). She later published her revealing autobiography Ginger, My Story (1991).

Rogers, Jane – (c1675 – 1718) 
British actress
Jane Rogers joined the theatrical company at the Drury Lane Theatre (1694) and was an accomplished actress by 1700, possessing a tall and handsome figure and thought to be ‘exceedingly genteel.’ Jane played roles in works such as The Triumph of Virtue, the part of Angelica in The Constant Couple and Venice Preserv’d. She often played opposite actor Robert Wills by whom she had a natural daughter, and who then abandoned her. From 1700 her main rival was Anne Oldfield, and the two women remained antagonistic to one another. Rogers appeared in the role of Cassandra in Settle’s opera The Virgin Prophetess: or The Fate of Troy, and that of Lady Harriet in The Funeral by Dick Steele. She played Penelope in Steele’s comedy The Lying Lover (1703) but later removed to the Queen’s Theatre, in Haymarket, where she appeared in Colley Cibber’s plays The Double Gallant and The Lady’s Last Stake, and the part of Imoinda in Southern’s Oroonoko. By 1713 Jane was being replaced in leading roles by Anne Oldfield and Mary Porter, and eventually she left the Queen’s Theatre to become part of the theatre company in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Jane Rogers died in obscurity a few years later.

Rogers, Jean – (1916 – 1991)
American film actress
Born Eleanor Lovegren in Belmont, Massachusetts, she was discovered after entering a beauty pageant and made her first film appearance in Eight Girls in a Boat (1934). Other film credits included Flash Gordon (1936), My Man Godfrey (1936), Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars (1938), Charlie Chan in Panama (1940), Hot Cargo (1946) and The Second Woman (1951).

Rogers, Mary   see  also   Howard, Mary

Rogers, Mary Josephine – (1882 – 1955)
American nun and religious founder
Rogers was born (Oct 27, 1882) in Roxbury, Massachusetts and attended Smith College. She was trained as a teacher of science before joining the Catholic foundation at Maryknoll (1912), where she became a nun, taking the name of Mother Mary Joseph. Rogers founded the order of the Foreign Mission Sisters of St Dominic (1920), commonly known as the Maryknoll Sisters from 1954, who sent missionaries to over seventy countries around the world. Mary Rogers died (Oct 9, 1955), aged seventy-two.

Rogge, Alma – (1894 – 1969)
German poet and dramatist
Alma Rogge was born in Brunswarden, in Oldenburg, to a peasant family. She studied literature and art history at Gottingen, Berlin, and Munich, in Bavaria, before finally obtaining her doctorate in Hamburg. Rogge worked as an editor for several periodicals in Lower Saxony and Bremen, and wrote novellas, plays, poems, comic works and narratives. Her works included Up de Freete (1918), De Straf (1924), Hochzeit ohne Brautigam (1952), Seid lustig im Leben (1953), An Deich und Strom (Selections) (1958) and Land aus dem ich geboren bin (1970). Alma Rogge died at Bremen.

Rohan, Catherine de Parthenay, Duchesse de  see  Parthenay de Soubise, Catherine

Rohan, Charlotte de – (c1615 – 1703)
French heiress
Charlotte de Rohan was the illegitimate daughter of Alexandre de Rohan, Marquis de Marigny (1573 – 1638) and his mistress Charlotte Fachon. Recognized officially by her father as ‘batarde de Rohan’ she was legitimized (1619). Charlotte was married (1634) to Charles de l’Hopital, Comte de Cordoux (died 1697) whom she survived as Dowager Comtesse de Cordoux (1697 – 1703). Madame de Cordoux died at a great age.

Rohan, Francoise de – (1535 – 1591)
French Valois courtier
Francoise de Rohan was the daughter of Rene II, Vicomte de Rohan, and his wife Isabel of Navarre, the daughter of King Henry I of Navarre, and his wife Margeurite d’Angouleme, sister to Francois I, King of France (1515 – 1547). Francoise attended the court where she became lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine de Medici. She was married secretly to Jacques of Savoy (1531 – 1586), Duc de Nemours, but they were forced to divorce (1566) and Nemours remarried to Anne d’Este, widow of Francois I, Duc de Guise. Francoise was granted the title of duchesse de Loudon in recompense by Charles IX (1560 – 1574). Her reputation remained forever somewhat tarnished, though she later remarried at the age of fifty (1586) to a minor nobleman Francois Lesfelle, Seigneur de Guebriand. Francoise de Rohan died (Dec, 1591) aged fifty-six.

Rohan, Margeurite de – (1617 – 1684)
French heiress
Margeurite de Rohan was the only child of Henri, first duc de Rohan and his wife Margeurite de Bethune, daughter of the Duc de Sully. Margeurite held the principality of Leon and refused offers of marriage from several foreign princes inluding the German duke of Saxe-Weimar, besides the Comte de Soissons and the duc de Nemours, because of her attachment to Henri Chabot, seigneur de Sainte-Aulaye (1616 – 1655). Louis XIV declared that Margeurite should retain her princely status if she married him, which she did in Paris (1645). The property and titles of her father thus passed to her husband and his family and the ducal peerage of Rohan was re-established for Chabot (1648). Widowed young (1655), the duchess was named at the guardian of her children by royal letters. Her children later assumed the surname of Rohan-Chabot, in contrvention of the condition of her mother’s marriage contract, which had insisted that the name Rohan alone be borne. The Duchesse de Rohan died (April 9, 1684) aged sixty-seven, in Paris.

Rohan, Marie Henriette Herminie de La Brousse de Verteillac, Duchesse de – (1853 – 1926)
French poet and water colour painter
Marie Henriette de La Brousse was the daughter of Cesar Augustin de La Brousse, Marquis de Verteillac and his second wife Marie Henriette de Leuze. She was married to Alan Louis de Chabot, Duc de Rohan to whom she bore three children. Known as the Princesse de Leon until her husband inherited the ducal title (1893) the duchesse was a great friend of Comte Robert de Montesquiou-Fezensac and of the author Marcel Proust, who much admired her. During WW I the duchesse turned the Hotel de Rohan into a military hospital with herself as nursing superintendent, and was made a Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur and awarded the Medaille de Vermeil des Epidemies. Her work was also acknowledged by the Italian and Serbian governments. Before the war the duchesse had written four books of poetry and prose, as well as Le chant du Cygne. A noted water colour painter she was awarded the medailled de Vernueil at the Vichy exposition, and was a member of the Societe des Gens de Lettres des Poetes Francais and le Societe d’Histoire de France. Her elder daughter Anne Henriette de Chabot-Rohan became the wife of Prince Lucien Murat, whilst the younger Marie Agnes married the marquis de Caraman. The Duchesse de Rohan died (April, 1926) in Paris.

Rohan-Chabot, Adelaide de Vismes, Duchesse de – (1767 – 1835)
French courtier
A prominent figure at the court of Louis XVI (1774 – 1792) and Marie Antoinette at Versailles, Adelaide de Vismes was the second daughter of Anne de Vismes, secretary of Louis XV (1715 – 1774) and was married firstly to Auguste de Laborde, the first gentleman in waiting to Louis XVI, and governor of the Louvre Palace. Adelaide served at court at Versailles as a lady-in-waiting to the queen, who counted her a personal friend. Her first husband was arrested and guillotined during the Revolution (1793) and Adelaide remarried to the Duc de Rohan-Chabot.

Rohan-Montbazon, Marie Eleonore de – (1628 – 1681)
French nun
The eldest daughter of the Duc de Montbazon, Marie Eleonore de Rohan-Montbazon was never married and became a nun. She was appointed as Abbess of La Trinite at Caen in Normandy, and later transferred to the Abbey of Malnou in the same office.

Rohaut     see     Rothilda

Rohde, Eleanor Sinclair – (1881 – 1950) 
British herb gardener and plant researcher
Eleanor Rohde was born at Reigate, Surrey and was educated at Somerville College, Oxford. Eleanor Rohde closely studied mediaeval herb gardens and was elected as president of the Society of Women Journalists. She was the author of many books and articles most notably The War-Time Vegetable Garden (1940).

Rohde, Ruth Bryan Owen – (1885 – 1954)
American Congresswoman, diplomat and writer
Ruth Bryan was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, the daughter of the famous orator and political leader, William Jennings Bryan (1860 – 1925). She was educated at the Monticello Female Academy and then attended the University of Nebraska. Her first marriage (1903 – 1909) ended in divorce, and she then remarried (1910) to Reginald Owen (died 1927), a British army officer. She had two children by each marriage and took up public speaking in order to provide for her family. Ruth joined the Democrat Party in Florida (1926) and travelled wideley, and was later appointed as the American minister to the Court of Denmark (1933 – 1936), becoming the first woman in American politics to ever hold a diplomatic position. Mrs Owen was remarried (1936) as her third husband, to Borge Rohde, a Danish national, and was then required to resign her ministerial post. Ruth Owen left several volumes of memoirs Leaves from a Greenland Diary (1935), Denmark Caravan (1936), Look Forward, Warrior (1942) and Caribbean Caravel (1949). Ruth Owen Rohde died aged sixty-eight.

Rohrer, Leontine – (1886 – 1950)
German noblewoman
Leontine Rohrer was born (Jan 27, 1886) in Schlackenwerth, the daughter of Anton Rohrer and his wife Antonia Hartmann. She was married (1908) in Nuremburg (Nurnberg) to Prince Viktor Karl von Isenburg-Budingen (1872 – 1946). The marriage was not recognized and was considered to be morganatic. Leontine did not become princess and was created Baroness von Rombach by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse-Darmstadt, a title she retained for over forty years (1908 – 1950). The marriage remained childless. Madame von Rombach died (Nov 7, 1950) aged sixty-four, in Berlin.

Rokeby, Anne Ellerker, Lady – (c1470 – c1531)
English letter writer and Tudor courtier
Anne Ellerker was the daughter of Sir Ralph Ellerker, of Rusby, Lincolnshire. Her niece Elizabeth Ellerker was the wife of Sir Robert Constable of Everingham. Anne was married firstly (c1486) to a gentleman named Newport, by whom she left a son Thomas Newport (died after 1531), and a daughter. She then remarried (c1500) to Sir Ralph Rokeby (c1462 – c1523) of Mortham, near Gretna Bridge. After the death of her second husband Lady Rokeby became a vowess and never remarried. She left no children and the estates passed to her husband’s brother William Rokeby (died 1542). She was living in Feb, 1531 and died soon afterwards. Lady Rokeby left bequests to William Plumpton, his wife Isabel, and their children, and was buried in Spofforth church. Letters addressed to Lady Rokeby from Sir Robert Constable, Sir Marmaduke Constable and Ann Abbott are preserved in the collection of the Plumpton family correspondence.

Roland, Betty – (1903 – 1996)
Australian writer
Born Elizabeth Maclean (July 22, 1903) in Kaniva, Victoria, Betty Roland later joined the Communist Party (1935) and lived in London for some years. Betty Roland wrote the play The Touch of Silk (1928), the children’s book The Forbidden Bridge (1959), and several other works including such novels as No Ordinary Man (1974) and Beyond Capricorn (1976).

Roland, Manon – (1754 – 1793)
French revolutionary salonniere and political figure
Born Jeanne Marie Philipon, she received an excellent education, and became the wife of the Girondist politician Jean Marie Roland de La Platiere (1734 – 1793) to whom she bore a daughter. Madame Roland ran a celebrated salon whilst her husband was leader of the Girondin party and minister of the Interior (1792 – 1793). Manon and her husband remained enthusiastic republicans, but abhorred the continuing revolutionary violence which threatened the entire country. This led them into direct opposition with Robespierre and Danton, and eventually led to the fall of the Girondiste party. Roland escaped but Manon was arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. She is best remembered for the famous words she utterred on the scaffold, “O Liberty, what crimes are committed in thy name.” Her husband then committed suicide. Her memoirs, written during her imprisonment for her daughter, were later published in four volumes Appel a’ l’impartiale posterite’ par la citoyenne Roland (1795).

Roland, Pauline – (fl. 1851 – 1881)
French revolutionary and feminist
Pauline Poland was a supporter of Jeanne Francoise Deroine, with whom she was imprisoned in the jail of St Lazare in Paris. During this time the two women composed a letter pleading the cause of freedom for women. This document was later printed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Matilda Gage in History of Woman Suffrage (1881).

Roldan, Luisa Ignacia – (1656 – 1704)  
Spanish sculptor
Luisa Roldan was born in Seville and trained under father in his workshop. She became popularly known as ‘La Roldana’ and produced many commissions in terra-cotta and polychromed wood. Luisa was married to fellow sculptor Luis Antonios de los Arcos with whom she removed to Madrid, where she was appointed court sculptor to King Carlos II.

Rolf, Ida – (1896 – 1979)
American biochemist and physical therapist
Ida Rolf developed the ‘Rolfing’ technique and published Rolfing: The Integration of Human Structures (1977).

Rolinda – (fl. 1000 – 1014) 
Italian abbess
Rolinda had been appointed abbess of the convent of San Giulio at Brescia, formerly known as San Salvatore, prior to 1000 as successor to Abbess Bertha. An imperial decree issued to Rolinda by the emperor Henry II (1014) granted her all the property that had belonged to the monastery and ceded the convent the Curia of Grontardo. The decree also stated that if anyone distributed the convent inmates and dependants, or the abbess, were to be fined one thousand gold pieces, half of which went to the abbess, and the other half to the Imperial treasury.

Rolleston, Maud Dalzell, Lady – (1859 – after 1941)
British war nurse and diarist
Charlotte Emma Maud Dalzell was born (Sept 2, 1859), the daughter of Robert Alexander George Dalzell. When her brother succeeded as the last Earl of Carnwath, Maud received the rank and style of the daughter of an earl. She became the wife (1882) of Lancelot Rolleston. Lady Maud accompanied her husband to South Africa, where she organized a convalescent hospital at Kimberley. She was appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1919) in recognition of her volunteer nursing work during WW I. She was the author of memoirs Yeoman Service: Being the Diary of the Wife of an Imperial Yeomanry Officer During the Boer War (1901).

Rollo, Primula – (1918 – 1946)
British actress
Primula Rollo was born in London. She became the first wife (1940) of actor David Niven (1910 – 1983), to whom she bore two sons, David Niven Jr, (born 1942), who was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie The Night They Saved Christmas (1984), and Jamie Niven, who appeared in documentaries concerning his father. Primula appeared in the film English Without Tears (1944), which was released in the USA as Her Man Gilbey. Primula Rollo died (May 21, 1946) in Beverly Hills, California, after an accident.

Romains, Anne Couppier de – (1737 – 1808)
French beauty and mistress of King Louis XV
Anne de Romains was born (June 19, 1737) at Grenoble, the daughter of a lawyer, Jean Josephe de Romains, and his wife Madeleine Armand. The king first noticed her walking in the grounds of the Chateau de Marly (1761). She refused to be placed in the Parc aux Cerfs, the king’s private brothel, and he established her in a small house at Passy, where she gave birth to their son Louis Aime (1762) the future abbe de Bourbon. Her liasion caused much disquiet to the king’s long-standing mistress Madame de Pompadour, who travelled in disguise so she could view Anne whilst she was feeding her son in the Bois de Boulogne. The king eventually tired of her, granting her the title and barony of Meilly-Coulange, and married her off (1772) to Gabriel Guillaume de Siran, marquis de Cavanac, who died in 1784, though she was seperated from her son, who was adopted by his royal aunts, the unmarried daughters of Louis XV. He later died of smallpox (1787). Anne survived the upheaval of the Revolution and died (Dec 27, 1808) at Versailles, near Paris, aged seventy-one. Her portrait as Madamoiselle de Romains, painted by Francois-Hubert Drouais, shows to excellent advantage her beautiful black hair and striking facial features, and is now in the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. Anne de Romains appears in the historical novel, The Road to Compiegne (1959) by Jean Plaidy.

Roman, Ruth – (1923 – 1999)
American film and television actress
Born Norma Roman (Dec 23, 1923) in Lynn, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of a Lithuanian immigrant. The early death of her father meant that she was raised in poverty. After winning a scholarship to attend drama school she joined a repertory company in Boston. Her first film role was in Stage Door Canteen (1943) after which she appeared in small roles in Gilda (1946) and The Big Clock (1947). She achieved real critical acclaim as the wife of Kirk Douglas in Champion (1949), which gained her a contract with Warner Brothers Studio. At Warner’s Roman’s film credits included Alfred Hitchcock’s spy thriller Stranger on a Train, which became her best remembered role. Other films included Invitation (1952) with Van Johnson, and The Far Country (1955) opposite James Stewart. She appeared in various popular television programs such as Murder, She Wrote with Angela Lansbury, Dr Kildare and Knots Landing. Roman and her young son were among thise passengers rescued from the wreck of the luxury liner the Andrea Doria (1956) when it was struck by another ship. Ruth Roman died (Sept 9, 1999) aged seventy-five, at Laguna Beach, California.

Roman, Stella – (1904 – 1992)
Romanian soprano
Stella Roman was born in Cluj and studied in Bucharest and in Italy, where she made her stage debut (1932). She later joined the Rome Opera (1936) and performed in various cities such as Berlin, Florence, and Salzburg. Stella Roman worked for ten seasons with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and was best remembered for her interpretations of such roles as Aida, Mimi in La Boheme, and Desdemona in Otello. She was specifically chosen by Richard Strauss to play the role of the empress in the premiere performance of Frau Ohne Schatten at La Scala in Milan (1940). Stella Roman died (Feb 12, 1992) aged eighty-seven, in Manhattan.

Romana – (d. c303 AD)
Graceo-Roman Christian martyr
Romana was a native of Sirmium in Pannonia. She refused to abjure her religion and sufferred during the persecutions instigated by the emperors Dicoletian and Maximian Daia. Her feast was recorded in the Acta Sanctorum (April 6).

Romana Worq – (1909 – 1941)
Princess of Ethiopia
Romana Worq was the eldest daughter of the emperor Haile Selassie and his first wife Altayech. She was the elder half-sister of Princess Tenagne Worq and of the Crown Prince Asfa Wossen (1916 – 1997). Princess Romana was married to Beyenna Mered, the governor of Bale, to whom she bore four children. During the Italian invasion her husband was killed (1936) and the princess was captured by the Fascists. She was taken to Italy where she was imprisoned and later died.

Romance, Adele de – (fl. 1793 – 1824)
French painter
Her work was exhibited in salons during the Napoleonic period. She was Madame Romany by marriage. Famous for her portraits of actors and dancers, her portrait of Madame Vestris was preserved in the Musee de Valenciennes. Half a dozen of her works were preserved in the Musee de la Comedie Francaise.

Romanes, Ethel – (c1856 – 1927)
British theologist, writer and lecturer
Born Ethel Duncan in Liverpool, she was educated privately by a governess, and was married (1879) to George John Romanes, to whom she bore three children. Ethel Romanes lectured on theology and the works of Dante, both in England, and abroad, with great success. Her published work included Story of Port Royal (1907) and Charlotte Yonge, an Appreciation (1921). She edited and published The Life and Letters of George John Romanes (1896). Her religious publications included Meditations on the Penitential Psalms (1902) and Meditations on the Epistle of St James (1903). Ethel Romanes died (March 30, 1927).

Romano, Adelaide da – (c1227 – 1251)
Italian heiress
Adelaide da Romano was the daughter of Alberigo da Romana, and was niece to the Ghibelline leader, Ezzelino da Romano, whose wife Selvaggia was the natural daughter of the Emperor Friedrich II. Her marriage (1244) with Rinaldo I (c1225 – 1251), Marquis of Este, the son and co-ruler of Marquis Alberto Azzo VII, was one of political necessity, thrust upon the Este family. Adelaide and her husband both died in the same year, and Alberto Azzo later succeeded in destroying the Ghibelline faction (1259) and bringing about the downfall of Adelaide’s family. He caused her father Alberigo to be executed (1260). Adelaide left three children,

• Obizzo II d’Este (1247 – 1293). He succeeded his grandfather as marquis of Este, and left descendants.
• Pietro d’Este (c1249 – 1304). He married and left issue.
• Constanza d’Este. She became the wife of Guido d’Maltraversi di Lozzo.

Romano, Lalla – (1909 – 2001)
Italian writer, painter, translator and poet
Lalla Romano attended school in Demonte and then in Cuneo when her family settled there. She later attended the University of Turin in Piedmont and was taught painting by Felice Casorati. She was married (1933) to Innocenzo Monti and bore him a son. Romano had exhibitions of her art work and published her collection of verse entitled Flore (Flower) (1941), and later translated Flaubert’s Trois contes (1944). She later abandoned painting in favour of writing, and produced the collection of prose Le metamorfosi (1951) and the novel Maria (1953). Her later novel, Le parole tra noi leggere (Light words between us) (1969) was awarded the Strega literary prize. She also published the collection of fairy-tales Lo stregone (The Wizard) (1979), whilst her last works included Nei mari estremi (In extreme seas) which dealt with the death of her husband, and Dall’ombra (Out of the shadow) (1999). Lalla Romano died aged ninety-one.

Romanov, Anastasia     see     Anastasia Nikolaievna

Romanovskaia-Ilyinskaia, Princess    see   Emery, Audrey

Romany, Madame    see   Romance, Adele de

Rombach, Baroness von    see   Rohrer, Leontine

Romieu, Marie de – (1556 – after 1581)  
French poet
Marie de Romieu was born in Viviers the sister of Jacques de Romieu, lawyer and canon. Very little is known of Marie’s persoanl life except that she married a scion of the aristocratic de Joyeuse family, to whom she bore a son. Marie is best known for her courtly and Neo-platonistic work Les Premieres oeuvres poetiques (1581) which was dedicated to Margeurite de Lorraine on the occasion of her marriage to the Duc de Joyeuse. This work also contains her celebrated Discours que l’excellence de la femme surpasse celle de l’homme, which celebrated the literary excellence of the female gender, which they achieved by virtue of their sex.

Romilda – (c567 – 611)
Lombard princess
Romilda was the sister of King Agilulf, and was sister-in-law of the famous Queen Theodelinda. She was married (c582) to Duke Gisulf of Friuli, and bore him at least eight children. Her husband was killed and his army destroyed by the forces of the invading Persians and Avars. Thinking to save her own life, the duchess treacherously opened the gates of the city of Cividale to the conquerors, and a disgusting carnage of the citizens then took place, the noblest ladies of the city being abandoned to the barbarian invaders. The amorously inclined but middle-aged duchess spent one night as whore to the Perisan king, before he callously abandoned her the next evening to be raped by twelve of his closest generals. Three days later she was impaled alive in sight of the camp, whilst the Avar leader humorously remarked that such a husband was the fit reward for her lewdness and traitorous behaviour. Romilda’s eldest sons Taso and Cacco later ruled Friuli jointly, but were treacherously murdered by Gregorius, the exarch of Italy. Her two younger sons were Raduald, Duke of Benevento (642 – 647) and Grimoald (c602 – 671), Duke of Benevento (647 – 662), and then King of Lombardy (662 – 671).

Romilly, Alice de – (c1120 – after 1154)
Anglo-Norman heiress
Alice de Romilly was the elder daughter of William le Meschin, lord of Coupland, and his wife Cecily de Romilly, lady of Skipton, and was the paternal granddaughter of Rannilf, Vicomte of the Bessin in Normandy. Alice inherited her mother’s lordship of Skipton and is known to history by her surname. She was married firstly to William fitzDuncan (1094 – 1154), Earl of Moray, the grandson of Malcom III of Scotland, as his second wife, and remarried secondly to Alexander Fitz-Gerald, who became lord of Skipton and Craven in Alice’s right. She left four children,

• Cecily, Lady of Skipton (c1139 – c1190). She was married to William the Fat (c1125 – 1179), the first Earl of Aumale, and left descendants.
• William (c1140 – c1156), Lord of Egremont. He died young and unmarried.
• Amabel, Lady of Coupland. She became the wife of Reginald de Lucy.
• Alice, Lady of Allerdale (c1144 – 1215). She was married firstly to Gilbert de Pipard, and secondly to Robert de Courtenay (c1140 – 1209), of Sutton, Berkshire.

Romrod, Countess von    see   Kolomine, Alexandrine Czapaska von

Romula – (c230 – after 293 AD) 
Roman Imperial mother
Romula was of lowly origins, born north of the Danube River, and fled to Dacia with her family to escape the incursions of the Carpi. Her husband was a peasant from the village of Florentiana in Dacia Ripensis. Romula was living when her son Galerius (c250 – 311 AD) was named Caesar by the emperor Diocletian (293 AD) and Aurelius Victor recorded in his Epitome that Galerius renamed his birthplace of Romulanium, in Dacia, in her honour. Leontius records in his de Mortibus persecutorum that Romula was a devout pagan and urged her son to persecute the Christians. Her daughter became the mother of the Emperor Maximinus II Daia.

Ronaca, Margherita Costa – (c1600 – c1657)
Italian poet, dramatist and letter writer
Margherita Ronaca was born to a poor family in Rome and established herself early in life as a successful courtesan. When aged in her early thirties she moved to Florence where she settled and worked for some years. Her first published work Le ottave per l’incendio dei Pitti (1638) was followed of a volume of verse entitled La chitarra (1638). These were followed by the romantic prose work Lettere amorose (1639) and the drama Flora feconda (1640). Margherita Ronaca’s later works were the verse comedy Li buffoni (1641) and the religious allegorical poem Cecilia martire (1645). At this time she removed to the court of the dukes of Savoy at Turin in Piedmont and became part of a troupe of musicians and singers attendant upon the wealthy Barberini family. The group travelled to Paris at the request of Cardinal Mazarin and she published two more volumes of verse, La tromba di Parnaso and Selva di Diana (both 1647). Margherita Ronaca may have died in Venice.

Ronaldshay, Countess of    see   Zetland, Cicely Archdale, Marchioness of

Roncherolles, Marie Louise Amelot de Chaillou, Marquise de – (c1734 – after 1809)
French letter writer and courtier
Marie Louise Amelot was married (1752) to Claud Sibille Thomas Gaspard Nicolas Dorothee de Pont-Saint-Pierre, Marquis de Roncherolles and was prominent at Versailles during the reigns of both Louis XV and that of Louis XVI (1774 – 1792). Her daughter, the Comtesse de Canilhac (1752 – 1844) was later appointd as lady-in-waiting to Madame Elisabeth, the sister of LouisXVI and was mistress to the Comte d’Artois (Charles X). The marquise figured in the correspondence of the British antiquarian Horace Walpole and survived the horrors of the revolution.

Ronell, Ann – (1906 – 1993)
American composer, librettist and lyricist
Ann Ronell was born (Dec 28, 1906) and studied music under Walter Piston. She was married to the producer Lester Cowan (1907 – 1990). Best known for the jazz favourite ‘Willow Weep For Me’ (1932) and she also wrote ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf ’(1933) for Walt Disney. Ronell produced the scores for various well known films such as Champagne Waltz (1937), One Touch of Venus (1948), Love Happy (1949) with the Marx Brothers, and The Story of G.L. Joe (1945), for which her song ‘Linda’ was nominated for best song at the Academy Awards. Ann Ronell was the first woman to conduct and compose scores for films. Ann Ronnell died (Dec 25, 1993) aged eighty-six.

Ronner-Knip, Henrietta Geertruida – (1821 – 1909)
Dutch painter and artist
Henrietta Knip was daughter to the painter Johann August Knip and his French wife Pauline de Courcelles, the noted botanical illustrator. Henriette was admired for her animal paintings such as Friend of Man (1860). Her later works concentrated mainly on pcitures of cats in domestic situations such as Three To One.

Rook, Jean Kathleen – (1931 – 1991) 
British journalist
Jean Rook was born in Hull, Yorkshire, and studied English literature at London University. She began her journalistic career with local newspapers in Yorkshire. After coming to London and establishing herself in Fleet Street, she was employed by the Daily Sketch and the Daily Mail. Her outspoken and fearless manner caused her to be known as the ‘First Lady of Fleet Street.’

Rooke, Daphne Marie – (1914 – 2009)
South African novelist and children’s writer
Daphne Pizzey was born (March 6, 1914) at Boksburg in the Transvaal. Her first novel The Sea Hath Bounds (1946) was published using the pseudonym ‘Robert Pointon’ as was the novel Apples in the Hold (1952). After this she published under her married name. These novels included A Grove of Trees (1950), Mittee (1951), Ratoons (1953), Wizard’s County (1957), A Lover for Estelle (1961), The Greyling (1963) and Margaretha de la Porte (1974). Her works for children included The Australian Twins (1954), The South African Twins (1953), The New Zealand Twins (1957) and A Horse of His Own (1976). She published the volume of autobiography Three Rivers – A Memoir (2003). Rooke also wrote short stories and collections of her manuscripts are preserved at Boston University and at the National English Literary Museum in Grahamstwon in South Africa. Daphne Rooke died (Jan 21, 2009) aged ninety-four.

Roosevelt, Edith Kermit Carow – (1861 – 1948)
American Fisrt Lady (1901 - 1909)
Edith Carow became the second wife of the twenty-sixth President, Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919) and was the stepmother of Alice Roosevelt Longworth and was cousin to Eleanor Roosevelt. Her children were,

• Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1887 – 1944). He married Eleanor Bitler Alexander, and left issue.
• Kermit Roosevelt (1889 – 1943). He married Belle Wyatt Willard, and left issue.
• Ethel Carow Roosevelt (1891 – 1977). She married a physician, Richard Derby, and left issue.
• Archibald Bulloch Roosevelt (1894 – 1979). He was married to Grace Stackpole Lockwood, and left issue.
• Quentin Roosevelt (1897 – 1918). He died unmarried.

Roosevelt, Eleanor – (1884 – 1962)
American First Lady (1933 – 1945), social reformer and journalist
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born (Oct 11, 1884) in New York, and was the niece of Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919), the twenty-sixth President of the USA (1901 – 1909). Eleanor was married (1905) to her cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 – 1945). The couple produced several children, and, despite becoming personally estranged by 1918, Eleanor joined the political campaign of her husband, and worked tirelessly to gain support for his candidature to the presidency. She would remain a strong liberal influence during her husband’s tenure in the White House. Mrs Roosevelt travelled extensively and wrote an extremely influential newspaper column entitled My Day. With her husband’s death she remained an enormously popular public figure. She attended the first United Nations Assembly as the US delegate (1945), and was later appointed to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (1946 – 1953). She left several volumes of memoirs including This Is My Story (1937), The Lady of the White House (1938) and On My Own (1958). Eleanor Roosevelt died (Nov 7, 1962) aged seventy-eight, in New York.

Roosevelt, Frances Webb – (1917 – 1995)
American portrait painter
Frances Webb was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Smith College. During WW II she worked with the Red Cross in England, and was married there (1944) to Quentin Roosevelt, the grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt. After the war the family resided in Shanghai, China. With her husband’s death in a plance crash (1948) Mrs Roosevelt returned to America with her children and resided at the Roosevelt estate at Sagamore Hill, at Oyster Bay on Long Island. A prominent and talented portrait painter, Frances taught art at the C.W. Post College in Brookville, Long Island, and was also a court room sketch artist for several newspaper publications. She covered the trial of the diplomat Alger Hiss, who was accused of spying for the Russians. Frances Roosevelt died (Sept 11, 1995) aged seventy-eight, at Glen Cove, Long Island.

Roper, Margaret – (1505 – 1544) 
English scholar
Margaret More was the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII, and his first wife Jane Colt. She was well educated by her father, and learnt Greek, Latin, and philosophy. She was married (1525) to the biographer William Roper (1496 – 1578), to whom she bore five children. Margaret corresponded with the Flemish humanist Desiderius Erasmus, and translated his A Devout Treatise Upon the Pater Noster (1524) into English. She spent the rest of her life collecting the papers and letters of her late father, to whom she was devoted, and who was executed by order of Henry VIII (1535), as well as his head, which she kept preserved in spices. Her portrait by Hans Holbein has been lost, but a copy survives. Margaret Roper died aged thirty-nine. She was portrayed by actress Jane Laughlin in the television series The Tudors (2008) with Jeremy Northam as Sir Thomas. She was the subject of the children's historical novel Meg Roper, Daughter of Sir Thomas More (1961) by Jean Plaidy.

Roquefeuil, Adelaide de – (c1130 – c1180)
French heiress
Adelaide de Roquefeuil inherited the fief of Roquefeuil, and was married to Bertrand, seigneur d’Anduze (died c1170), and was ancestress of Marie Charles Elie, Marquis de Roquefeuil (1828 – 1892), the last male descendant of her elder son Raymond d’Anduze, Vicomte de Cheyssels (died c1204).

Rorke, Melina – (1869 – after 1939)
Dutch-South African writer
Born Melina da Fonseca, she was married (1887) to Frederick Nyland Rorke, an accountant. She bore him three children before she divorced him for desertion (1899). Melina Rorke worked as a nurse in the Zulu and Boer uprisings, for which she was decorated by Edward VII (1901 – 1910). Rorke later travelled to the USA where she worked as an actress. She left memoirs of her life in colonial South Africa entitled Her Amazing Experiences in the nineties of South Africa’s Story by Melina Rorke ….. Told By Herself (1939).

Ros, Amanda McKitterick – (1860 – 1939)
Irish novelist and poet
Amanda was born in Drumaness, County Down and was trained as a schoolteacher. She was married firstly to a railway station master and secondly to a farmer. Amanda Ros published novels such as Irene Iddesleigh (1897) and the collections of verse Poems of Puncture (1913) and Poems of Fermentation (1933) and her best known poem was the notorious ‘Ode to Westminster Abbey.’ She was popularly acclaimed as the world’s worst writer.

Rosa of Austria – (1906 – 1983)
Hapsburg archduchess
Born HIH (Her Imperial Highness) Archduchess Rosa Maria Antonia Roberta Josepha Anna Walburga Carmela Ignazia Rita (Sept 22, 1906) at Parsch, she was the second daughter of Archduke Peter Ferdinand of Austria, and his wife Maria Christina of Naples, the daughter of Prince Alfonso, Count of Caserta. She bore the additional titles of Princess of Hungary and Bohemia and Princess of Lorraine and Tuscany. Archduchess Rosa was married (1928) at Freidrichshafen, to the widower of her elder sister Helene, Duke Philip of Wurttemburg (1893 – 1980). Rosa thus became the stepmother to her own niece, as well as bearing the duke several more children. Her husband succeeded his father as head of the ducal house of Wurrtemburg (1975) and Rosa survived Philip as Dowager Duchess (1908 – 1983). Duchess Rosa died (Sept 17, 1983) aged seventy-seven, at Friedrichshofen Castle. Her children were,

• Duchess Helene of Wurttemburg (born 1929). She was married to Margrave Friedrich von Pallavicini (born 1924) as his second wife, and left children.
• Duke Ludwig of Wurttemburg (born 1930). He was married twice and left children, but renounced the succession for himself and his descendants (1960).
• Duchess Elisabeth of Wurttemburg (born 1933). She was married to Prince Antonio of Naples (born 1929) and left children.
• Duchess Marie Therese of Wurttemburg (born 1934), created Duchesse de Montpensier by the Comte de Paris (1984), after being divorced from his son Prince Henri, Comte de Clermont (born 1933). Their marriage was childless.
• Duke Karl of Wurttemburg (born 1936). He succeeded his father as Head of the Royal House of Wurttemburg (1980), was married and left descendants.
• Duchess Maria Antoinette of Wurttemburg (1937 – 2004). She died unmarried.

Rosa, Anella de – (1602 – c1649)
Italian painter
Anella de Rosa was the pupil of Massimo Stanzione. She was murdered by her jealous husband. Her works included Birth of Christ and Death of the Virgin.

Rosa, Rosa – (1894 – 1978)
Italian novelist, essayist and illustrator
Born Edythe von Haynau in Vienna, she was from youth imbued with the influences of the Italian futurist movement then prevalent. She wrote articles for the L’Italia futurista publication, in which she espoused the positive experience of war for women because it gave them the chance of real independence and the chance to become a real individual. Rosa Rosa wrote several novels such as Non c’e che te! (There’s No-one But You !) (1919) and Una donna con tre anime (A Woman With Three Souls) (1918).

Rosala of Ivrea – (c954 – 1003)
Queen consort of France (987 – 992)
Rosala was the daughter of Berengar II of Ivrea, King of Italy, and his wife Willa, the daughter of Boso of Arles, Margrave of Tuscany. After the defeat and imprisonment of her parents at the order of emperor Otto I (966), Rosala and her sisters were raised at the Imperial court in the household of Otto’s second wife, Adelaide of Burgundy. Princess Rosala was married firstly (968) to Arnulf II the Young, Count of Flanders (died 987), and bore him several children. His early death left her with young sons, and Hugh Capet arranged for her to marry secondly (988) to his own son and heir Robert II the Pious, King of France (987 – 1032) as his first wife, and who then co-ruled with his father (987 – 996). The French called her ‘Suzanne’ and she was granted the important fief of Montreuil-sur-Mer, as her dower. Her marriage with Robert had been designed to give the new Capetian dynasty a stronger hold on the French crown due to Rosala’s descent from the emperor Charlemagne. Queen Rosala bore Robert no heir, and he later repudiated her (992). She retired to the court of her son Baldwin at Lille in Flanders. By her first marriage she was the mother of Baldwin IV (c980 – 1036), count of Flanders (987 – 1035) and of Eudes of Flanders (c982 – c1007), count of Cambrai, both of whom left descendants. Through her elder son Rosala was the direct ancestress of Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror and of their descendants. Queen Rosala died (Jan 26, 1003), aged in her late forties. She was interred with her first husband in the Abbey of St Peter in Ghent.

Rosalia of Quisquina – (c1100 – c1160)
Sicilian virgin saint
Rosalia was the daughter of Sinibaldo, lord of Quisquina and Rosae. During her youth she became a hermit in a cave on Mt Coschina, near Bovina, but later removed to a cave on Monte Pellegrino, near Palermo, where she remained until she died (Sept 4, c1160). A stalactite deposit completely covered her remains, and the inscription she left on the walls of the cave at Coschina survived. Rosalia was considered the principal patron saint of Palermo, and was named as such in gratitude for supposedly bringing about the end of a great plague in the city (1624). There are no accounts of her life older than the sixteenth century, and she has been claimed as a nun by both the Benedictine order and by the Greek Orthodox Church. Pope Urban VIII entered Rosalia’s name in the Roman Martyrology (Sept 4). July 15 is the anniversary of the discovery of her relics.

Rosamonda – (c548 – 573)
Lombard queen
The daughter of Cunimond, King of the Gepidae, with the death of Audoin of Lombardy (565) his son and successor, Alboin, became determined to insult the Gepidae nation by making Rosamonda marry him by force. Cunimond was killed in battle (567) and Alboin captured Rosamonda and took her to Italy, installing her in the palace of Verona. To celebrate his great victory Alboin had Cunimond’s skull shaped into a drinking chalice and forced his daughter to drink from it. The queen quietly swore revenge and conspired with her lover Helmichius, Alboin’s armour bearer. With his connivance Rosamonda got Alboin drunk in her chamber and he was killed and buried under the staircase of the palace. Taking her daughter, her lover, and the royal treasure (572) Rosamonda fled to Ravenna. There she desired to be rid of Helmichius in order to marry the Roman prefect Longinus. Realizing what was afoot, Helmichius swallowed the poison Rosamonda offerred him, then forced her at dagger point to drink the remains. They died together. Rosamonda’s career formed the subject of two famous tragedies Rosamund (1860) by the British poet and writer Algernon Swinburne (1837 – 1909) and Rosamunda by Vittorio Alfieri (1749 – 1803).

Rosanbo, Antoinette Marie Therese Rosalie de Lamoignon, Marquise de – (1756 – 1794)
French courtier
A member of the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette at Versailles, Antoinette de Lamoignon was married to Louis Le Pelletier (1747 – 1794), Marquis de Rosanbo, and they were close friends with Francois de Chateaubriand and his family. Arrested with other members of her family and imprisoned, she was tried and condemned during Robespierre’s Terror, together with her husband, and both perished under the guillotine. Her daughters were,

• Aline Therese Le Pelletier de Rosanbo (died 1794). She became the wife of Jean Baptiste Auguste, Comte de chateaubriand (1759 – 1794), to whom she bore children. Husband and wife perished under the guillotine during the Terror.
• Guillemette Le Pelletier de Rosanbo. She became the wife of Comte Lepeletier d’Aulnay.
• Louise Madeleine Le Pelletier de Rosanbo (died 1836). She became the wife of Herve Clevel, Comte de Tocqueville.

Rosanove, Joan Mavis – (1896 – 1974)
Australian lawyer
Born Joan Lazarus (May 11, 1896) in Ballarat, Victoria, she embarked upon a career in the legal system. She married and became the first female QC (Queen’s Counsel) to be appointed in the state of Victoria. Joan Rosanove died (April 9, 1974) aged seventy-seven, in Frankston.

Roscilla of Bourges – (c922 – c959)
Breton duchess consort (c940 – 952)
Roscilla of Bourges was the daughter of Theobald, Viscount of Angers and Count of Bourges, and his wife Richilda, the daughter of Hugh II, Count of Bourges, and granddaughter of the Carolingian emperor Charles II the Bald (875 – 877). Roscilla was married firstly (c940) to Alan II Barbe-Torte (c916 – 952), Duke of Brittany, as his second wife. It was a political and ynastic arrangement, and Alan had divorced his first wife Judith, the mother of his two eldest sons, in order to marry Roscilla. She bore him an only son Drogo (943 – 958), who was installed as count of Vannes at the death of Duke Alan. Drogo was placed under the guardianship of Theobald I of Blois (le Tricheur), Roscilla’s brother. Theobald arranged for the widowed duchess to become the second wife of Fulk II (909 – 961), Count of Anjou, and allowed his sister to retain custody of her son. Count Fulk received half the town and county of Nantes at Roscilla’s dowry. The marriage remained childless. Drogo died aged only fifteen, not without the suspicion that he had been poisoned by order of his stepfather. Countess Roscilla died before Fulk.

Roscilla of Loches – (c888 – after 929)
Carolingian heiress
Roscilla was the daughter and sole heir of Werner (Warnarius), Seigneur of Loches, and his wife Toscandra of Nantes. Roscilla inherited the important fiefs of Loches and Villentrois, and became the wife of Viscount Fulk of Angers (c871 – 942), who became first count of Anjou as Fulk I (929). Roscilla was living at this time. Her children were,

• Ingelgar of Angers (c905 – 927). He was killed and left no heir.
• Guy of Anjou (c908 – 970). He became Bishop of Tours (937 – 970).
• Fulk II le Bon (the Good) (909 – 961). He succeeded his father as count of Anjou (942 – 961) and left issue.
• Agnes of Anjou (died after 942). She became the wife of Andrew de Craon, seigneur de Bruison, and left issue.
• Adela of Anjou (c925 – after 987). She became the wife of Walter I (Gautier) (c921 – 998), count of Valois and the Vexin, and left issue.

Roscoe, Margaret Lace – (fl. c1800 – 1831)
British floral painter and botanical illustrator
The wife of Edward Roscoe, Margaret produced fifty-five watercolour plates for her husband’s work Floral Illustrations of the Seasons (1829 – 1831).

Rose, Eleanor Holm    see   Holm, Eleanor

Rose, Ernestine – (1810 – 1892)
Polish-American aboiltionist, feminist and socialist
Born Ernestine Potowski, she spoke at public meetings, and had a talent for oratory. Some of her speeches such as ‘Petitions Were Circulated’ (1860) were recorded in the History of Woman Suffrage (1881) by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Matilda Gage.

Rose, Jane – (1912 – 1979)
American stage and screen actress
Jane Rose was born in Spokane, Washington. She appeared on the Broadway stage in such shows as The Women, Jennie, Heartbreak House, The Gazebo and The Time of the Cuckoo. She was also notable for her performances in New York in Shakespearean plays such as All’s Well That Ends Well and Richard III. Later in her career Rose also appeared in televison, mostly popular daytime television serials such as The Secret Storm, as well as appearances on programs such as All in the Family, The Nurses, and Co-Ed Fever. She was perhaps best known for her television portrayal of Audrey Dexter, the mother-in-law in the show Phyllis with Cloris Leachman. A teacher of drama for the blind, she was for nearly a dozen years the director of the New York Association for the Blind. Jane Rose died in Studio City, California.

Rosebery, Eva Isabel Marian Bruce, Countess of – (1892 – 1987)
British Justice of the Peace
The Hon. (Honourable) Eva Bruce was the third daughter of Henry Campbell Bruce, second Baron Aberdare, and his wife Constance Mary Beckett. Eva was married firstly (1911) to Algernon Henry Strutt (1883 – 1956), third Baron Belper (1914 – 1956) , which marriage ended in divorce (1922), leaving a son and heir, Ronald George Strutt (born 1912), who succeeded his father as fourth Baron Belperdaughter, Lavinia Mary Strutt (1916 – 1995), who was married to Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, sixteenth Duke of Norfolk, and left children. Lady Belper remarried (1924) to Albert Edward Primrose (1882 – 1974), who succeeded his father as sixth Earl of Rosebery (1929 – 1974), whom she survived as Dowager Countess (1974 – 1987). Lady Rosebery was appointed a Chevalier d’Honneur by the French government, and was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1956), being sometimes known as Dame Eva Primrose. She was the mother of Neil Archibald Primrose (born 1929), who succeeded his father as seventh Earl (1974).

Rosebery, Hannah de Rothschild, Countess of – (1851 – 1890)
Jewish-Anglo society figure, philanthropist and hostess
Hannah de Rothschild was the only daughter and heiress of Amschel, Baron de Rothschild, of Mentmore Towers, Buckinghamshire, and his wife Juliana Cohen. With her mother’s death (1877) Hannah inherited the estate of Mentmore, and two million pounds in cash, making her the richest heiress in England. Hannah de Rothschild was married (1878) to Archibald Phillip Primrose (1847 – 1929), fifth Earl of Rosebery, to whom she bore five children. Not beautiful and inclined to plumpness, unsubstantiated gossip had it that Lord Rosebery had married Hannah only for her fortune. Her portrait was painted by George F. Watts and some of her correspondence survives. However, when she died of typhoid (Nov 19, 1890) at Dalmeny Park, aged only thirty-nine, he was grief-stricken.

Roseburn, Lady    see   Anderson, Agnes Campbell

Roselinde of Agen    see   Reginlinda of Agen

Rosella of Ivrea     see   Rosala of Ivrea

Rosenbaum, Alissa    see   Rand, Ayn

Rosenbaum, Maria Theresia    see   Gassman, Maria Theresia

Rosenbaum, Maud – (1902 – 1981)
American athlete and sportswoman
Maud Rosenbaum was born (Jan 13, 1902) in Chicago, Illinois. She attended school at Oaksmere where she excelled at basketball. During the Paris Olympics (1924) she led the shotput team, and from 1930 played tennis competitively in the USA. There she won four tennis titles in one year, including the New York State Tennis Championship (1934). Maud Rosenbaum was married firstly in Paris (1927) to the Italian nobleman Baron Giorgio di Giacomo Levi. She bore him a daughter but the marriage ended in divorce (1934). Her second husband (1935) was Walter Blumenthal of New York. Maud Rosenbaum died (May 3, 1981) aged seventy-nine, in New York.

Rosenberg, Bertha von – (c1415 – 1451)
German princess
Bertha or Perchta von Rosenberg was married to the Baron of Steyrmark. She is most wideley believed to the original ‘White Lady’, the traditional Hohenzollern family ghost. Cruelly treated by her husband, after her death she is supposed to have returned to haunt Neuhas Castle. Her appearance is said to presage the death of the male members of the family. Her apparition has been witnessed at the castles of Berlin, Bechin, Tretzen and Raumleau. George Doring wrote an account of the White Lady in his book The Iris (1819), which was based on several eye witness encounters.

Rosenberg, Blanca – (1913 – 1993)
Jewish-Polish holocaust survivor and memoirist
Blanca Rosenberg was originally a citizen of Kolomyjain in eastern Poland. With her friend Miriam Rosenbloom she escaped the Nazi roundups and ended the war employed in Heidelburg. Her memoir To Tell at Last (1993) was written in order to preserve the story of the Kolomyja ghetto for posterity.

Rosenberg, Ethel Greenglass – (1915 – 1953)
American socialist, alleged spy and political victim
Ethel Greenglass was born (Sept 28, 1915) in New York, the daughter of a sewing machine repairman, and became the wife of electrical engineer Julius Rosenberg to whom she bore several children.  Both were members of the Communist Party and were arrested and convicted (1951) on charges of conspiracy to commit espionage during a time of war, being accused of passing on to the Russian authorities technical details concerning detonation devices used in American atomic weapons. The trial was conducted amidst considerable Cold War hysteria, which was whipped up by the media and other political figures alike. Despite pleas for clemency, especially for Ethel Rosenberg, who had dependant children, both were condemned to the electric chair (June 19, 1953). Later disclosures of information revealed that the case against Julius Rosenberg was reasonable, but the evidence against Ethel relied almost entirely upon evidence provided by her brother, who had turned state informant.

Rosenberg, Ina    see   Balin, Ina

Rosenblatt, Wibrandis – (1504 – 1564) 
Swiss Protestant
Wibrandis Rosenblatt was born in Basel, she was married to four husbands, surviving them all, and bearing eleven children. Her first two were the noted humanist Cellarius (Ludwig Keller) and the Protestant reformer Oecolampadius (1482 – 1531). She and her children accompanied her last husband, the reformer Bucer to England. He died there (1551) and she returned to live in Basel. Wibrandis died there of the plague and was interred in Basel Cathedral.

Rose of Burford       see     Burford, Rose de

Rose of Lima – (1586 – 1617)
Peruvian mystic and visionary
The patron saint of South America, she was born Isabel de Santa Maria de Flores in Lima, into a wealthy family. Devoutly religious from childhood, Rose refused all offers of marriage, and even tried to mutilate her own beauty. Rose took a vow of perpetual virginity, despite the opposition of her parents, and became a Dominican tertiary (1606), living in seclusion on her father’s property. She experienced mystical visions and wore a crown of thorns. Credited with miracles, the church honoured her as a saint (Aug 23).

Rose of Viterbo – (1235 – 1253)
Italin virgin saint
Rose was born at Viterbo in the Romagna region, the daughter of a poor family. She was said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary during an illness in her eighth year (1243), who urged her to adopt the Franciscan habit, but remain living at home to become an example to her family and neighbours. Later (1247) when she had recovered her health, rose took to preaching in the streets, upbraiding the populace for their submission to the emperor Frederick II. Her father, fearful for her safety, attempted vainly to prevent her continuing these activities, and eventually partisans of the emperor began asking for her to be put to death. The governor refused this harsh request, but banished Rose and her parents from the city. They fled to Soriano where Rose is said to have foretold the emperor’s death (Dec, 1250).
With the restablishment of the papal party in Viterbo, Rose and her family returned home. Refused admission to the convent of St Maria of the Roses in Viterbo, because of her lack of a dowry, the parish priest built Rose a house with an attached chapel near the convent, as a place of religious refuge for Rose and several companions. Pope Innocent IV ordered the closure of this house, and Rose returned to the home of her parents, where she died aged seventeen (March 6, 1253). Innocent ordered an inquiry into her virtues, but she was not canonized for another two hundred years (1457). Her feast is observed (Sept 4), the anniversary of the translation (1258) to the church of the convent of St Maria of the Roses, Viterbo.

Rosenstein, Erna – (1913 – 2004)
Polish surrealist painter and poet
Erna Rosenstein was born (May 17, 1913) in Lvov in the Ukraine, into a Jewish family. She studied at the Wiener Frauen Akademie (1932 – 1934) and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. Rosenstein became a member of the so-called Krakow Group at the Academy, and her art reflected the themes of being Jewish in a Nazi controlled country. She left memoirs and several collections of verse. Erna Rosenstein died (Nov 10, 2004) aged ninety-one.

Rosenstein, Nettie – (1889 – 1980)
Jewish-American clothing designer
Born Nettie Rosencrans in Austria, she immigrated to New York with her family as a child. She worked as an assistant dressmaker for her elder sister, and was married (1916) to Saul Rosenstein. Nettie Rosenstein established her business in her own home in Harlem before acquiring her won establishment in East 56th Street, where she employed almost two dozen people. After visiting French designers such as Madeleine Vionnet and Coco Chanel, Rosenstein specialized in ‘the little black dress,’ and her creations were worn by such famous people as First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and actresses Norma Shearer and Dinah Shore. Nettie received the Coyt Award (1947). Rosenstein later removed her business to Seventh Avenue, and partly retired in 1961. Nettie Rosenstein died (March 13, 1980) aged ninety, in Manhattan, New York.

Rosers, Guillelma de – (fl. 1235 – 1265)
French trobairitz of noble birth
Guillelma de Rosers was probably born at Rougier in Provence. Guillelma was loved by the Genoese lawyer and fellow troubadour Lanfranco Cigala. She was the author of the tenso “Na Guillelmam man cavalier arratge,” which was addressed to Cigala. A surviving anonymous canso “Quan Proensa ac perduda proeza” was written in Guillelma’s honour.

Rosevalle, E.     see    Ichenhaeuser, Eliza

Roslin, Marie Suzanne    see   Giroust, Marie Suzanne

Ross, Mother    see    Kavanagh, Kit

Ross, Charlotte     see    Whitehead, Charlotte Ross

Ross, Euphemia Leslie, Countess of    see   Leslie, Euphemia

Ross, Gloria Frankenthaler – (1923 – 1998)
American tapestry designer
Gloria Ross worked with dozens of artists to produce tapestries of their paintings. She did much to promote the use of the techniques in loom and colour perfected by the Navajo weavers in Arizona and New Mexico.

Ross, Harriet     see    Tubman, Harriet

Ross, Isabella Henrietta – (1887 – 1956)
Australian physician and child care specialist
Born Isabella Younger (July 15, 1887), at Warrnambool in Victoria, she was educated there and at the universities of Melbourne and Glasgow. She was married to John Ross. Interested in nutrition and the welfare of children, Ross studied at the Queen’s Hospital for Children in London, before travelling to America for further education in those fields. Returning to Melbourne she established the first baby health clinic at Richmond (1917). As well as establihing herself in private practice, Ross was also a member of the staff at the Queen Victoria Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. She was a strong advocate of breast-feeding for mothers, and was the author of Feeding the Child (1929) and The Happy Mother and Child (1940). Isabella Ross died (April 2, 1956) aged sixty-eight, in South Yarra, Melbourne.

Ross, Janet Anne – (1842 – 1927)
British journalist and author
Janet Duff-Gordon was born (Feb 24, 1842) in London the daughter of Sir Alexander Cornewall Duff-Gordon, baronet, and his wife Lucie, daughter of John and Sarah Austin. Educated at home, she was married (1860) to Henry James Ross, a banker of Alexandria in Egypt. Ross resided for half a dozen years in Egypt, being employed for three of them as a correspondent for the Times newspaper. In 1867 she removed to Italy with her husband and son, settling at Settignano, near Florence. Her published work included Italian Sketches (1887), The Land of Manfred (1889), Leaves from our Tuscan Kitchen (1899), Florentine Villas (1901) and Lives of the Early Medici (1910). She left a volume of Reminiscences (1912) and published the correspondence between herself and educator J.M. Lindsay (1922). Janet Ross died (Aug 23, 1927) aged eighty-five, at Settignano.

Ross, Martin – (1862 – 1915)
Irish novelist and writer
Born Violet Florence Martin (June 11, 1862) at Ross House, near Moycullen, Galway, sje was the daughter of James Martin, of Ross in county Galway, and his wife Anna Selina Fox, of Newport, Longford, and was educated at Alexandra College, Dublin. Violet teamed up (1886) with her cousin Edith Somerville (1858 – 1949), and the couple embarked on an impressive literary career, Violet adopting the pseudonym ‘Martin Ross.’ Their partnership is remembered chiefly for a series of humorous novels concerning the Irish character such as An Irish Cousin (1889), and they wrote a total of fourteen novels together including The Real Charlotte (1894), The Silver Fox, Naboth’s Vineyard, Some Experiences of an Irish RM (1899), Further Experiences of an Irish R.M. (1908) and In Mr Knox’s Country (1915). Violet contributed articles to several popular periodicals such as the National Review and the Cornhill Magazine, and also produced travelogues of her visits around the Irish countryside. She served as vice-president of the Munster Women’s Franchise League, and left two autobiographical volumes Some Irish Yesterdays (1906) and Strayaways (1920) which was published posthumously. Ross died (Dec 21, 1915) aged fifty-three, at Drishane House, Castletownshend, in County Cork.

Ross, Nellie Tayloe – (1876 – 1977)
American state governor
Nellie Tayloe became the wife of Democratic politician William Bradford Ross, who was elected to serve as governor of Wyoming. When he died before completing the term of his office Nellie was appointed to complete his term (1925 – 1927), becoming the first woman in the USA to fill that role. Mrs Ross later served for two decades as the director of the United States Mint (1933 – 1953). Nellie Tayloe Ross died (Dec 19, 1977) aged one hundred and one.

Ross-Craig, Stella – (1906 – 2006)
British illustrator and naturalist
Stella Craig-Ross was born (March 19, 1906). She worked in black and white, using specimens from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Ross-Craig was best known for her paperback series published over twenty-five years as Drawings of British Plants (1948 – 1973) which contained over thirteen hundred lithographs. She received the Kew Medal Award (1999). Stella Craig-Ross died (Feb 6, 2006) aged ninety-nine.

Rosse, Susan Penelope – (1652 – 1700)
British miniature painter
Susan Gibson was the daughter of miniature painter Richard Gibson. She became one of the best known painters of this genre. Her work output was small and featured portraits of well known Stuart courtiers.

Rossello, Josepha – (1811 – 1880)
Italian nun and saint
Born Benedetta Rossello at Albisola Marina, Liguria, when she was persuaded from becoming a spiritual recluse, she became instead a Franciscan tertiary (1827). Benedetta later founded a religious community at Savona with two cousins and a friend, the Daughters of Our Lady of Pity (1837), who devoted themseves to hospital work and the education of girls from poor families. They received approval for their order in 1846. She took the religious name of Josepha and served as mother superior for forty years (1840 – 1880). Josepha Rossello died (Dec 7, 1880) aged sixty-nine. She was canonized (1949) by Pope Pius XII.

Rossello i Miralles de Sans, Coloma – (1871 – 1955)
Spanish journalist and author
Coloma Rossello was born in Palma de Mallorca, the daughter of a rich businessman. She married a banker from Figueres Girona, Narcis Sans i Masferrer, who was later appointed governor of Segovia and Albacete. Well educated and fluent oin French and English, Coloma strongly defended the rights of women to receive an equal education, and consequently sufferred from the derision of women of her own class. She became a correspondent for the Barcelona magazine Feminal, which was edited by Carme Karr. Coloma produced Guia historico-descriptiva de Valldemosa i Miramar (Historical, descriptive Guide to Valldemosa and Miramar) (1910), which was later translated into French (1915). She also wrote a collection of historical descriptions of her beloved Mallorca entitled Valldemosines (From Valldemosa) (1911).

Rossen, Helene von    see   Hrotsvitha (2)

Rossetti, Christina Georgina – (1830 – 1894) 
British poet
Christina Rossetti was born in London, the daughter of Gabriel Rossetti (1783 – 1854), a political refugee from Naples in Italy, and was sister to the famous painter and poet, Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828 – 1882). She was educated at home with a governess, and her inteded marriage with the painter James Collinson was broken off when he became a Roman Catholic. Rossetti’s first collection of verse The Germ, (1850) was published using the pseudonym ‘Ellen Alleyne.’ Rossetti continued to produce poetry with strong religious themes, and her best known works were, Goblin Market (1862) and The Prince’s Progress. Sing Song: A Nursery Rhyme Book (1866), which was illustrated by the painter Arthur Hughes (1832 – 1915). The last decade or so of her life she sufferred from chronic illness and she became an invalid. Her other published works included The Face of the Deep: A Devotional Commentary on the Apocalypse (1892) and Time Flies: A Reading Diary (1895) which was posthumously published.

Rossetti, Lucy Madox – (1843 – 1894)
British painter and author
Lucy Madox Brown was born (July 19, 1843) in Paris, the daughter of artist Ford Madox Brown and his first wife Elizabeth Bromley. She worked from childhood as model and assistant in her father’s studio and her work Painting (1869) was exhibited at the Dudley Gallery. Lucy produced watercolour and oil paintings, and her Romeo and Juliet in the Tomb (1870) was exhibited at the Royal Academy. Lucy was married (1874) to William Michael Rossetti, the noted art critic and biographer, to whom she bore five children. A believer in the franchise for women, she signed the national petition for women’s suffrage (1889), and published a biography of Mary Shelley (1890). Lucy Madox Rossetti died (April, 1894) aged fifty, in San Remo, Italy.

Rossi, Properzia de’ – (1490 – 1530)
Italian sculptor and painter
Properzia de’ Rossi was born in Bologna, and was taught drawing and design under the instruction of Marc Antonio Raimondi. She was famous for her woodcarving and copper engraving talents, and her last completed work was a bas-releif of Joseph and the wife of Potiphar. She was commissioned to provide sculptures for the façade for the church of San Petronio in Bologna. Also famous for her beauty, Properzia’s early death was said to be the result an unrequited romantic attachment.

Rosslyn, Blanche Adeliza FitzRoy, Countess of – (1839 – 1933)
British society figure
A descendant of Charles II (1660 – 1685), Blanche Fitzroy was the second daughter of Henry Fitzroy (1806 – 1877), of Salcey Lawn, Northampton, and his wife Jane Elizabeth, the daughter of Charles George Beauclerk (1774 – 1846). Blanche was married firstly (1860) to Charles Maynard (1814 – 1865), the son and heir of the first Viscount Maynard. To him she bore two daughters, Frances Evelyn Maynard (Daisy Brooke), the wife of Francis Greville, fifth Earl of Warwick (1853 – 1924) and mistress of Edward VII (1901 – 1910), and Blanche Maynard, the wife of Lord Algernon Gordon-Lennox. Mrs Maynard remarried (1866) to the Scottish peer, Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine (1833 – 1890), fourth earl of Rosslyn. She survived him over forty years as Dowager Countess of Rosslyn (1890 – 1933). Lady Rosslyn died (Dec 8, 1933) aged ninety-four. The children of her second marriage were,

• Lady Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine (1867 – 1955). The first of her three husbands was Cromartie Leveson-Gower (1852 – 1913), the fourth Duke of Sutherland.
• Sir James Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine (1869 – 1939). He succeeded his father as fifth Earl of Rosslyn (1890 – 1939). He was married three times and left children.
• Hon. (Honourable) Alexander Fitzroy (1870 – 1914). He died unmarried.
• Lady Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine (1871 – 1910). She was married to Anthony Mildmay Julian Fane (1859 – 1922), thirteenth Earl of Westmorlamd, as his first wife, and left children.
• Lady Angela Selina Bianca St Clair-Erskine (1876 – 1950). She was married to Lieutenant-Colonel James Stewart Forbes (1872 – 1957), of Aslown, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and left children. The marriage ended in divorce and Lady Angela resumed her maiden name.

Rossner, Judith – (1935 – 2005)
American author
Born Judith Perelman, she was the daughter of a school teacher, and was educated at the City College of New York. She married Robert Tossner, but when the marriage collapsed she supported herself by working as a secretary, which experience led to the publucation of her first book To the Precipice (1966), concerning a woman who leaves her husband whilst pregnant with another man’s child. Rossner’s best known work was Looking for Mr Goodbar (1975) which was adapted for the cinema two years later (1977) with Diane Keaton in the female lead as a Catholic teacher of deal children who is seduced by the singles bar scene in New Yotk, with tragic and fatal consequences.

Rossy, Mercedes – (1961 – 1995) 
Spanish-American jazz pianist and composer
Mercedes Rossy was the daughter of Mario Rossy of Barcelona. She studied classical piano from childhood. From (1985 – 1989) she performed jazz in Munich, Germany, and in 1992 graduated from the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Mercedes toured Europe with saxophonists Mark Turner and Steve Wilson, Seamus Blake and Antonio Hart, and trombonist Hal Crook, and drummer Leon Parker, and regularly performed in New York.  Mercedes Rossy died of cancer in Barcelona, Spain.

Rostand, Rose Etiennette     see    Gerard, Rosemonde

Rostova, Mira – (1909 – 2009)
Russian-American actress and acting teacher
Mira Rosovskaya was born (April 10, 1909) in St Petersburg. With the arrival of the Revolution (1917) she fled to Switzerland with her family and then resided in Germany. She trained for the stage in Hamburg and Vienna but with the rise of Nazism travelled to England, and from there immigrated to the USA where she shortened her surname to Rostova. She appeared on Broadway in Anton Chekhov’s play The Seagull (1954) opposite Montgomery Clift but mostly devoted her career to teaching. Rostova was famous for her own particular variations to the method style of acting, though this led to conflict with film producers who resented her interference. Her pupils included Montgomery Clift, Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lane and Jerry Orbach amongst others. She coached Clift during his famous performances in the films The Heiress (1949) with Olivia De Haviland and Sir Ralph Richardson, and A Place in the Sun (1951) with Shelley Winters, for which performance he received an Academy Award nomination. Mira Rostova died (Jan 28, 2009) aged ninety-nine, in Manhattan, New York.

Rosula of Cagliari – (d. c112 AD)
Roman Christian martyr
Sometimes called Rhoda, she and other members of her faith fled Rome and settled in Cagliari in Sardinia. Rosula perished there with many others during the persecutions initiated by the Emperor Trajan (98 – 117 AD). Honoured as a martyr her feast (Nov 2) was recorded in the Acta-Sanctorum.

Roswitha of Gandersheim    see   Hrotsvitha (2)

Rosza, Susanna – (1923 – 2005)
Hungarian-Anglo violinist
Rosza was born into a Jewish family in Budapest, and later immigrated to Vienna in Austria with her family (1932). Urged by her violin teacher, Rosza and her mother fled to London after the Nazis arrived in Vienna (1938). In London she received lessons from the famous violinist Carl Flesch, and she became one of the lead players in the London Polish String Quartet. She later studied under Max Rostal at the Guildhall School of Music, and was awarded the Gold Medal. Rosza took part in the premiere of Benjamin Britten’s Turn of the Screw (1954). Susanna Rosza was married for over five decades (1950 – 2005) to fellow musician Martin Lovett, who was cellist with the highly regarded Amadeus Quartet.

Rothaide of Austrasia (Rhuodheid) – (c779 – c798)
Carolingian queen consort
Rothaide was the daughter of Count Bernard of Austrasia and his second wife Gundelenda of Alsace. Her father was the natural son of Charles Martel, Duke of Austrasia. She was the much younger half-sister of Wala and Adalhard, the famous abbots of Corvey (Corbie). Rothaide became the first wife of her cousin Pepin I (777 – 810), King of Italy formerly called Carloman, the younger son of Emperor Charlemagne. She was the mother of Pepin’s son Bernard (797 – 818), King of Italy, who was later blinded by his uncle, Louis the Pious, and died in prison. The Reichenau Confraternity Book which was produced by Abbot Adalhard list Rothaide as ‘queen’ but during the later struggles between Bernard and his uncle Bernard was called ‘son of a concubine.’ However, as Louis disinherited Bernard in favour of his own eldest son Lothair, he had a vested interest in casting doubts upon his nephew’s illegitimate birth. Queen Rothaide died from the effects of childbirth, and Pepin was remarried to her sister Gundrada (Gondres), who bore him several daughters but no male heirs.

Rothermere, Patricia Evelyn Beverley Matthews, Lady – (1929 – 1992)
British actress and socialite
Beverley Matthews was the elder daughter of John William Matthews, of Heathcroft, Hertford Heath. She was married firstly to Captain Christopher Brooks, of the Coldstream Guards, from whom she was divorced, and then became the second wife of the media baron, Vere Harold Esmond Harmsworth (born 1925), the third viscount Rothermere, to whom she bore two daughters. Before her marriage she was a minor starlet with the name of Beverley Brooks. Lady Rothermere and her second husband lived mostly apart, and she was famous for her flamboyant personality, being popularly nicknamed ‘Bubbles Rothermere’ due to her known fondness for champagne. She was a habituee of such famous London nightspots such as Annabel’s and Tramps. Lady Rothermere died suddenly, aged sixty-three, at her villa in the south of France. She was buried at High Hurstwood, East Sussex, and her funeral service was accompanied by the music of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra.

Rothes, Lucy Noel Martha Dyer-Edwardes, Countess of – (1884 – 1956)
British aristocrat, heroine of the Titanic disaster (1912)
Lucy Noel Dyer-Edwardes was born (Dec 25, 1884) in London, the only child of Thomas Dyer-Edwardes, of Prinknash Park, Gloucestershire. She became the wife (1900) of Norman Evelyn Leslie (1877 – 1927), the nineteenth Earl of Rothes and became the Countess of Rothes. She bore her husband two sons, the elder of whom, Malcolm George Dyer-Edwardes Leslie (1902 – 1975), who succeeded his father as twentieth Earl of Rothes (1927 – 1975), and left children. Lady Rothes and her cousin Gladys Cherry, together with their maid, Robert Chaioni, boarded the Titanic at Southampton, intending to travel to Vancouver in Canada. After the collision with the iceberg the three women were placed in Lifeboat 8, and the seaman, realizing that she possessed considerable competence, placed the countess in charge of steering the boat. He later stated to the press, “ There was a woman in my boat as was a woman….When I saw the way she was carrying herself and heard the quiet determined way she spoke to the others, I knew she was more of a man than any we had on board.”  The countess manned the tiller for the most of the night, and spent time comforting the near hysterical Madame de Satode Penasco, aged only seventeen, whose husband Victor had gone down with the ship. The seaman later presented her with the brass numberplate from the boat as a keepsake. When Lord Rothes died (1927), the countess remarried to Lieutenant-Colonel Claude MacFie (died 1963) of Chelsea in London. She was later interviewed by Walter Lord the author of the book concerning the Titanic disaster entitled A Night to Remember, which was made into a successful film. The Countess of Rothes died (Sept 12, 1956) aged seventy-seven, in Hove, Sussex.

Rothilda of Neustria (Rohaut) – (871 – 929)
Carolingian princess
Rothilda was the daughter of the Emperor Charles II the Bald (875 – 877) and his second wife Richilda, the daughter of Bivinus, Count of Metz. She was married successively to two powerful counts, firstly Hugh II of Bourges, who was murdered (892) and secondly Roger I of Maine, leaving issue by both marriages. Widowed for the second and final time (898), Rothilda refused offers of remarriage, and was granted the Abbey of St Marie, Chelles, near Paris, Notre Dame, and Saint Jean de Laon, in order to maintain her as an Imperial princess, and provide for her retirement. However, in 920 King Charles III the Simple illegally regranted the abbey to his own favourite Haganon, and this displacement of Rothilda led to military intervention. The abbey at Chelles belonged to the territories of Hugh the Great of Paris, the husband of Rothilda’s daughter Judith. The feud over this estate led to the battle of Soissons (923) where King Robert I, the father of Hugh, was killed. Princess Rothilda died (March 22, 929). Her children were,

• Hugh I (David) (c895 – after 971) Count of Maine. He left descendants.
• Judith of Maine (c897 – 925). She became the first wife of Hugh Capet (898 – 956), Count (later duke) of Paris but died childless.

Rothilda of Spoleto (Rothildis) – (c842 – 889)
Carolingian duchess consort of Tuscany (c862 – 884)
Rothilda was the daughter of Guy I, Marquis of Spoleto and his wife Iltana, the daughter of Sico, duke of Benevento. She was married (c861) to Duke Adalbert I of Tuscany (c815 – 884) as his second wife, and was the mother of Duke Adalbert II the Rich (c862 – 915). Duchess Rothilda is mentioned in an extant charter (April, 875) and survived her husband as Dowager Duchess for five years (884 – 889). Duchess Rothilda was notorious during her lifetime for her supposed loose and immoral behaviour. Her husband and brother Lambert attacked Rome and forced Pope John VIII to flee to France after he had branded Rothilda a thief and an adulteress. Both were excommunicated by the Synod of Troyes, but soon afterwards, Adalbert and Rothilda were recommended in a papal letter to the love and protection of the church.

Rothman, Maria Elisabeth – (1875 – 1975)
South African writer
Maria Rothman was born at Swellendam in the Cape Province. She was appointed as secretary of the ACVV (Afrikaans Christian Women’s Organization) (1928). She published a history of this association entitled Ons Saamreis (Our Journey Together) (1954). Using the pseudonym ‘M.E.R.’she also published fiction and children’s stories.

Rothschild, Betty de – (1805 – 1886)
Jewish-French patron and society hostess
Betty de Rothschild was the daughter of Salomon Mayer de Rothschild and his wife Caroline Stern. She was married (1824) to her uncle, James Mayer de Rothschild, who was later created a baron. A woman of great beauty and social prescence, Betty entertained lavishly at her husband’s home, the Hotel de Laborde, in the rue Lafitte. One of the most renowned salon hostesses of her era, she entertained the emperor Napoleon III and the empress Eugenie, as well as wits, poets, and writers, such as George Sand, Honore de Balzac, and Rossini. The artist Ingres made her famous by painting her portrait and Heinrich Heine dedicated his poem The Angel, to her.  To the amusement of Paris society, the French general Changarnier became infatuted with her. When the baroness was once present at a military review in Vienna, he gallantly saluted her before the entire French army, but this incident led to his recall to Paris (1851). Madame de Rothschild was interred in Pere La Chaise cemetery in Paris.

Rothschild, Charlotte de – (1819 – 1884)
Jewish-Anglo socialite and salon hostess
Charlotte was born (June, 1819) the daughter of Carl Meyer von Rothschild (1788 – 1855). She was married to her cousin, Lionel de Rothschild (1808 – 1879) and bore him five children. Madame de Rothschild entertained lavishly as chatelaine at Gunnersbury Park or at Piccadilly House in London, receiving socialites, politician, diplomat, and writers. Her portrait in oils by Moritz David Oppenheim was painted at the time of her marriage (1836), and she was later painted with her small children by Christina Robertson (1843). She maintained a soup kitchen in the East end of London. Some of her correspondence survives. Her children included Leonora de Rothschild (1837 – 1911), who became the wife of her cousin Mayer Amschel de Rothschild, and Baron Alfred Charles de Rothschild (1842 – 1918) of Hatton, near Tring, who was a trustee of the National Gallery and of the Wallace Collection. Charlotte de Rothschild died (March 13, 1884) aged sixty-four, at Gunnersbury. She was buried in the Jewish Cemetery at Willesden.

Rothschild, Louisa de Montefiore, Lady de – (1821 – 1910)
Jewish-Anglo society figure, traveller and diarist
Lady de Rothschild's correspondence with her two daughters, Constance Flower, Lady Battersea, and Annie York, was published in London as Lady De Rothschild and Her Daughters (1937).

Rothwell, Evelyn – (1911 – 2008) 
British musician
Evelyn Rothwell was born (Jan 24, 1911) at Wallingford-on-Thames in Berkshire, the daughter of a London tea merchant. She studied the oboe and piano under Leon Goossens, and later joined the Covent Garden touring orchestra (1931). Rothwell performed with various notable orchestras such as the Scottish, Gyndebourne Festival, and the London Symphony. Evelyn Rothwell had works composed for her by Edmund Rubbra, Stephen Dodgson, and Elizabeth Maconchy, amongst others, and later married (1939) the noted conductor, Sir John Barbirolli (1899 – 1970) as his second wife. Evelyn lived in New York with Barbirolli whilst he was conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra (1936 – 1943), and returned to England during WW II. She performed the first public performance of Mozart’s Oboe Concerto, K. 314 in Salzburg, Austria (1948). Widowed (1970), Evelyn was later appointed as a professor of the Royal Academy in London (1971). She wrote several instruction works such as the Oboist’s Companion in three volumes, and published the memoir Living with Glorious John. Rothwell was appointed OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1984) in recognition of her contribution to music. Evelyn Rothwell died (Jan 25, 2008) aged ninety-seven.

Rotlinda of Toulouse – (c804 – before 843)
Carolingian noblewoman
Rotlinda (Rotlindis, Chrodlindis) was the youngest daughter of William of Gellone, count of Toulouse and duke of Septimania, being his only surviving daughter by his second wife Guiberga of Hornbach. Of her two elder half-sisters, Helmburgis died young and Gerberga became a nun. Rotlinda was married to her cousin Wala (772 – 836), Abbot of Corbie (826 – 836) and Bobbio (836), the grandson of Charles Martel, and cousin to the emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Their only daughter Bertrude died young and was buried in the Church of st Germain-des-Pres. The Vitae Wala mentioned her marriage but does not name her. She survived her husband and was mentioned as deceased in the manual (843) of her sister-in-law, Duchess Dhuoda.

Rotrude of Bavaria – (fl. 724 – after 739)
German duchess consort
Rotrude (Chrothrudis) was the wife of Duke Hugobert of Bavaria at his accession to the ducal throne (724), though her own lineage remains unrecorded. The duchess is recorded in the necrology of the abbey of St Peter at Salzburg as ‘Rattrud.’ With her husband’s death she became a nun and was appointed as Abbess of Nonnberg.

Rotrude of Haspengau - (c690 - 724)
Duchess of Austrasia and royal progenatrix
Rotrude (Chrothrudis, Hortrudis) was the daughter of Lantbert I, Count of Haspengau (Hesbayne) and his wife Chrotlinda of Neustria, the daughter of Theuderic III, the Merovingian king of Neustria. The ancient tradition recorded in most royal genealogies that she was the daughter of St Lieutwinus of Poitiers, Bishop of Treves and his wife Willigarda of Alemannia has now been superseded by recent modern research. Rotrude was the sister of Robert II (Rutpert), Duke of Haspengau and Count of Wormsgau and was the maternal aunt of St Chrodegang, Bishop of Metz (died 766). Rotrude became the first wife (c705) of Charles Martel (687 - 741), Duke of Austrasia (717 - 741), by whom she was the mother of Carloman I, Mayor of Austrasia (747 - 754) and of Pepin III (715 - 768), the first King of the Franks of the Carolingian dynasty. Through Pepin she was the grandmother of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 - 814). Of her daughters, Hiltrude became the wife of Duke Odilo of Bavaria, whilst Landrada appears to have remained unmarried. Rotrude's death was recorded by the Annales Mosellani and the Annales Laureshamenses. Martel's concubine Rhuodheid (Rothaide) was almost certainly a family connection of Duchess Rotrude.

Rotrude of Neustria (1) – (c735 – before 779)
Carolingian princess
Rotrude (Chrothrudis, Hrothrudis) was the daughter of Carloman I, King of the Franks (751 – 755) brother and co-ruler of Pepin III. Her mother was the daughter of the nobleman Alard, and she was first cousin to the Emperor Charlemagne. Princess Rotrude was married (c750) to Gerard I (c720 – 779), count of Paris, to whom she bore four children. Her death was recorded in the necrology of the Abbey of St Germain-des-Pres, which styled her Hrothrudis coniugus Gerehardi, suggesting that she predeceased her husband. Her children were,

• Stephen (754 – 815). He succeeded his father as Count of Paris (779 – 815) and was married to a lady named Amaltrude. They remained childless.
• Bego I (c758 – 816). Viceroy of Louis the Pious in Aquitaine, he succeeded his elder brother as Count of Paris (815 – 816). He was married to the emperor’s illegitinate daughter Alpais, and left many descendants.
• Luithard of Paris (c760 – after 813). He was granted the county of Fezensac and was married to Grimhilda and left issue.
• Rothilde of Paris (died May 24, before 779). She died young, sometime before her father.

Rotrude of Neustria (2) – (775 – 810)
Carolingian princess
Rotrude (Crothrudis, Hrothrudis) was the eldest surviving daughter of the emperor Charlemagne and his third wife Hildegard, the daughter of Gerald, Count of Vinzgau. She was a twin with her brother Charles (772 – 811), King of Neustria. Rotrude was educated in the palace school by the anglo-Saxon monk Alcuin, who referred to her as ‘Columba’ in his letters. She was betrothed (780) to the young Byzantine emperor Constantine VI, son of Leo IV and the Athenian Irene, and a monk scholar named Elisaeus was sent to her father’s court to educate her in Greek maners and customs. The Greeks called her ‘Erythro’ but the marriage negotiations later founded (786) and was eventually broken off (788). With her father’s unofficial consent the princess became involved in a liasion to Rorico of Rennes, later count of Maine, to whom she bore a son Louis (800 – 867), but the couple were never married. She later became a nun at the abbey of St Marie at Chelles, near Paris, under the rule of her paternal aunt, Abbess Gisela. It was their request that Alcuin wrote his seven volume work Commentaria in Johannem Evangelistam. Princess Rotrude died (June 6, 810) aged thirty, at Chelles, during the plague epidemic that carried off several members of the royal family around this time. The necrology of the Abbey of St Denis recorded the death of Rotrudis filia Karoli imperatoris.

Rotrude of Neustria (3) – (c799 – c837)
Carolingian Imperial princess
Rotrude was the eldest daughter of the Emperor Louis I the Pious (816 – 840), and his first wife Ermengarde, the daughter of Ingelramnus, Duke of Hesbayne. She was sister to the Emperor Lothair I (840 – 855). Rotrude became the wife (c815) of Gerard I (c790 – 841), Count of Auvergne, who survived her and was killed at the battle of Fontenay. The couple had several children including Gerald (c822 – 879), Count of the Limousin and Aurillac, himself the father of St Gerald of Aurillac (855 – 909). Rotrude’s granddaughter Avignerna, became the wife of Vicomte Aton of Toulouse, and left many descendants. Rotrude’s last male descendant in this line, Vicomte Pons, was dispossessed of his ancestral lands (1177) by Raymond V, Count of Toulouse.

Rottmayr, Margareta Maddalena – (c1633 – 1687)
German religious painter and artist
Margareta Zehender was the daughter of the painter Kaspar Zehender. She was the mother of the pianter Johann Franz Michael Rottmayr (1660 – 1730). Margareta Rottmayr resided at Laufen in Bavaria, and produced church commissions.

Rottova, Johanna see Svetla, Karolina

Roucy, Ada de    see   Marle, Ada de

Roucy, Avoye de – (c1015 – c1070)
Flemish heiress
Sometimes called Hadwide, Avoye was the younger daughter of Eblus II de Montdidier, count of Rheims and Roucy, and his wife Beatrice, (later the wife of Manasses Calva Asina), the daughter of Rainer V, Count of Hainault. Avoye was married to Count Godfrey III of Rumigny (died c1078), whom she predeceased. Avoye is believed to have brought the fief of Rumigny to her husband, who, before their marriage, held the seigneurie of Florennes. It was erected into a county for Godfrey’s benefit. Her descendant, Isabella de Rumigny (c1265 – 1322), later took the county to the family of Theobald II, Duke of Lorraine after their marriage. She left four children,

• Godfrey IV (c1035 – c1096). He succeeded as Count of Rumigny and seigneur de Florennes (c1078 – c1096). He died unmarried.
• Nicholas I, (c1040 – 1096). He briefly succeeded his brother as Count of Rumigny. He was married and left descendants.
• Letgarde de Rumigny (died after 1110). She was married to Guy II de Grancey, Comte de Saulx (c1045 – c1125) and left issue.
• Petronilla de Rumigny (c1050 – after 1124). She was married to Raoul, Seigneur de Viefville (died 1124).

Roucy, Ermengard de – (c1079 – 1138)
French religious patron
Ermengard de Roucy was the daughter of Count Hugh of Roucy and his wife Sibyl de Hauteville, the daughter of Robert Guiscard, the Norman duke of Apulia. She was married (c1094) to Gautier, Comte de Rumigny and was the mother of his son Comte Nicolas II (c1097 – after 1153). With her husband Ermengard co-founded the Praemonstratensian abbey of Notre Dame de Cuissy, on a mountain slope near the Aisne River (1122). Sometimed called the Abbaye Royale, its donation was confirmed by Louis VI (1126). The first abbot was Luc, dean of Laon, with whose help Ermengard built and endowed a nunnery near Laon, for forty nuns, where she lived for the later part of her life. The church honoured her as a saint (May 12).

Rouers, Helena – (fl. c1640 – c1670)
Dutch painter
Helena Rouers produced still-lifes of flowers, and only one of her works, dated 1663, has survived. It was preserved in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Roulston, Marjorie Hillis – (1889 – 1971)
American editor, author and lecturer
Marjorie Hillis was born (May 25, 1889) in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Rev. Newell Dwight Hillis, later pastor of the Central Church in Chicago (1899). Marjorie attended the Parker Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and also attended Miss Dana’s School in Morristown, New Jersey. Fresh from school she joined the editorial staff of Vogue magazine, where she worked for over twenty years, and later served as executive editor (1932 – 1937). Marjorie Hillis produced several books such as Live Alone and Like It (1936), Corned Beef and Caviar (1937), Work Ends at Nightfall (1938) and You Can Start All Over (1951). She retired after her marriage (1938) with Thomas Henry Roulston, a successful grocer. An especial patron of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, with her husband’s death (1949) Marjorie moved to New York, where she became the editor of The Bulletin of the Authors’ League. Other of her works included Orchids on Your Budget (1937) and A Church in History, which commemorated the one hundredth anniversary of Plymouth Church, which she co-wrote with her brother Richard Hillis. Marjorie Hillis Roulston died in Park Avenue, New York

Roupell, Arabella Elizabeth – (1817 – 1914) 
British artist
Arabella Piggott was the daughter of Reverend J.D. Piggott, Rector of Edgmond in Salop. As a married woman, Arabella, then Mrs Roupell, resided with her husband in Cape Town, South Africa (1843 – 1845). During this time she painted the flora native to the region, and produced Specimens of flora in South Africa (1849). This work had nine plates which were lithographed by P. Guachi.

Rourke, Constance Mayfield – (1885 – 1941)
American biographer and author
Constance Rourke was born (Nov 14, 1885) in Cleveland, Ohio. Her published work included The Trumpets of Jubilee (1927) and American Humor (1931). Constance Rourke died (March 23, 1941) aged fifty-five.

Rousillon, Alaide de – (c1345 – c1370)
French medieval heiress
Alaide or Alaise de Rousillon was the daughter and heiress of Aymon II, seigneur de Rousillon (died 1364) and his wife Jeanne, the daughter of Jean I, Comte de Forez (1275 – 1334). Through her father she was a descendant of Gerard, seigneur de Rousillon (living 1096), himself supposedly a descendant of Gerard, count of Vienne and Metz (c805 – 879). Alaide became the first wife of Humbert VII, vicomte de Thoire-Villars (1342 – 1424). Alaide inherited the valuable and important fiefs of Rousillon and Annonay in the Dauphine. When she died childless they passed to her husband, who gave them to his son Humbert, fathered by his second wife, Marie of Geneva. The younger Humbert died childless in 1401, whereupon they passed to Isabella of Hainault, the elder Humbert’s third wife and widow. From her these fiefs passed in the eighteenth century to the families of Bourbon, Ventadour, and Rohan.

Rovere, Felice della – (1483 – 1536)
Italian papal courtier
Felice della Rovere was wife of Giangiordano Orsini (died 1517), Duca di Bracciano, and Conte di Trevignano, she was born at Savona, the illegitimate daughter of Pope Julius II (1503 – 1513, Giuliano della Rovere) and his mistress Lucrezia Normanni (later the wife of Bernard De Cuppis of Montefalco). In childhood, Felice nearly fell into the hands of Cesare Borgia, but servants rescued her, and carried her to the safety of her father at Savona. She later visited the court of Urbino, and Castiglione refers to her popularity at the court there, and at Rome. Later she attempted, though without success, to intervene with her father on behalf of Duke Guidobaldo. Felice had flatly refused to consider marriage with the exiled and landless Antonia da Montefeltro, Prince di Salerno, despite the persuasions of her father and the duke of Urbino, and in 1504 the pope arranged her marriage to Orsini. This marriage was celebrated (1506) without any papal magnificence, though the pope provided Felice with a dowry of 15, 000 ducats. Duchess Felice was the mother of Girolamo Orsini, Duke di Braciano, and of Clarice Orsini, the first wife of Luigi Carafa, Prince di Stigliano. Duchess Felice died (Sept 27, 1536) aged fifty-three, at Bracciano.

Rovere, Livia della – (1585 – 1641)
Italian heiress amd duchess consort
Livia della Rovere was the daughter of Ippolito della Rovere, Marchese di San Lorenzo, and his wife Isabella Vitelli, Marchesa dell’Amatrice. Princess Livia was married (c1602) to Francesco II della Rovere (1548 – 1631), sovereign duke of Urbino, whom she survived as Dowager Duchess, and was the mother of Federico Ubaldo della Rovere, the last reigining Duke of Urbino.

Rovere, Maria Giovanna della – (1486 – 1538)
Italian papal courtier
The niece to popes Sixtus IV (1471 – 1484) and Julius II (1503 – 1513), Maria Giovanna della Rovere was born at Senigallia, the eldest daughter of Giovanni della Rovere, Duca di Sora and d’Arce, and his wife Giovanna da Montefeltro, the daughter of Federico, duke of Urbino. Her father was brother to Julius II, and nephew of Sixtus IV. Maria was a famous beauty, and was the sister of Francesco Maria I della Rovere (1490 – 1538), Duke of Urbino and Gubbio. She was married twice, firstly to (1497) to Venanzio da Varani (1476 – 1502), Lord of Camerino. Her first husband and father-in-law were murdered at the Rocca of Pergola at the instigation of Cesare Borgia, and Maria fled with her infant son Sigismondo, barely managing to escape to the court of her uncle, Duke Guidobaldo of Urbino. Young and beautiful, Maria encouraged the attentions of a youn knight, Giovanni Andrea of Verona, who though much admired, was of unequal birth. The intrigue continued over several months, and gossip whispered that Maria had borne an illegitimate child. Finally, her brother Duke Francesco della Rovere murdered Andrea in the ducal palace (Nov, 1507), to avenge the family honour. She was married off instead to a Bolognese senator, Galeazzo Riario della Rovere Sforza. It was later rumoured that Maria would marry thirdly to Gaspare de San Severino (1513), but this marriage never took place. Her only child, Sigismondo da Varani, later regained his patrimony of the county of Camerino, only to be driven out again, and was finally murdered in Rome (June, 1522). Maria della Rovere died in Bologna.

Rowan, Betty Long – (1923 – 1997) 
American philanthropist
Betty Long was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and was raised in Ridgewood. She attended the Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia before she became the wife of Henry Rowan. Betty Rowan served as a board member of the family business, Inductotherm, at Rancocas, New Jersey, and she and her husband donated one hundred million dollars to Glasboro State College, in New Jersey (1992) which resulted in the establishment of Rowan University. Betty Rowan died (Dec 29, 1997) in Rancocas, New Jersey.

Rowe, Elizabeth Singer – (1674 – 1737) 
British novelist and poet
Born Elizabeth Singer in Ilchester, Somerset, into a Dissenting family, she was married to Thomas Rowe. With the death of her husband (1715) Elizabeth removed to Frome, Somerset, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Elizabeth Rowe used the pseudonym ‘Philomela’ and published Poems on Several Occasions by Philomela (1696), which included such popular verses as ‘Hymn,’ ‘Despair,’ and ‘Ode to Love.’ Others of her verses were published in the journals of the Athenian Society. Her best known works were Friendship in Death, or Letters from the Dead to the Living (1728) and Letters Moral and Entertaining (1728 – 1732). Her personal letters and other works were published shortly after her death as Devout Exercises of the Heart (1737), whilst some more of her poetry was published posthumously as Miscellaneous Works in Prose and Verse (1739).

Rowe, Ellis – (1848 – 1922)
Australian flower painter and botanist
Marion Ellis Rowe was born in Melbourne, Victoria and resided in New Zealand after her marriage (1875). She was awarded ten gold medals for her work, examples of which are preserved in the Australian Gallery of New South Wales, and at the Queensland Museum.

Rowe, Evelyn Edna – (1924 – 1996)
Australian educator
Evelyn McEwan was born in Paddington, Sydney, the daughter of Victor McEwan. Educated at St Patrick’s Primary School, Bondi, she obtained a scholarship, and finished her tertiary education at St Catherine’s College, Singleton. Graduating as a teacher from the University of Sydney, Evelyn taught at several public schools at Woolloomooloo, Burwood, and Penrith in Sydney. She married and was then appointed mistress of mathematics at Newcastle Girls’ High School (1956) and deputy headmistress at East Hill Girls’ High School, before becoming deputy principal of the Fort Street High School (1962). Appointed principal at Fort Street (1964 – 1979), in 1975 this school amalgamated with the Petersham Boys high school, and then became known as the Fort Street High School. Evelyn Rowe retired in 1979.

Rowe, Henrietta Gould – (1835 – 1910)
American author
Henrietta Rowe was born in East Corinth, Maine. Her published work included several quite successful novels such as Queenshithe (1895) and A Maid of Bar Harbor (1902).

Rowena     see     Reinwin

Rowland, Helen – (1876 – 1950)
American writer, journalist and humourist
Helen Rowland was born in Washington D.C., and published, Reflections of a Bachelor Girl (1903) and The Rubaiyat of a Bachelor (1915). Several of her quotations such as ‘Personally Speaking’ were published in The Book of Diversion (1925).

Rowlands, Effie Adelaide Maria – (1859 – 1936)
British novelist
Born Effie Henderson, she was married to the Italian musician Carlo Albanesi (died 1926) and was mother to the actress Meggie Albanesi, who died tragically young. Effie Rowlands was the author of dozens of popular novels including The Wiles of a Siren (1905), The Joy of Life (1913), Her Husband (1914), The Price Paid : A Romance (1914), The Girl Who Was Brave (1916) and Out of a Clear Sky (1925), amongst many others. Effie Rowlands died (Oct 16, 1936) aged eighty-seven.

Rowlandson, Mary White – (c1637 – 1711)
American colonial pioneer
Mary White was born in England, and came to Massachusetts with her family as a small child (1639). She later married (c1656) a clergyman, Joseph Rowlandson, to whom she bore four children. Mary Rowlandson and her children were later captured by Indians. Her youngest daughter Sarah was wounded during this and died soon afterwards. Mary and her other children were later restored to her people, after which the family removed to Wethersfield in Connecticut. With the death of her husband (1678) she remarried (1679) to Samuel Talcott (died 1691), whom she survived for two decades. Mary Rowlandson was the author of the devotional work entitled The Soveraignty & Goodness of God, Together, with the Faithfulness of His Promises Displayed; Being a Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs Mary Rowlandson (1682). A particularly moving part of Mary’s narrative deals with the child’s death.

Rowles, Emily – (c1825 – 1876)
Anglo-Italian society figure and author
Born in England, Emily Rowles had family connections with the Bonaparte family and was married (1851) to the Italian peer Giampetro Campana (1808 – 1880), Marchese di Cavelli and resided in Italy. Her husband had been exiled from France in 1857 his magnificent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities being bought by the French government. She published the historical work Les Dernieres Stuarts a’ Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1871). Her seated portrait sculpture was executed in Carrara marble by Pietro Tenerani (1789 – 1869).

Rowsell, Mary Catherine – (c1856 – 1928)
British novelist, essayist, dramatist and children’s author
Mary Catherine Rowsell published The Silver Dial (1856), and the biographical work Life-Story of Charlotte de La Tremoille, Countess of Derby. Mary Rowsell died at Bickley, Kent.

Rowson, Susannah Haswell – (1762 – 1824)
Anglo-American actress and author
Susannah Rowson was born in Portsmouth. She had travelled between England and colonial America during her childhood before finally settling in America (1793). Susannah Rowson was best remembered for her popular and daring novels such as Charlotte Temple, A Tale of Truth (1791), which was a best-seller in America. She also wrote several stage comedies The Female Patriot (1794) and Americans in England (1796) before leaving the stage in order to establish a boarding school for girls. Susannah Rowson died (March 2, 1824) aged sixty-one.

Roxan, Margaret – (1924 – 2003)
British archaeologist
Born Margaret Quantrill in Hackney, London, she studied psychology at the University College there. She was married (1945) to the journalist David Roxan (died 1999), to whom she bore five children. Margaret Roxan later returned to university to study archaeology, and became an international specialist concerning bronze Roman military diplomas. She wrote articles for academic journals and then compiled and published Roman Military Diplomas (1978 – 1994) in three volumes, and edited diplomas included in The Roman Inscriptions of Britain. Roxan was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (1981) and was awarded an emeritus fellowship by The Leverhulme Trust (1993). Margaret Roxan died aged seventy-nine.

Roxana of Judaea – (fl. c30 – c5 BC)
Hebrew princess
Roxana was the daughter of King Herod I the Great, and one of his lesser wives, Phaedra. The historian Josephus mentions her in his Antiquitate Judaicae as an unmarried virgin. Jochebed, the wife of Roxana’s paternal uncle, Pheroras, caused the princess to receive an affront before the court, and this was the cause of the enmity exhibited by King Herod towards his sister-in-law. Roxana was later married to her first cousin, an unnamed son of Herod’s favourite sister Salome, and her husband Kostobar. This marriage left no recorded issue.

Roxana of Persia – (c543 – 522 BC)
Princess
Roxana was one of the younger daughters of King Cyrus II the Great. With her father’s death (529 BC) she and her elder sister Atossa were married to their brother Kambyses II. Roxana did not receive the title of queen and was a secondary wife. Roxana accompanied Kambyses to Egypt and the Greek historian Herodotus recorded that in a fit of temper, the king kicked Roxana whilst she was pregnant. She suffered a miscarriage and died. According to Greek sources Kambyses had Roxana put to death because she had lamented that there was none to avenge the death of her dead brother Smerdis.

Roxana of Pontus – (c124 – 71 BC)
Greek client princess
Roxana was the fourth daughter of Mithridates V, king of Pontus and his Seleucid wife Laodike, and was probably born in the capital Sinope. Never permitted to marry so as to prevent rival claimants to the throne, she resided permanently with two of her sisters at the court of her brother, Mithridates VI (120 – 63 BC). With her brother’s downfall at the hands of the Romans, Roxana and her female attendants were lodged in the fortress of Pharnakia for safety, together with all the other women of the royal household. Fearing they would captured and then subjected to public display in a Roman triumph Mithridates ordered her to commit suicide. Roxana drank poison, but died bravely, cursing her brother and the fate that had cheated her of marriage and brought her to a squalid death.

Roxana of Sogdia – (c344 – 310 BC)
Persian princess
The wife of Alexander the Great, Roxana was the daughter of Oxyartes, satrap of Sogdia, the brother of King Darius III. Alexander the Great captured her father’s stronghold, the Sogdian rock, near Derbent, and captured his family, including Roxana, whom he then married (327 BC), in an attempt to reconcile the eastern satraps and end the national war. As she did not bear the king a child for four years, the historical tradition which represented Alexander as being infatuated with Roxana must be treated with extreme caution. Alexander’s death (June, 323 BC) left Roxana pregnant with a royal heir. A council of the Macedonian generals decided to await the birth, but the army elected Alexander’s half-brother Philip III Arrhidaeus, as king instead. During this time Roxana removed with poison all those who might be a potential threat to her unborn child, including Queen Statira, Alexander’s widow, and her sister Drypetis, the widow of Hephaestion. When her son Alexander IV was born, he was acclaimed as king by the army but the coinage was issued in Philip’s name alone.
After Philip’s death, the Macedonian regent Polyperchon sent Roxana and her son to the court of Alexander’s mother, Queen Olympias, for safety. She accompanied Olympias to Pydna (316 BC) but was captured by Cassander after the queen’s death. She and her son were imprisoned, and Alexander IV treated as formally deposed. A later plan devised by Alexander’s general Antigonos and Ptolemy of Egypt to force Cassander to free Roxana and her son failed (315 BC). Cassander had both murdered when Alexander’s coming of age meant that the army expected him to be given a share of the royal power.

Roxburgh, Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill, Duchess of – (1854 – 1928)
British courtier
Lady Anne Spencer-Churchill was born (Nov 14, 1854) the daughter of George Spencer-Churchill, seventh Duke of Marlborough and his wife Frances Anne Emily Vane-Tempest. Lady Anne was the paternal aunt to Sir Winston Churchill and was married (1874) to James Henry Robert Innes-Ker (1839 – 1892), Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, the eldest son and heir of the sixth Duke of Roxburgh who he succeeded five years afterwards (1879). The duchess was appointed by Prime Minister William Gladstone to serve at court as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria (1883 – 1885). During Gladstone’s later period in office (1892) his policy of Home Rule for Ireland alienated the aristocray, and no official appointment was made regarding the post of Mistress of the Robes. Instead, the Duchess of Roxburgh and the Dowager Duchess of Atholl performed the duties of that office (1892 – 1895). The duchess was later granted the VA (Order of Victoria & Albert) and was appointed as OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by King George V. The Duchess of Roxburgh died (June 20, 1928) aged eighty-three. Her seven children were,

• Lady Margaret Frances Susan Innes-Ker (1875 – 1930). She was married to Major James Alexander Orr-Ewing (died 1900) and left children.
• Sir Henry John Innes-Ker (1876 – 1932). He succeeded his father as eighth Duke of Roxburgh (1892 – 1932) and left children.
• Lady Victoria Alexandrina Innes-Ker (1877 – 1970). She became the wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Hyde Villiers (1861 – 1947) and left children.
• Lady Isabel Innes-Ker (1879 – 1905). She became the first wife of Hon. (Honourable) Guy Greville Wilson (1877 –1943).
• Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Alastair Robert Innes-Ker (1880 – 1936). He was Equerry-in-Ordinary  (1930 – 1936) to King George V, and left children.
• Lady Evelyn Anne Innes-Ker (1882 – 1957). She became the wife of Colonel William Fellowes Collins (died 1948), of Cundall Manor, Helperby, and Knaresborough House, Yorkshire, and left children.
• Major Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker (1885 – 1958). He was married twice but left no issue. He served in Egypt (1912) and in both world wars.

Roxburgh, Mary – (fl. 1905 – 1932)
Australian portraitist, still-life and landscape painter
Her work was exhibited at the Victorian Artist’s Society. Mary Roxburgh received a silver medal at the Panama Pacific Exhibition.

Roy, Gabrielle – (1907 – 1983)
French-Canadian novelist
Gabrielle Roy was born at St Boniface in Manitoba and was educated by Catholic nuns. She worked as a teacher in a small provincial one-room school in Manitoba, and later travelled to London and Paris (1937 – 1939). She returned to Quebec just prior to the outbreak of World War II and later married Marcel Chabotte (1947). Her popular novels Bonheur d’Occasion (The Tin Flue) (1945, trans. 1947), Rue Deschambault (Street of Riches) (1955, trans. 1957) and Ces Enfants de ma vie (Children of My Heart) (1977, trans. 1979) which favourably depicted working class life, were based upon her own experiences as a teacher. For these she was awarded Canada’s highest literary honour, the Canadian Governor-General’s Award. Her first novel Bonheur d’occasion won the French Prix Femina and was made into a film which was premiered at the Moscow Film Festival. Other of her works included La Petite Poule d’eau (Where Nests the Water Hen) (1950, trans. 1951) Un Jardin au Bout du Monde (Garden in the Wind) (1975, trans. 1977), and her posthumously published autobiography Le Detresse et l’enchantement (Enchantment and Sorrow: The Autobiography of Gabrielle Roy) (1984, trans. 1987). Gabrielle Roy died (July 13, 1983) aged seventy-six, in Quebec City, Quebec.

Royall, Anne Newport – (1769 – 1854)
American traveller, author and publisher
Anne Royall was born (June 11, 1769) in Maryland. She is sometimes considered to be the first American newspaper woman, and was known as ‘Grandma of the muckrakers.’ Her published works included The Black Book; or, A Continuation of Travels in the United States (1828), Mrs Royall’s Pennsylvania; or, Travels Continued in the United States (1829) and Letters from Alabama (1830). Anne Newport Royall died (Oct 1, 1854) aged eighty-five.

Royden, Maude – (1876 – 1956)
British social worker and religious teacher
Agnes Maude Royden was born in Liverpool and attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford. A promoter of female suffrage, she was closely associated with the Victoria Women’s Settlement in Liverpool, Lancashire. Royden later worked as an assistant preacher at the City Temple in London (1917 – 1920) and was the founder and leader of the Fellowship Guild (1936). She was the author of A Threefold Chord (1947), which dealt with her long friendship with the clergyman Hudson Shaw and his wife, and Maude later became his second wife.

Royden, Quenelda Clegg, Lady – (1873 – 1969)
British peeress
Quenelda Clegg was the daughter of Henry Clegg, of Plas Lanfair, in Anglesey, Justice of the Peace. Quenelda was married firstly to Charles James Williamson, of Rake Hall, Little Stanney, Chester, a connection of Lord Forres. She remarried (1922) to Sir Thomas Royden (1871 – 1950), second Baron Royden (1944 – 1950), whom she survived as Dowager Baroness Royden (1950 – 1969). There were no children of either marriage. Lady Royden died (Feb 17, 1969) aged ninety-five, at Ryecroft, near Liss, in Hants.

Royds, Mabel Alington – (1874 – 1941) 
British artist and printmaker
Mabel Royds was born in Little Barford, Bedfordshire and studied at the Slade School of Art in London under Henry Tonks. Royds became a teacher at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland (1911) and was married (1914) to the printmaker Ernest Stephen Lumsden, with whom she travelled extensively abroad, visiting India and Tibet, amongst other exotic places. Examples of her work are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Royer, Clemence Augustine – (1830 – 1902)
French naturalist and author
Clemence Royer was born in Nantes, Brittany, and produced the first French translation of Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species (1862). Her own published work The Origins of Man and Society (1870) caused considerable controversy in religious and scientific circles.

Roza, Lita – (1926 – 2008)
British vocalist
Born Lilian Patricia Roza (March 14, 1926) in Liverpool, Lancashire, she was the daughter of a Spanish born shipyard worker. Her education was cut short due to WW II, and attended a dance school. This led to work in various revues, and eventually she became a singer with Harry Roy Orchestra. She became famous in Britain for the the numer one hit song ‘How Much is That Doggie in the Window? ’(1953) already a hit in the USA with Patti Page. She became the first female British artist to top the popular song charts. Lita loathed the song and performed it only once, so it could be recorded, and thereafter flatly refused to ever sing it again. She continued performing but never gained the same prominence. She appeared on three occasions in the Eurovision Song Contest, and released the CD The Best of Lita Roza (2007). Lita Roza died (Aug 14, 2008) aged eighty-two.

Roze, Marie Hippolyte – (1846 – 1926)
French soprano and vocal teacher
Marie Hippolyte Roze was born (March 12, 1846) in Paris. She studied singing at the Paris Conservatoire under Auber, and was awarded the gold medal (1866). Roze made her debut at the Opera Comique and the Grand Opera in Paris (1870). She was honoured with the Medaille de 1870, in recognition of her gallant conduct during the siege of Paris (1870). She later visited the USA (1877) and established a vocal school in Paris. Marie Roze died (June 21, 1926) aged seventy-nine, at Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Ruarowna, Margareta – (fl. c1610 – 1621)
Polish devotional writer and poet
Margareta Ruarowna was the daughter of Marcin Ruar, and was the author of Prayer Book (1621).

Rubbo, Ellen Christine – (1911 – 1977)
Australian painter
Ellen was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and studied in Sydney under Julian Ashton, and then at the Westminster School in London. She was married to the physician Sydney Rubbo. Her work was exhibited at the Contemporary Art Society in Melbourne, Victoria, and examples are preserved in the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Rubellia Bassa – (c37 – after 69 AD)
Roman Imperial patrician
Rubellia Bassa was the daughter of Gaius Rubellius Blandus and his wife Livia Julia, the daughter of Drusus Julius Caesar, and granddaughter of the Emperor Tiberius (14 – 37 AD). Her brother Rubellius Plautus was killed by Nero because of his closeness to the Imperial family. Rubellia escaped because of her marriage to Octavius Laenas, a connection of the future Emperor Nerva (96 – 98 AD) which was considered a mesalliance by her Julio-Claudian relatives. Attested by a surviving insription from Tusculum, she was the paternal grandmother of Sergius Octavius Laenas Pontianus, consul ord (131 AD).

Rubens, Alma (1) – (1897 – 1931)
American silent film actress
Alma Smith was born in San Francisco, California. Beautiful and with talent for musical comedy, Alma Ruben’s silent screen credits included The Half-Breed (1916), The Firefly of Tough Luck (1917), Madame Sphinx (1918), Diane of the Green Van (1919), Humoresque (1920), Under the Red Robe (1923), Cytherea (1924), East Lynne (1925), The Winding Stair (1925), The Heart of Salome (1927) and The Masks of the Devil (1928). Her last film was She Goes to War (1929). By this time drug addiction had ruined her promising career. Alma Rubens died aged thirty-three. (Her first husband (1918) was the actor Franklyn Farnum (1876 – 1961), her second (1923 – 1925) was the director and producer Daniel Carson Goodman, and her third (1926 – 1931) was the actor Ricardo Cortez (1899 – 1977).

Rubens, Alma (2) – (1910 – 1968)
Puerto-Rican poet
Alma Rubens was born Providencia Porrata Doria de Rincon in Caguas. She published the collections of poetry Nieblas (1939), Puestra de sol (1948) and Corazon (1953). Alma Rubens died (June 2, 1968) in Santurce.

Rubens, Helene     see    Fourment, Helene

Rubenstein, Patricia Giulia Caulfield Kate    see   Forest, Antonia

Rubies-i-Monjonell, Anna – (1881 – 1963)
Spanish educator and essayist
Anna Rubies-i-Monjell was the elder sister to Merce Rubies-i-Monjonell. She was born at El Port de la Selva in Girona, and gained her teaching degree from university. She taught students in Lleida and Barcelona before being appointed director of the Mendizabal School (1920). A trip to Europe brought her into onctact with the Decroly method of pedagogy, which she then passionately espoused and promoted. Rubies-i-Monjonell initiated lasting reforms concerning health care in schools, and wrote various textbooks on teaching such as Aplicacion del metodo Decroly a la ensenanza primaria (1929). She also translated classical tales for children, and later wrote volumes which celebrated her native land such as La comarca de l’Emporda (The land of Emporda) (1960) and Fragments de Tramuntana.Contalles de la casa vella (Fragments from the Tramuntana.Fables from home) (1965). Anna Rubies-i-Monjonell died at El Port de la Selva.

Rubies-i-Monjonell, Merce – (1884 – 1971)
Spanish poet
Merce Rubies-i-Monjell was the younger sister to Anna Rubies-in-Monjonell. She was born at El Port de la Selva in Girona and graduated from university becoming a teacher in Barcelona. She published two volumes of verse Fullejant el llibre de la meva vida (Leafing through the book of my life) (1947) and Vint i quatre estampes de Comunio (Twenty-four communion engravings (1959). With her sister she wrote Recull d’impressions en prosa i vers (Collections of impressions in prose and verse). Merce Rubies-i -Monjell died at El Port de la Selva.

Rubinstein, Helena – (1870 – 1965)
Polish-American cosmetician and businesswoman
Helena Rubenstein was born (Dec 25, 1870) into a Jewish family in Krakow, the daughter of a produce merchant, Horace Rubinstein. She studied medicine in Poland, and later travelled to Australia (1902), where she opened a shop in Melbourne, Victoria, and there she sold handmade face cream for women. After studying dermatology she opened her Maison de Beaute salon in London (1908) and then another in Paris (1912). With the onset of WW I Rubinstein went to the USA, where she set up shop in New York, and began expanding her cosmetic business with great success. With the end of WW II she was able to expand internationally and established the Helena Rubinstein Inc, which she ran herself. Helena Rubinstein amassed an immense fortune, which she used for various philanthropic causes, and founded the Helena Rubinstein Foundation (1953), through which she patronized the arts, and provided funds for various institutions which sought to ameliorate the lot of the poor. Her second husband was Prince Artchie Gourielli-Tchkonia. She published her autobiography My Life for Beauty (1965). Helena Rubenstein died (April 1, 1965) aged ninety-four in New York.

Rubinstein, Ida Lvovna – (1885 – 1960)
Russian ballerina
Rubinstein was born in St Petersburg, and received her dance training under the direction of Michel Fokine. Ida appeared in St Petersburg, Paris, and London (1908), performing in the Dance of Salome which was produced by Fokine especially for her. She later formed her own ballet company, and made appearances in stage plays and films. She later emigrated from Russia and resided in France. Ida Rubenstein died (Sept 20, 1960) in Vance, Alpes Maritime, in France.

Rubinstein, Zelda - (1933 - 2010)
American film and television actress
Zelda Rubinstein was born (May 28, 1933) at Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. Due to a hormone deficiency Zelda grew to only 130 cm in height. She studied at the universities of California and Pittsburgh. She resided in London for several years and made her first film appearance as Iris in Under the Rainbow (1981) when aged in her late forties. Rubinstein was best known for her role as the psychic Tangina Barrons in the films Poltergeist (1982), Poltergeist II : The Other Side (1986) and Poltergeist III (1988). She also made a guest appearance in the television movie Poltergeist : The Legacy (1996). Her other movie credits included Frances (1982) which dealt with the life of actress Frances Farmer, in which she potrayed a mental patient, Sixteen Candles (1984), National Lampoon's Last Resort (1994), Critics and Other Freaks (1997) in which she played a theatre director, Sinbad : The Battle of the Dark Knights (1998), The Wild Card (2004), Angels with Angles (2005) and Southland Tales (2006). Miss Rubinstein also worked in television and appeared in episodes of various popular programs, the most notsable of which were Santa Barbara, Mr Belvedere, Tales from the Crypt, Picket Fences (1992 - 1994) as Ginny Weedon, and Scariest Places on Earth (2000 - 2006) as the narrator. Zelda Rubinstein died (Jan 27, 2010) aged seventy-six, at Los Angeles in California.

Rubstein, Ariel – (1951 – 1993) 
American soprano
Ariel Rubstein was born at Portland in Oregon, her father was the pianist Ariel Rubstein and her mother the stage actress Eleanor Reid. Ariel studied at the Juilliard School and won a scholarship to study in Vienna, under the encouragement and guidance of her mentor Rudolf Serkin. Rubstein performed with the Boston Opera Company and the Houston Grand Opera, and other ensembles throughout the United States. She also performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the New Orleans Philharmonic. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in the role of Barena in Janacek’s Jenufa (1988) performing beside Leonie Rysanek and Gabriela Benackova. She remained unmarried. Ariel Rubstein died (July 19, 1993) in Manhattan, New York.

Rubtsova, Olga – (1909 – 1994)
Russian chess player
Olga Rubtsova was born (Aug 20, 1909). She won the USSR Women’s Championship on several occasions, and ran second in the World Championship (1950). She later beat Lyudmila Rudenko and Elisabeth Bykova to become the Women’s World Chess Champion (1956 – 1958). Rubtsova also played correspondence chess at a competitive level, and became the first Women’s Correspondence Chess Champion (1972). Olga Rubtsova died (Dec 13, 1994) aged eighty-five.

Ruccellai, Angela de’ – (fl. c1450 – c1500)
Italian illuminator and copyist
Angela de’ Ruccellai was a nun at the monastery of San Giacomo in Ripoli. Very little is known of her life.

Ruck, Berta – (1878 – 1978)
British romantic novelist
Amy Roberta Ruck was born in India, the daughter of an army officer. Raised by relatives in Aberdavey, she was educated in Bangor, and later attended the Slade School of Art in London, and studied abroad in Paris. Berta Ruck was married (1909) to the novelist Oliver Onions (1873 – 1961). She had written articles for various women’s magazines and journals prior to publishing her first novel His Official Fiancee (1914). This was followed by The Lord with Wings (1916), The Girls at His Billet (1917) and Sweethearts Unmet (1918), which all had war themes. Berta Ruck published her autobiography A Storyteller Tells the Truth (1935).

Rudd, Caroline – (1744 – 1797)
Irish adventuress and author
Margaret Caroline Rudd was born at Lurgan, near Belfast, northen Ireland. She married a soldier, Valentine Rudd to whom she bore several children. She later fled Ireland and became involved in London’s raffish underworld society, gaining a reputation as a popular courtesan. Caroline became involved with the French forgers, the twins Daniel and Robert Perreau, becoming the mistress of Daniel. They survived by forging bonds, and lived an expensive lifestyle, she taking the alias of Mrs Stewart (amongst quite a number of others) which mode of existence of course quickly collapsed. All three were arrested and Caroline sent to Newgate Prison. The Perreau twins were both found guilty and executed but Caroline was acquitted. Caroline was the author of Mrs Stewart’s Case (1776) which was a defense of her own role in the affair. She eventually fell upon hard times, cohabiting with a debtor in Newgate prison. Her portrait survives, painted by William Humphrey in her prime (1775). Caroline Rudd died in poverty in Moorfields.

Rudkin, Margaret Fogarty – (1897 – 1967)
American culinary writer and businesswoman
Margaret Rudkin was born (Sept 14, 1897) in New York, and was the founder of Pepperidge Farm, Inc. (1937) a bakery which produced home-style breads and other products of a high standard of quality. She remained an executive of this business until her death. She was the author of The Margaret Rudkin Pepperidge Farm Cookbook (1963). Margaret Fogarty Rudkin died (June 1, 1967) aged sixty-nine.

Rudolph, Wilma Glodean – (1940 – 1994) 
American athlete
Wilma Rudolph was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, and achieved her dream of entering competitive sports despite suffering scarlet fever and polio as a child. Wilma won a bronze medal for sprinting at the Melbourne Olympics in Australia (1956), and went on to win three gold medals at the Rome Olympics (1960) becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat. She was the recipient of the Sullivan Award (1961) and retired in 1964. Wilma Rudolph was later inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1994).

Rudolphine, Rosina Elisabeth – (1663 – 1701)
German courtier
Born Rosina Menton (May 17, 1663), she was the daughter of a common family from Minden. She became the second and morganatic wife (1681 – 1701) of Rudolf Augustus, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg (1627 – 1704) only two months after the death of his duchess. Madame Rudolphine, as she was officially known, died (May 21, 1701) aged thirty-eight. The marriage was childless. She was interred in Duke Rudolph’s chapel in the church of St Blasé in Brunswick. Her monument inscription survives.

Ruffec, Catherine Charlotte Therese de Gramont, Duchesse de – (1707 – 1755)
French courtier
A prominent figure at the court of Louis XV at Versailles, Catherine de Gramont was married firstly to Philippe Alexandre, Prince de Bournonville (1699 – 1727), and secondly (1727) to Armand Jean de Rouvroy (1698 – 1746), Duc de Ruffec and third Duc de Saint-Simon. Louis XV had conferred upon Catherine’s father the fief of Ban de la Roche in Alsace (1720). With his death it passed to the duchesse, but was later bestowed upon the Marquis Paulmy d’Argenson. The duchesse was mentioned in the Memoires of the famous chronicler Louis, Duc de Saint-Simon and in the correspondence of the British antiquarian Sir Horace Walpole. Through her second marriage she left a daughter and only child, Marie Christine Chretienne de Rouvroy de Saint-Simon (1728 – 1774) who was married to Charles Maurice de Grimaldi (1727 – 1798), Comte de Valentinois, but died childless. The Duchesse de Ruffec died (March 21, 1755) aged forty-seven, in Paris.

Ruffini, Silvia – (c1475 – 1561) 
Italian papal courtier
The mistress to Pope Paul III (1534 – 1549), Silvia Ruffini was born in Bolsena. Silvia became the established mistress of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1468 – 1549) and the couple may have secretly married prior to 1510. Farnese was later elected pope as Paul III and Silvia survived him. Silvia Ruffini died (Dec 5, 1561) aged about eighty-six, in Rome, having borne the pope four children,

• Constanza Farnese (1500 – 1545). She was married to Boso II Sforza (c1485 – 1535), Conte di Santa Fiora, and left children.
• Pier Luigi Farnese (1503 – 1547). He was created duke of Parma and Piacenza (1545 – 1547) by his father, and was then murdered at Piacenza. He was ancestor of the Farnese dukes of Parma.
• Paolo Farnese (1504 – 1513). He died young.
• Ranuccio Farnese (1509 – 1529). He took holy orders and was created Bishop of Corneto and Montefascone (1519). He was killed in battle in Naples.

Rufina – (c236 – 257 AD)
Roman Christian martyr
Rufina was the daughter of a senator named Asterius. She was betrothed to Armentarius, a Christian who abjured his faith during the persecutions instigated by the Emperor Gallienus. Rufina and her sister Secunda refused to renounce their faith and attempted to flee from Rome. Captured by the praetorian prefect, Julius Donatus, they were beheaded outside the city, and a chapel was later built over the place of their martyrdom, which evolved into the town of Selva Candida.

Ruhmann, Hertha    see   Feiler, Hertha

Ruilly, Macete de – (c1356 – 1391) 
French criminal
Macete de Ruilly was a native of Paris. Though married, she had been indulging in an affair with the local curate. Macete hired Jehanne de Brigue, who had a reputation locally of being a witch, to help her dispose of her unwanted husband, whom she claimed treated her with physical brutality. Brigue was arrested and on her evidence Macete was arrested and tried for consulting witches and making wax-models. Macete de Ruilly was burnt at the stake.

Rukeyser, Muriel – (1913 – 1980)
American poet, biographer, feminist, translator and civil rights leader
Muriel Rukeyser was born (Dec 15, 1913) in New York and was educated at Vassar College and at Columbia University. Rukeyser published several collections of verse including Theatre of Flight (1935), Beast in View (1944), Body Waking (1958) and The Collected Poems of Muriel Rukeyser (1978). She published the biography Willard Gibbs: American Genius (1942). Rukeyser received the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award (both in 1942). Muriel Rukeyser wrote biographies of several political figures such as Wendell Wilkie (1957) and Thomas Hariot (1971), and her interest in politics led her to join the protests against the Vietnam War, for which she suffered a period of imprisonment. Muriel Rukeyser died (Feb 12, 1980) aged sixty-six.

Rukiye – (1868 – 1952)
Princess of Egypt
Princess Rukiye was born (July 7, 1868) in Shubra, Cairo, one of the twin daughters of Prince Muhammad Abd al-Halim Pasha, twin with her sister Princess Emine (1868 – 1926). Princess Rukiye was later married (1888) at Camlica on the Bosphorus to Nusret Sadullah Bey, the Turkish ambassador to the court of The Hague, to whom she bore three children. Her marriage ended in divorce (1924) though she continued to reside in Constantinople. Princess Rukiye died (Aug 29, 1952) aged eighty-four.

Rullos, Adeline de – (fl. c1110 – c1150)
Norman medieval heiress
Adeline de Rullos was the daughter and heiress of Richard de Rullos, Lord Chamberlain to King Henry I (1100 – 1135). Her mother was Godiva, the daughter and heiress of Hugh d’Envermeu (living 1105), the founder of Wilsford Priory, Lincolnshire Adeline was niece to William de Rullos, Lord of Bourne and of Turold, Bishop of Bayeux in Normandy. Adeline was married to Baldwin FitzGilbert (died after 1135), the founder of Deeping Priory, and brother of Gilbert, earl of Pembroke. With the death of her uncle she brought Baldwin the lordship of Bourne in Lincolnshire. Through her elder daughter Emma, the wife of the Norman lord, Hugh Wac (Wake), seigneur de Negreville in France, Adeline was the ancestress of that ancient British family which survived to the present day as the Barons Wake.

Rumbold, Pauline Laetitia Tennant, Lady – (1927 – 2008)
British actress, poet and hostess
Born Pauline Tennant (Feb 6, 1927), she was the daughter of David Tennant and his first wife, the actress Hermione Baddeley, and was niece to actress Angela Baddeley. She was raised at the family estate of Teffont Magna in Wiltshire. She appeared on stage in London in such plays as She Follows Me About by Ben Travers, and No Medals in which she appeared with Fay Compton. Her best remembered role was that of the young countess in the film The Queen of Spades (1949). Pauline gave up her acting career upon her first marriage (1946 – 1953) was with the anthropologist Julian Pitt-Rivers, whom she accompanied to the court of Iraq. After their divorce she remarried (1954) to Euan Graham, a relative of the Scottish Duke of Montrose. This marriage ended in divorce, and Pauline remarried thirdly (1974) to the diplomat, Sir Anthony Rumbold, tenth Baronet. Lady Rumbold established a reputation as an interesting and charming hostess, receiving such figures as the sculptor Elizabeth Frink, the bookseller John Sandoe, and several of the famous Mitford sisters, besides various prominent ambassadors and dignitaries. Lady Rumbold published the collection of verse entitled Loaves and Fishes (1992) and her translation of the works of the Dorsetshire poet William Barnes was published by the Folio Society (1989). Lady Rumbold died aged eighty-one.

Rumetruda – (fl. 493 – 494 AD)
Lombard princess
Rumetruda was the daughter of King Tato and was sister to Ildichis. Paul the Deacon (Paulus Diakonus) in his Historia Langobardorum recorded that Rumetruda plotted and brought about the murder of the brother of Rodolfus, king of the Heruli, and thus caused the ensuing war between the Heruli and the Lombards.

Rumilly, Victorine Angelique Amelie Geneve – (1789 – 1849)
French painter
Victorine Rumilly studied under Regnault. She established herself as a genre painter and portraitist in the Paris salons over a period of three decades (1808 – 1839). Her best known work was the classical Venus and Cupid.

Runbeck, Margaret Lee – (1910 – 1956)
American author
Margaret Runbeck was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Her published work included People Will Talk (1929), Our Miss Boo (1942), Pink Magic (1949), Hungry Man Dreams (1952) and Year of Love (1956).

Runciman, Hilda – (1869 – 1956)
British politician and society hostess
Hilda Stevenson was the daughter of James Stevenson, and was educated at Girton College, Cambridge. She was married (1898) to Walter Runciman, to whom she bore five children. Her husband was later elevated to the peerage as Viscount Runciman of Doxford by King George VI (1937). Hilda Runciman was the first woman member of Parliament to be elected to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne School Board (1897), and she served as a Liberal member (1928 – 1929) at St Ives, in Cornwall. She contested the seat of Tavistock at the ensuing general election, and was only narrowly defeated. She was the mother of Walter Leslie Runciman (1900 – 1989), who succeeded his father as second Viscount Runciman (1949 – 1989), of the noted historian, Sir Steven Runciman, and of Katharine Runciman, Lady Lyell. Hilda survived her husband as Dowager Viscountess Runciman (1949 – 1956). Lady Runicman died (Oct 28, 1956) aged eighty-seven.

Rundall, Mary Ann – (c1770 – 1839)
British educational writer
Mary Ann Rundall was the head of a school for girls at Bath in Somerset, The Percy House Seminary. Her sister Elizabeth was wife to the actor Robert Elliston. Mary Rundell was the author of Symbolic Illustrations of the History of England (1815), which was dedicated to Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of George III, which was favourably reviewed by The Gentleman’s Magazine.

Rundell, Mary Eliza – (1745 – 1828)
British writer
Born Mary Eliza Ketelby in Ludlow, Shropshire, she became the wife of Thomas Rundell, a jeweller of Ludgate Hill, London, to whom she bore several daughters. With the death of her husband she resided with her family in Swansea. She was author of the work Domestic Cookery (1807), which proved extremely popular. Using the pseudonym ‘A Lady’ she published the work Domestic Happiness (1808). Her third work A New System of Domestic Economy (1810), became a best-seller, and remained in print until 1886. Mrs Rundell later fell out with her published, John Murray (1778 – 1843) of London, who eventually paid her a cash settlement, though this remained but a portion of the money that Murray had made from the proceeds of her books.

Runkle, Bertha – (1878 – 1958)
American writer and poet
Bertha Runkle was born in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, and became the wife of Louis B. Bash. Her popular verses included ‘Songs of the Sons of Esau.’ Her other published works included The Helmet of Navarre (1901), The Scarlet Rider (1913) and The Island (1921).

Running Eagle – (c1807 – 1850)
American Blackfoot Indian heroine
Sometimes known as Brown Weasel Woman, she received the name of Running Eagle after she saved her father when his horse was shot by an enemy. She became a formal member of the warrior class, and acted as a war chief. Running Eagle was later murdered by members of the Flathead tribe, that clubbed her to death, when she was detected trying to steal their horses.

Rupelmonde, Marie Margeurite Elisabeth d’Alegre, Marquise de – (c1689 – 1752)
French literary figure
Marie Margeurite d’Alegre was the daughter of Yves, Marquis d’Alegre and de Tourzel, who was Marechale of France (1724), and his first wife, Jeanne de Garaud de Doneville. She was married (1705) to Maximilien Philippe Joseph de Recourt, Marquis de Rupelmonde. Her husband was killed with Villavicosa (1710), and their son was killed during the war of 1748. As a widow she met the philosopher Voltaire. The couple became intimate, and the marquise accompanied him on a trip to Brussels (July, 1722). Her own questioning of Voltaire’s religious faith encouraged him to write his Epitre d’Uranie. Madame de Rupelmonde died (May 31, 1752) at Bercy. She was interred in the parish church of Conflans.

Rupilia Faustina – (c75 – c127 AD)
Roman Imperial matriarch
Rupilia Faustina was the daughter of the consul Rupilius Bonus and was the wife of consul Marcus Annius Verus. Rupilia bore her husband three children. Of her sons, the elder consul Marcus Annius Verus (c95 – 121 AD) was the father of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD), and died young, whilst the younger Marcus Annius Libo served as consul (128 AD) and left descendants. Through her daughter, Annia Galeria Faustina (Faustina I), the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138 – 161 AD), she was the grandmother of Faustina II, wife to Marcus Aurelius, and was great-grandmother to the emperor Commodus (180 – 192 AD). The modern historian Carcopino put forward the theory that Rupilia Faustina was the daughter of Matidia Salonina, and was the younger half-sister of Mindia Matidia and of Sabina, the wife of the Emperor Hadrian (117 – 138 AD). This would make Rupilia the aunt of both Faustina I and of her husband Antoninus. This theory was evolved in order to explain an inscription uncovered at Delphi in Greece, which referred to Mindia Matidia as ‘maternal aunt of the emperor Antoninus Pius’ which can be simply explained by the adoption of Antoninus Pius by Hadrian as his successor.

Ruqayya Begum – (c1762 – 1791)
Indian princess
Ruqayya Begum was the daughter of Lala Miam, a general who perished at the battle of Melukote (1771), and the sister of Burhan-ud-din, who served as a military commander and was killed by the British at Cheyur (1790). Tipu Sultan (1761 - 1799), the ruler of Mysore, chose Ruqayya as his wife, and married her jointly with Padshah Begum, his father's choice of bride (1774). Ruqayya was the mother of several of Tipu Sultan's children including Prince Muin-ud-din, and two daughters Noor Ulnissa and Kuleema. Ruqayya died of shock during the British siege of Seringapatam (Feb, 1792).

Rusca, Claudia – (1593 – 1676)
Italian organist and composer
Claudia Rusca was taught music at home before becoming a nun at the monastery of St Caterina in Berea, dedicated to St Umilta of Faenza. Rusca was the author of the religious work Sacri concerti a 1 – 5 con salmi e canzoni francesci (1630) which was published in Milan. The only known copy of this work was destroyed by a fire at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana (1943). Claudia Rusca died (Oct 6, 1676) aged eighty-three.

Rush, Rebecca – (fl. 1779 – 1812)
American novelist
Rebecca Rush was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a comfortable background. Rebecca published a single novel Kelroy (1812), which dealt with polite society in Philadelphia, of which she was a member. The work was reprinted almost two hundred years later (1992).

Rushforth, Winifred – (1885 – 1983) 
Scottish psychotherapist and author
Born Margaret Winifred Bartholomew in Winchburgh, West Lothian, she studied medicine at the Edinburgh University, and later worked for two decades as a medical missionary in India. With her return to England she studied psychoanalysis at the Tavistock Institute in London, and established herself in private practice in Edinburgh, where she later founded the Davidson Clinic (1939), which included various types of therapy. Her published work included Something is Happening (1981) and her autobiography Ten Decades of Happenings (1984), which appeared posthumously.

Rusiecka, Salome – (1719 – c1786)
Polsih physician
Salome Rusiecka was trained as an oculist by her elderly husband, to whom she had been married at the early age of fourteen (1733). Salome later seperated from her husband, and travelled as a professional eye doctor, performing successful cataract operations as she travelled throughout Europe. Rusiecka was later appointed as medical advisor to the harem of the Ottoman sultan in Constantinople, and became a wealthy woman before her death.

Rusinyol-i-Denis, Maria – (1887 – after 1953)
Spanish novelist and poet
Maria Rusinyol was born in Barcelona, Aragon, the daughter of the painter Santiago Rusinyol and his wife Lluisa Denis de Rusinyol, the composer and artist. Abandoned with her family by her fater during her infancy, late in life she nevertheless wrote a defensive biography of him entitled Santiago Rusinyol, vist per la seva filla (Santiago Rusinyol as seen by his daughter) (1950). Her last work the novel L’arna (the moth) (1953), described the struggles for good and evil against the backdrop of Catalan bourgeoise society. She left a collection of poems entitled Llibre de versos (1928). Maria Rusinyl-i-Denis died in Barcelona before 1960.

Rusk, Gladys Houx – (1901 – 1980)
American civic leader
Gladys Houx attended the University of Missouri, where she studied as a social worker, and assisted her husband Dr Howard Rusk with the evolution of physical rehabilitation programs throughout the world. Mrs Rusk was sent to study health care needs in South Korea, where she established the American-Korean Foundation, which later became the International Human Assistance Program. She was named Mother of the Year by New York State (1967). Gladys Houx Rusk died (Oct 14, 1980) aged seventy-nine, in Manhattan, New York.

Ruskin, Effie    see    Millais, Euphemia Chalmers Gray, Lady

Ruskin, Frances Reder – (1896 – 1980)
American lawyer and inventor
Frances Reder was born in New York and was raised in Dayton, Ohio. She was educated at the Jewish Theological Seminary and at Barnard College, before studying law at the New York University Law School. Frances was married to Simon L. Ruskin, with whom she collaborated on some of her inventions, and herself designed the protective clothing used by the Allied forces during WW II, in particular the ‘floater’ overcoat used by the American and British navies. Though originally a longtime member of the Democratic Party she later became a Republican (1937) and was active in local politics in New York. Frances Ruskin died (March 20, 1980) aged eighty-three, in Manhattan.

Russ, Florence   see   LaBadie, Florence

Russ, Lavinia Faxon – (1904 – 1992)
American children’s author
Lavinia Faxon was married firstly Carroll Dunne, and secondly Hugh Russ, leaving children by both marriages. Originally employed as a buyer of children’s books for a large bookstore, Lavinia became a successful writer of such books herself. Her works include A Young Explorer’s New York (1962), Over the Hills and Far Away (1968) and The April Age (1975) amongst others. She also hosted a children’s television program for one year and was appointed juvenile editor of Publisher’s Weekly. Lavinia Faxon Russ died of pnuemonia in Manahattan, New York.

Russell, Lady Agatha – (1853 – 1933)
British author
Lady Agatha Russell was the only daughters of Lord John Russell, who served as Prime Minister (1846 – 1852) under Queen Victoria, and his wife Lady Frances Elliott. Lady Agatha was the granddaughter of John Russell, sixth Duke of Bedford, and was the younger sister of John Russell (1842 – 1876), Viscount Amberley. She was raised at Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, and remained unmarried. She was the paternal aunt of the philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970). Lady Agatha published a life of her mother entitled Lady John Russell: A Memoir (1910).

Russell, Anna – (1911 – 2006) 
British vocalist and comedienne
Born Claudia Anne Russell-Brown (Dec 27, 1911) in Maida Vale, London, she attended school at Southwold, Suffolk and then went to Harrogate College and attended the Royal Academy of Music where she studied to become an opera singer. Anna abandoned this in favour of a career in radio and television, and appeared in New York as a concert commedienne (1948). She appeared on Broadway in New York in Anna Russell and her Little Show (1953), and later travelled throughout the world performing her craft, becoming known as ‘the Queen of Musical Parody.’ After her retirement she settled in Canada and published her autobiography I’m Not Making This Up, You Know (1985). Near the end of her life she resided in Australia. Her other published works included The Power of Being a Positive Stinker (1955) and the Anna Russell Songbook (1958). Anna Russell died (Oct 18, 2006) aged ninety-four, in Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

Russell, Audrey – (1906 – 1989)
British radio broadcaster
Muriel Audrey was born (June 29, 1906) in Dublin, and was educated in London, and abroad in Paris. She studied to be an actress at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, and worked in plays in the West End. During WW II she joined the National Fire Service, and then became a reporter for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) (1942). She proved an enormous success and travelled Europe in order to send back uncomplicated reports to the public, a style which became her trademark. She covered the weddings of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip (1947), the queen’s coronation, and the wedding of their son Prince Charles and Diana Spencer (1981). She was made a Freeman of the City of London (1967) and was made a member of the Royal Victorian Order (1976). Russell published the autobiography A Certain Voice (1984). Audrey Russell died (Aug 9, 1989) aged eighty-three, in Woking, Surrey.

Russell, Dora Winifred – (1894 – 1986) 
British feminist, social reformer and writer
Born Dora Black, she attended Girton College at Cambridge and at the University College in London. Dora travelled abroad to Russia and China and was drawn to the more radical intellecutal society. She became the lover of the noted philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970), whose second wife she eventually became (1921). Bertrand later succeeded as third Earl Russell (1931) and Dora was then Countess Russell until they were divorced (1935). With her husband Dora co-wrote The Prospects of Industrial Civilization (1923), whilst she herself published Hypatia: Or, Women and Knowledge (1925), which espoused sexual liberty, and topped the best-seller lists. An early pioneer of female suffrage, she co-founded the progressive Beacon Hill School in West Sussex (1927) and the Workers’ Birth Control Group (1924). Dora Russell was one of the founding members of the National Council for Civil Liberties. She was the author of The Right to Be Happy (1927) and In Defence of Children (1932).

Russell, Dorothy Stuart – (1895 – 1983)
Australian-Anglo pathologist
Dorothy Stuart Russell was born in Sydney, New South Wales. With the deaths of her parents she was sent to England to live with relatives at Fowlmere in Cambridge. She attended secondary school and then went on to Girton College, where she studied natural science. Russell then studied medicine at the London Hospital Medical College, and went on to become a pathologist after becoming a lecturer there. She won the Sutton Prize in pathology and became the junior fellow under Professor H.M. Turnbull. During WW II she worked at Oxford University, and became a specialist in the study of brain tumours. After the war she became the first woman to be appointed to the Chair of Morbid Anatomy at the London Medical College (1946) as successor to Professor Turnbull. She was later appointed as head of the Barnard Institute and retired in 1960. Dorothy Russell was the author of A Classification of Bright’s Disease (1929).

Russell, Edith Louise – (1878 – 1975)
British journalist and writer
Born Edith Rosenbaum, as a journalist with Women’s Wear in Paris, she dropped her Jewish surname and later assumed the Anglo-Saxon name of Russell (1914). Edith Russell survived the famous wreck of the cruise ship Titanic (1912). She lad left behind her valuable jewels and several thousand dollars worth of Paris gowns bought for American clients, and grabbed her musical china pig, with which she entertained several children in the lifeboats. This was portrayed in the film, A Night to Remember (1956), the premiere of which Edith attended. During WW I she served as a war correspondent and became the first female correspondent to actually live with soldiers in the trenches. She remained unmarried. Edith Russell died aged ninety-eight.

Russell, Elizabeth Cooke, Lady – (1529 – 1609)
English scholar and author
Elizabeth Cooke was born at Gidea Hall, Romford, in Essex, the daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke, and his wife Anne Fitzwilliam. She married firstly (1558) to Sir Thomas Hoby, and secondly (1574) to Lord John Russell. Like her sisters, Mildred, Lady Burghley, and Anne, Lady Bacon, Elizabeth acquired a reputation for linguistic attainments. Her translation from the French of the treatise A way of Reconciliation touching the true Nature and substance of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Sacrament was printed in 1605, and the inscriptions of great length in Greek, Latin, and English verse on the family tombs at Bisham Abbey, which were composed by her, which sufficiently prove her skill in the learned languages. Her surviving letters to Lord Burghley testify to her force of character and she is the earliest recorded Englishwoman diarist.

Russell, Elizabeth Anne Rawdon, Lady – (1793 – 1874)
British society figure, traveller and letter writer
Elizabeth Rawdon was born (Oct 2, 1793) the only child of John Rawdon, and niece to the Earl of Moira. Her mother was Frances, the daughter of Joseph Hall Stevenson, of Skelton Castle, Yorkshire. Elizabeth was a descendant of Selina Shirley (1707 – 1791), the famous Methodist countess of Huntingdon, and of John Hall Stevenson (1718 – 1785), whom Laurence Sterne described as ‘Eugenius’ in his fanous work The Life and Times of Tristam Shandy (1759). Elizabeth Rawdon became the wife (1817) of Lord William Russell (1790 – 1846), younger son of John, sixth Duke of Bedford. The eldest of their three sons was Hastings Russell (1819 – 1891), who succeeded his cousin William Russell as ninth Duke of Bedford (1872).
A celebrated but haughty society beauty, Lady Elizabeth dominated both husband and family, and travelled extensively throughout Europe. Her correspondence for the period (1817 – 1846) was later published. She accompanied her husband to Wurttemburg in Germany as the wife of the British minister there. However, soon afterwards their failing marriage deteriorated, and the couple resided apart for long periods. She survived her husband for over three decades as the Dowager Lady Russell (1846 – 1874). After her husband’s death she later returned to England (1850) and took a house in Mayfair, London, where she entertained such literary figures as Robert Browning, Thomas and Jane Carlyle, and Anthony Panizzi amongst others. She eventually converted to Roman Catholicisim (1860).

Russell, Ethel Harriman    see   Borden, Ethel B.

Russell, Frances Cromwell, Lady    see   Cromwell, Frances

Russell, Frances Theresa – (1873 – 1936)
American educator, editor and author
Frances Russell was born (May, 1873) in Anamosa, Iowa, and eventually became a professor of English at Stanford University. Her published work included Satire in the Victorian Novel (1920), One More Word on Broadway (1927) and Two Poets, a Dog, and a Boy (1933). Frances Russell died (Feb 15, 1936) aged sixty-two.

Russell, Jane Anne – (1911 – 1967)
American endocrinologist
Jane Russell was born (Feb 11, 1911) in California, and attended the University of California at Berkeley. Her particular area of research was the carbohydrate metabolism and the function of the pituitary hormones. She later married (1940) her research collaborator Alfred Wilhelmi, with whom she conducted joint research at Emory University in Atlanta, and won international acclaim for her research into growth hormones. She was later appointed a full professor (1965). Jane Russell died of breast cancer (March 12, 1967) aged fifty-six, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Russell, Lucy     see    Bedford, Lucy Harington, Countess of

Russell, Mary   see     Bedford, Mary Du Carroy Tribe, Duchess of

Russell, Mary Annette Beauchamp, Countess   see   Arnim, Countess von

Russell, Mary Baptist – (1829 – 1898)
Irish-American nun
Mary Russell was appointed as the first superior of the Sisters of Mercy in California. She was born (April 18, 1829) at Killowen, near Newry, in County Down, into a wealthy family, being the elder sister of the first Lord Russell of Killowen. Mary was professed a nun with the Sisters of Mercy at Kinsale, Cork (1851) and worked amongst the poor during the great cholera epidemics. She travelled to San Francisco with eight nuns at the urging of the archbishop (1854) and organized hospitals and shelters for the sick and the poor. Mother Mary Baptist then founded St Mary’s Hospital, the first Roman Catholic hospital on the west coast (1860). Apart from care for the aged and infirm, the nuns established schools and orphanages, and visited San Quentin State Prison, where their ministrations to prisoners about to be executed were much appreciated. Mary Baptist Russell died (Aug 6, 1898) aged sixty-nine, in San Francisco.

Russell, Rachel Wriothesley, Lady – (1636 – 1723)
English political figure and estate manager
Lady Rachel Wriothesley was the daughter of Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, and his first wife, Rachel Massue de Ruvigny de la Maison Fort. She married firstly to Francis Vaughan and secondly (1669) to Lord William Russell (1639 – 1683) the prominent Whig politician. With the death of her father (1667) she inherited the manors of Bloomsbury and St Giles-in-the-Fields, London. Intelligent and beautiful, she was anti-papist like her husband. When Lord William was accused of complicity in the Rye House Plot (1683), Lady Russell made strenuous efforts to help her husband during his trial. Despite this, he was condemned to death, but he entrusted her with a letter which she delivered to the Duchess of York (Mary Beatrice).
Prior to the execution (July 21, 1683), Lady Russell brought her children to Newgate Prison to farewell their father, who pleaded for Charles II to treat Rachel and her children with consideration after his death. She retained her friendship with Mary II until that lady’s death (1694), became involved in local politics and interceded at court to influence government appointments. Lady Rachel survived her husband’s execution forty years, and was revered by Whig politicians as the widow of a political martyr. Her correspondence was first published as the Letters of Lady Rachel Russell; From the Manuscript in the Library at Woburn Abbey (1773). Her only son Wriothesley Russell (1680 – 1711) succeeded as the second duke of Rutland, and left descendants. Lady Rachel Wriothesley died (Sept 29, 1723) aged eighty-seven, at Southampton House, Bloomsbury.

Russell, Raymond    see    Fearing, Lilian Blanche

Russell, Rosalind – (1911 – 1976)
American actress
Rosalind Russell was born (June 4, 1911) and was co-founder of Independent Artists, Inc., (1947). Russell appeared with Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer in The Women (1938) and received an Antoinette Perry Award (1953). Her other credits included His Girl Friday (1940), My Sister Eileen (1942), Picnic (1956) and Mrs Pollifax, Spy (1971). Rosalind Russell received four Academy Award nominations, and received critical acclaim for her stage roles in Wonderful Town (1953) and Auntie Mame (1956). Her last husband was Frederick Brisson. Rosalind Russell died (Nov 28, 1976) aged sixty-five, in Beverly Hills, California.

Rusticiana – (fl. 592 – 603)
Byzantine patrician
Rusticiana was perhaps a descendant of Severinus Boethius and his wife Rusticiana, the daughter of Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. Rusticiana was married to a unidentied man of consular rank, and was the mother of Eusebia, the wife of consul Flavius Apion (c550 – c610). She may also have been the mother of a son Eudoxius. Rusticiana may have resided in Rome prior to going to live in Constantinople, and was the owner of extensive estates in Italy and Sicily. She was the addressee of five letters, all from the period (592 – 603), sent by Pope Gregory I, and preserved in his Epistolarum Registrum. Gregory referred to Rusiticiana as excellentia vestra. Rusticiana was forced to abandon a plan to make a pilgrimage to Palestine (592) but two years afterwards she travelled as far as Mt Sinai before returning to Constantinople. She sent a servant to Rome with money for the ransom of captives, and the pope wrote to Rusticicana, inviting her to revisit the city. Her estates in Italy were later harassed by Beator, who claimed to be an Imperial official (603), and the pope urged Rusticiana to appeal to the eemperor Phokas to protect her tenants and her property. The poet Andreas composed verses in honour of the Virgin Mary which he dedicated to Rusticiana. They are preserved in the Anthologia Latina.

Rusticiana, Aurelia – (c480 AD – after 546) 
Roman patrician
Aurelia Rusticiana was the daughter of Q. Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, prefect of Rome. She married the poet and philosopher Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (c476 AD – 524) to whom she bore two sons, Flavius Symmachus and Flavius Boethius, who were later joint consuls (522). Her husband was arrested and executed in Milan on the orders of King Theodoric (524), and her father was later put to death for speaking on his son-in-law-s behalf (525). The family’s estates were confiscated, but restored after the king’s death (526). Procopius of Caesarea recorded in his de bello Gothico that Rusticiana was long noted for her charitable gifts to the poor. Rusticiana was still living in Rome when the Goths invaded the city (546), and she was reduced to great want, having to beg for bread in the streets. Procopius records that King Totila himself saved her from the Goths who believed that she had destroyed the statue of Theodoric in revenge for the deaths of her father and husband.

Rusticiana, Vitrasia – (fl. 375 – 376 AD)
Roman Imperial patrician
Vitrasia Rusticiana was the daughter of Memmius Vitrasius Orfitus (died c369 AD) who twice served as prefect of Rome in (353 – 355 AD) and (357 – 359 AD). Rusticiana was married prior to the autumn of 375 AD to Quintus Aurelius Symmachus (c340 – c402 AD), consul 391 AD, the famous man of letters, who also served as prefect of Rome (384 – 385 AD). Sidonius Apoollinaris in his Epistulae recorded that Rusticiana assisted her husband in his literary work. Vitrasia Rusiticiana was the mother of Quintus Fabius Memmius Symmachus (born 383/84 AD), who served as praetor (401 AD), and edited his father’s letter after his death. Her eldest child, an otherwise unidentified Aurelia, became the wife of Nicomachius Flavianus, prefect of Rome and later praetorian prefect of Italy (431 – 432 AD).

Rusticula – (555 – 632)
Gallo-Roman nun and saint
Rusticula was born into an ancient Gallo-Roman family. Her father died the day after her birth, and her mother’s name was Clementia. Becoming the sole heiress of her parents’ fortune after the death of her only brother, when she was five years old she was abducted by the nobleman named Cheraonius, who intended to marry her and thus secure control of her vast inheritance (560). Eventually Lilliola, abbess of the convent of St Ceasarius of Arles obtained an order for the child’s restitution from King Guntram of Burgundy, and she was placed under the protection of that convent (562). Several years afterwards the Lady Clementia wanted her daughter to return to her care, but by this time Rusticula desired to remain in the religious life, and on the death of Lilliola, she was chosen succeed her as abbess.
Clotaire II of Neustria later accused abbess Rusticula of sheltering Prince Childebert, the great-grandson of Queen Brunhilda in her convent, after he had murdered that prince’s brothers. Maximus, Bishop of Avignon was one of her accusers, and the abbess was forcibly removed from her convent on a charge of treason, being pelted with stones by the mob. However, she was admirably defended by Domnolus, Bishop of Vienne, and after swearing to her innocence in this matter, Rusticula was permitted to return to her convent with every mark of royal respect.  She was credited with miracles in her own lifetime. Abbess Rusticula died aged sixty-seven, and was regarded a saint. Her feast was listed in the Acta Sanctorum (Aug 11).

Rusudani Bagratid– (c1130 – after 1157)
Goergian princess
Rusudani Bagratid was the daughter of King Demetrius I Bagratid (1125 – 1155), and was sister to kings Davit V (1155) and Giorgi III (1177 – 1184). She was the paternal aunt of the famous Queen Tamar I (1178 – 1213). Rusudani was married firstly (1151) to Izyslav II Mstislavitch of Polotsk (died 1154), Grand prince of Kiev in the Ukraine, and secondly to Sanjar Shah (1086 – 1157), sultan of Khorasan and Iraq, forty-five years her senior. Both marriages remained childless and the princess survived her second husband.

Rusudani of Georgia – (1195 – 1245)
Queen regnant (1223 – 1245)
Rusudani was the daughter of Queen Tamara I and her second husband David Solsani, and was the sister of King Giorgios IV (1194 – 1223). Rusudani was married firstly to Migithaddin Turgrhil Shah, a Seljuk prince of Erzerum, by whom she became the mother of the Georgian king David IV Narin (c1224 – 1292). Rusudani later became the third wife of Manuel I Komnenus (c1210 – 1263), Emperor of Trebizond, by whom she left a daughter Theodora. Rusudani succeeded her childless brother Giorgios as ‘king’ of Kartli (1223), but only two years later (1225) the army of Jelal ad-Din, King of Khwarismia invaded Georgia, and the queen was forced to send an army to meet them. Her forces were quickly defeated at Garnhi, on Georgia’s southern frontier, and the queen herself was forced to flee to Kutais, whilst Jelal-ad-Din occupied and sacked her capital of Tiflis, and then annexed the whole valley of the Kur River.
A future attempt by the Georgians to regain the kingdom (1228) ended in disaster, and the queen was reduced to ruling only the Georgian lands by the Black Sea region. Jelal died after the Mongol invasion (1231) but Queen Rusudani was barely able to re-occupy Tiflis (1236), when the Mongol general Charmaqan invaded Georgia and Rusudani was one again forced to flee to Kutais, whilst the Mongols took over eastern Georgia. Finally, in 1243, Rusudani became a vassal of the Mongols on the understanding that the whole Georgian kingdom was to pass to her son David, to rule under Mongol suzerainty. Queen Rusudani died two years later. David Narin ruled jointly (1247 – 1258) with his cousin David V Ulu, the natural son of Giorgios IV, but later fled from Tiflis to escape the Mongols. He eventually became independent king of Imereti (1258 – 1292) which was ruled by his descendants until 1402. His half-sister Theodora Megale Komnena was also briefly the independent ruler of the Greek empire of Trebizond (1284 – 1285) before being deposed and forced into a convent.

Rusudani Shervashidze – (c1546 – 1578)
Queen consort of Georgia (1565 – 1578)
Rusudani Shervashidze became the second wife (c1561) of King Giorgi II (c1530 – 1585). The queen left two sons who both died childless, Prince Bagrat Bagrationid (1565 – 1578), and Levan I Bagrationid (1573 – 1590), who was briefly installed as King of Imeriti (1585 – 1590) but was deposed and died in prison. Queen Rusudani died young (Aug 4, 1578) aged about twenty-two.

Ruth – (fl. c1150 BC) 
Hebrew biblical character and matriarch
Ruth was the ancestress of David and Solomon, and from then of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and St John the Baptist. Ruth was a Moabite by birth and was married to one of the sons of Elimelech and his wife Naomi. With the death of Elimelech and then both his sons, Ruth dutifully accompanied her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, where she eventually remarried to Boaz, a wealthy landowner.

Rutherford, Dame Margaret – (1892 – 1972) 
British stage and film actress and comedienne
Margaret Rutherford was born (May 11, 1892) at Balham, in London, the daughter of a travelling silk merchant, William Rutherford. She was trained as an elocution and music teacher. She was married (1945) to the actor and producer Stringer Davis. The couple adopted four children. After receiving a small inheritance, Rutherford made her stage debut in 1925 at the Old Vic Theatre. Rutherford achieved lasting fame for playing roles of elderly eccentric characters, both on stage and on film, including that of Miss Prism in Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest (1939), and that of Mrs Candour in The School for Scandal (1962). Margaret Rutherford’s most memorable screen roles included the psychic, Madam Arcati in, Blithe Spirit (1945), created by Sir Noel Coward, Miss Whitchurch in The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950) and Laetitia Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest (1952).
Her film career also included the portrayal of Jane Marple, the eccentric village sleuth from the novels of Dame Agatha Christie, in four films Murder She Said, Murder at the Gallop, Murder Ahoy and Murder Most Foul. Margaret Rutherford received an Academy Award for her role as the Duchess of Brighton in The VIP’s (1963) and was appointed OBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) (1961) and then DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1967) in recognition of her contribution to film and the arts. Dame Margaret Rutherford died (May 22, 1972) aged eighty, at Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire. One of her adopted daughters was the biographer and writer Dawn Langley Hall.

Rutherford, Mildred Lewis – (1851 – 1928)
American poet, historian and author
Mildred Rutherford was born (July 16, 1851) in Athens, Georgia. She received an exceptional education and became a professor of Southern history and literature at the Lucy Cobb Institute in Athens (1917 – 1926). Rutherford was the founder and editor of Miss Rutherford’s Scrap Book (1923 – 1927), and her other published works included The South in History and Literature (1907) and Georgia: The Thirteenth Colony (1926). Mildred Rutherford died (Aug 15, 1928) aged seventy-seven.

Ruthven, Jean – (c1657 – 1722)
Scottish peeress
Jean Ruthven was the youngest daughter of Thomas, fist Baron Ruthven of Freeland and his wife Isabel Balfour, the daughter of Margaret, Baroness Balfour of Burleigh. Jean claimed to have succeeded her brother David, Lord Ruthven who died unmarried (1701) as third Baroness Ruthven. Despite the fact that she made up her titles to the estates, her right to the peerage remained unchallenged during her lifetime. She remained unmarried. Jean Ruthven died (April, 1722) whereupon the barony passed to a niece.

Ruthven, Mary – (c1620 – 1645)
Scottish Stuart courtier
Mary Ruthven was the daughter of Sir Patrick Ruthven, and granddaughter of the Earl of Gowrie. Mary Ruthven was married (1639) to the famous Flemish painter Sir Anthony Van Dyck. Her husband painted several portraits of her which survive, notably wearing a white satin dress and playing the violincello, which portrait was engraved by Bolswert and is preserved in Munich, Bavaria.  Lady Van Dyck later remarried to Sir Richard Pryse, of Gogerddan in Cardiganshire. Her daughter Justiniana Anna Van Dyck (1641 – before 1690), became the wife of Sir John Stepney of Prendergast.

Ruthven of Freeland, Bridget Helen Hore-Ruthven, Lady – (1896 – 1982)
British peeress and ATS controller
The Hon. (Honourable) Bridget Hore-Ruthven was born (July 27, 1896) the elder daughter of Walter Patrick Hore-Ruthven (1870 – 1956), the tenth Baron Ruthven of Freeland and his first wife Jean Leslie Lampson (1876 – 1952) the daughter Norman George Lampson (1850 – 1894). Bridget was married firstly (1918) to George Josslyn L’Estrange Howard (1895 – 1963), the eleventh Earl of Carlisle and she became the Countess of Carlisle for three decades (1918 – 1947). She bore lord Carlisle two children including his son and successor Charles James Ruthven Howard (1923 – 1994), the twelfth Earl of Carlisle who left issue.
As Countess of Carlisle she volunteered her services for the war effort and served as a senior controller of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) and was appointed as director of the WACI (Women’s Advisory Council for India). Her contribution was recognized by King George VI who appointed the countess CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1947). She was divorced from Lord Carlisle (1947) and remarried secondly to Sir Walter Turnour Monckton (1891 – 1965), first Viscount Monckton of Brenchley and became the Viscountess Monckton (1947 – 1965). With the death of her father (1956) she became a peeress in her own right and succeeded as the eleventh Baroness Ruthven of Freeland (1956 – 1982). She took up her seat in the House of Lord (1963) and contributed to the National Health Services Reorganisation Bill (1972). Lady Ruthven of Freeland died (April 17, 1982) aged eighty-five.

Rutilia Prisca Sabiniana – (fl. c110 – c130 AD)
Roman Imperial patrician
Rutilia Prisca Sabiniana was probably the wife of T. Caesernius Statius Quinctius Macedo Quinctius, and was daughter-in-law to T. Caesernius Statius Quinctius Macedo, the procurator of Mauretania Caesariensus in Africa (107 AD). Rutilia is attested by a surviving inscription from Aquileia in Italy. She was probably the mother of T. Caesernius Statius Quinctius Macedo Quintianus, who held several military offices during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (117 – 138 AD), and was consul suffect during the reign of the Emperor Antonius Pius (138 – 161 AD).

Rutland, Eleanor Paston, Countess of – (c1505 – 1551)
English Tudor courtier
Eleanor Paston was the daughter of Sir William Paston, of Paston, Norfolk, and his wife Bridget, the daughter of Sir Henry Haydon of Baconsthorpe, Norfolk. She was the sister of Captain Clement Paston (c1515 – 1597). Eleanor Paston came to the court in attendance upon Queen Catharine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, and then became the second wife (c1520) of Sir Thomas Manners (1493 – 1543), first Earl of Rutland, and bore him many children. The countess was long in attendance at the court of King Henry, and served his next four wives as well. Lady Rutland attended Anne Boleyn at her coronation (June, 1533), and then attended Queen Jane Seymour. She attended her kinswoman, the Princess Mary at court, and served as chief mourner at Queen Jane’s funeral (Nov, 1537).
In Jan, 1540 the countess was presented to Anne of Cleves at Rochester, serving as her chief lady of the Privy Chamber, together with Lady Browne and Lady Edgecumbe. She was a member of the household of Queen Catharine Howard, but remained unscathed by the downfall of the queen and Lady Rochford. She appears in the correspondence of Honor, Lady Lisle, who prevailed upon Lady Rutland to use her influence at court in favour of her Basset daughters, to get them placements in the royal household. In return Lady Lisle sent the countess gifts of Gascun wine and two barrels of herrings. Lady Rutland survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Rutland (1543 – 1551) died at Holywell, Shoreditch. She was buried firstly in the church of St Leonard at Holywell. Later she was reinterred beside her Lord Rutland at Bottesford, in Leicester. Lady Rutland appears in the historical novel The Boleyn Inheritance (2006) by Philippa Gregory. Her children were,

• Lady Anne Manners (1524 – 1549). She became the first wife of Henry Neville (1525 – 1563), fifth Earl of Westmorland, and left issue.
• Lady Gertrude Manners (1525 – 1566). She became the first wife of George Talbot (1522 – 1590), sixth Earl of Shrewsbury, and left descendants.
• Henry Manners (1526 – 1563). He succeeded his father as the second earl of Rutland (1543 – 1563) and left issue.
• Lady Frances Manners (c1530 – 1576). She became the first wife of Henry Neville (died 1587), sixth Baron Abergavenny, and left issue.
• Sir John Manners (c1532 – 1611) of Haddon Hall, Derby. He was married and left issue, being the grandfather of John Manners (1604 – 1679), eighth Earl of Rutland.
• Hon. (Honourable) Roger Manners, of Uffington, Lincoln (c1534 – 1607). He died unmarried, having served as esquire of the Body to queens Mary I and Elizabeth I.
• Lady Katherine Manners (c1535 – 1572). She became the wife of Sir Henry Capell (died after 1585), of Raines Hall, Essex, and left issue.
• Sir Oliver Manners (c1537 – 1563). He acted as a secret agent against the French at Newhaven.
• Lady Elizabeth Manners (born c1540). She became the first wife of Sir John Savage (died 1597), of Rock Savage, Chester.
• Sir Thomas Manners (c1541 – 1591). He was married and left issue.

Rutland, Elizabeth Sidney, Countess of – (1585 – 1612)
English literary patron
Elizabeth Sidney was baptised (Nov 20, 1585) the only child of the poet Sir Philip Sidney and his wife Frances Walsingham, later countess of Essex and countess of Clanricarde. Queen Elizabeth I stood godmother to her. Elizabeth Sidney was the pupil of John Florio, the translater of Montaigne, who dedicated his Italian-English dictionary to her future husband, Roger Manners (1576 – 1612), the fifth Earl of Rutland whom she married (1599). The countess died only a few weeks after her young husband, and was buried (Aug 11, 1612) in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, near her father’s tomb. An altar tomb was erected to Elizabeth’s memory at Bottesford church. With Elizabeth’s death without issue her heir was her uncle, Robert Sidney, Earl of Leicester.

Rutland, Mary Isabella Somerset, Duchess of – (1756 – 1831)
British Vicereine of Ireland (1784 – 1787) and Hanoverian court beauty
Lady Mary Isabella Somerset was born (Aug 1, 1756) the fifth daughter of Charles Somerset, fourth Duke of Beaufort and his wife Elizabeth Botetourt. She was married in St George’s, Hanover Square, London (1775) to Charles Manners (1754 – 1787), fourth Duke of Rutland, to whom she bore five children. One of the celebrated political beauties of the era, and rival to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, the Duchess or Rutland accompanied her husband to Ireland, where she established her magnificent vice-regal court in Dublin. The couple cultivated Irish society in such a way that made them immensely popular. Nathaniel Wraxall described the duchess as “ the very essence of femininity, magnetizing the gaze of all who saw her. Grace itself formed her limbs and accompanied her movements - … the Plantagenets could not have been represented by a more faultless sample of female loveliness.” Her portrait was painted by Richard Cosway, and was engraved by William Lane. The duchess survived her husband over forty years (1787 – 1831) as Dowager Duchess of Rutland. Despite being barely thirty at his death she never remarried. The duchess of Rutland died (Sept 2, 1831) aged seventy-five, in Piccadilly, London. Her children were,

• Lady Elizabeth Isabella Manners (1776 – 1853). She married Richard Norman and left children.
• John Henry Manners (1778 – 1857). Styled Marquess of Granby, he succeeded his father as fifth Duke of Rutland (1787 – 1857) and left descendants.
• Lady Katherine Mary Manners (1779 – 1828). She became the wife of Cecil Weld-Forrester (1767 – 1828), first Baron Forrester, and left issue.
• General Lord Charles Henry Somerset Manners (1780- 1855). He died unmarried.
• Major-General Lord Robert William Manners (1781 – 1835). He died unmarried.

Rutland, Violet Lindsay, Duchess of – (1856 – 1937)
British painter and poet
A member of the artistic coterie known as ‘the Souls,’ Marion Margaret Violet Lindsay was born (March 7, 1856) Marion Margaret Violet Lindsay, the daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Hugh Lindsay (1816 – 1889) and his wife Emilia Anne Browne, the daughter of Henry Montague Browne (1799 – 1884), Dean of Lismore. She was married (1882) to John Brinsley Manners, Marquess of Granby (1852 – 1925), who succeeded his father as eighth Duke of Rutland (1906). Lady Granby was an artist of considerable talent, and she produced works in the Pre-Raphaelite style. She produced delicate portraits in pencil and water colour, and examples of her work are preserved in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Her most important work was the recumbent marble statue of her elder son, who died aged nine (1894), and which is preserved in the chapel of Haddon Hall. Violet survived her husband as Dowager Duchess of Rutland (1925 – 1937). The duchess died (Dec 22, 1937) aged eighty-one, at her residence in Belgrave Square, London. She was buried in the family tomb at Belvoir. The duchess left five children,

• Lady Victoria Marjorie Harriet Manners (1853 – 1946). She was married to Charles Henry Paget (1885 – 1947), sixth Marquess of Anglesey, and left descendants.
• Robert Charles John Manners (1885 – 1894). Styled Viscount Haddon, he died young.
• John Henry Manners (1886 – 1940). He succeeded his father as ninth Duke of Rutland (1925 – 1940). He was married and left descendants.
• Lady Violet Catherine Manners (1888 – 1971). She married firstly to Hugo Francis Charteris (1884 – 1916), Viscount Elcho, and secondly to Guy Benson.
• Lady Diana Olivia Winifred Manners (1892 – 1986). She was married to Alfred Duff-Cooper (1890 – 1954), first Viscount Norwich.

Ruvinska, Paulina – (1912 – 1998)
American pianist
Paulina Ruvinska was born into a musical family in New York. She studied piano under Clarence Adler, and made her debut with the Detroit Symphony at the age of seven (1919). She made her debut in New York (1935) and gave piano recitals. Ruvinska’s repertoire was as varied as it was formidable. She performed works by Tausig, Beethoven, and Chopin, as well as works by Latin American composers and sonatas by contemporary musicians such as Paul Ben-Haim and Iain Hamilton. Paulina Ruvinska died (Jan 17, 1998) aged eighty-five, in Manhattan.

Ruwej a Nkond – (fl. c1530 – c1550)
Zairean queen
Ruwej was the youngest daughter of Nkond a Matit, chief of the Lunda people, in Zaire, in eastern Angola and northern Zambia, and his wife Rukombu. The chief disinherited his two sons and made Ruwej his heir, awarding her the sacred bracelet, the symbol of royal power. With his death, Ruwej became the ruler of the Nkalanyi region, and had her capital at Musumba, east of the Lulua River. Refusing the suitor chosen for her by the council, the queen married Chibind Yirung, a local chief, which marriage angered her two brothers, who left the kingdom to form their own states. An uprising against the influence of her husband was quelled, but large portions of the population chose to emigrate rather than accept the new political situation. Queen Ruwej remained childless, and Chibind Yirung’s son and heir, Yav a Yirung was fathered by a concubine. After her death she was interred along the Kavadilongombe River.

Ruysch, Anna Elisabeth – (c1680 – 1741)
Dutch painter
Anna Ruysch was born in Haarlem, the younger sister of artist Rachel Ruysch, who taught her to paint. Anna Elisabeth produced a copy of the work of the Dutch artist Abraham Mignon (1640 – 1697). This was preserved in the Staatliche Kunsthalle in Karlsruhe, Baden.

Ruysch, Rachel – (1664 – 1750)
Dutch still-life painter
Rachel Ruysch was born in Haarlem, the daughter of an anatomist, and was accepted as a pupil by the noted flower painter, Willem van Aalst at the early age of fifteen (1679). Her own style was innovative, choosing to place the objects of her paintings in natural settings, her painting thus reflecting the natural world. Her earliest indentifiable work is dated 1682, and nearly one hundred signed and unsigned works have survived, and she was particularly known for her self portraits which discreetly appeared in some of her works. Rachel was married (1693) to fellow artist Juriaen Poole, to whom she bore ten children. The couple joined the Dutch painter’s guild (1701) and they were both employed as court painters at the court of the Elector Palatine at Dusseldorf (1708 – 1716). Rachel and her husband later returned to Amsterdam where she continued to produce canvasses till aged past her eightieth year.

Ryan, Edna Minna – (1904 – 1997)
Australian feminist and Labour activist
Born Edna Nelson (Dec 15, 1904) at Ultimo in Sydney, New South Wales, she left secondary school in order to work as a government clerk, and joined the Communist Party. She was married to Labour Party member Jack Ryan. Edna Ryan served at the first ever female deputy Lord Mayor for Fairfield in western Sydney, and then became the first female president of the Local Government Officer’s Association (1965 – 1974). She campaigned successfully for the reform of the minimum wage for women (1974), but refused to accept the OAM (Order of Australia Medal). Edna Ryan was the author of the work Two-thirds of a Man (1984). She was mother to the noted historian Lyndall Ryan.

Ryan, Elizabeth Montague – (1892 – 1979) 
American lawn tennis player
Elizabeth Ryan was born in Anaheim, Los Angeles, California, the daughter of British emigrant Francis George Ryan, formerly of London. Elizabeth won her first singles title at Wimbledon, London (1914) and became a fixture at tournaments there. Over a period of nineteen years, Elizabeth Ryan won 659 tournaments, including the last women’s championship to be held in Imperial Russia (1914). In 1926 she was the number one player on the victorious American team in the Wightman Cup against Britain. Elizabeth Ryan won nineteen titles at Wimbledon, twelve doubles and seven mixed doubles. Six of these women’s doubles were held with the French champion Suzanne Lenglen. This record lasted forty-five years (1934 – 1979) and was finally surpassed by Billie Jean King. She turned professional in 1935. In 1977 she was present during Wimbledon’s centenary championships, and was presented with a special medal by the Duke of Kent which represented all the doubles champions at Wimbledon. Elizabeth Ryan collapsed on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, and died in hospital the next day.

Ryan, Irene – (1903 – 1973)
American film and television actress and comedienne
Born Irene Riordan, she appeared in several films such as Melody for Three (1941), San Diego I Love You (1944), Meet Me after the Show (1951) and Spring Reunion (1957). However, she was best remembered for playing Granny Clampett in the popular television comedy The Beverly Hillbillies (1962 – 1970).

Ryan, Mary Margaret – (1886 – 1968)
Australian political activist and feminist campaigner
Born Mary Kelly (Sept 15, 1886) in Timaru, New Zealand, she immigrated to Australia with her family as a child, and later joined the Labour party. She was appointed to the Commonwealth Housing Commission by the treasurer (later prime minister) Ben Chifley (1943). Mary Ryan died (May 19, 1968) aged eighty-one, in Sydney, New South Wales.

Ryder, Lady Frances – (1888 – 1965)
British organizer
Lady Frances Ryder was born (Aug 7, 1888) the daughter of the fifth Earl of Harrowby. She remained unmarried. Frances organized the Dominion Officers Hospitality Scheme (1916 – 1920), for which she was appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1919). She was then appointed as director of the Dominion Students Hospitality Scheme (1920 – 1939), which position she afterwards filled with the Dominion and Allied Services Hospitality Scheme (1939 – 1947). Lady Frances Ryder died (Dec 24, 1965) aged seventy-seven.

Ryder, Hon. Mrs Henry Dudley   see    Harrowby, Susan Juliana Maria Hamilton Dent, Countess of

Ryder, Sue – (1923 – 2000)
British philanthropist, author and autobiographer
Sue Ryder was born (July 3, 1923) in Leeds, Yorkshire, and attended the Benenden School in Kent. During WW II she joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and performed valuable work in Poland with the Special Operations Executive. Sue Ryder was married (1959) to the noted philanthropist Leonard Cheshire (1917 – 1992) and established The Sue Ryder Foundation at Cavendish, near Sudbury, Suffolk (1953), which led to the establishment of eighty such centres throughout the world, whose aim was to provide residential care for the ill and the disabled. In recognition of her valuable work she was created a life peeress as Baroness Ryder of Warsaw in Poland and of Cavendish, Suffolk (1979) by Queen Elizabeth II. Lady Ryder was awarded the Golden Order of Merit (1976) and the Order of Smile (1980) by the Polish government, and was the author of two volumes of autobiography entitled And the Morrow Is Theirs (1975) and Child of My Love (1986). Lady Ryder died (Nov 2, 2000) aged seventy-seven, at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Rye, Margeurite van – (fl. c1505 – 1512)
French painter
Margeurite van Rye was trained by the artist Cornelie van Wulfskerke, they both being nuns at the Carmelite convent of Notre Dame de Sion. She worked with Cornelie to illuminate music books and an antiphonal.

Rye, Maria Susan – (1829 – 1903) 
British feminist and social reformer
Maria Rye was born (March 31, 1829) in London, the daughter of Edward Rye, a solicitor, and was educated by a governess at home. Maria Rye never married and became involved with various philanthropic activities. Maria became a member of the Society for Promoting Employment for Women, and then served as the secretary to the committee which urged the passing of the Married Women’s Property Bill, and wrote an article supporting the bill which was published in the Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine (1856). Rye founded the Telegraph School in London, and the Female Middle Class Emigration Society (1861), which specialized in procuring governess positions for suitable English ladies immigrating to Australia (1862 – 1882). She visited New Zealand and Australia for eighteen months (1863 – 1865) in order to research and facilitate her plans to assist working women, and later accompanied the first group of emigrant working women to Ontario in Canada (1868). In recognition of her work, Rye was granted a pension from the Civil List (1868) by Queen Victoria. Maria Rye died (Nov 12, 1903) aged seventy-four, at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Rygeway, Cecilia – (fl. 1359)
English medieval murderess
Cecilia was the wife of John Rygeway, a citizen of London. Cecilia was accused of murdering her husband and was sentenced to be imprisoned without food or water. She survived for forty days and King Edward III pardoned her, convinced that her survival had been a miraculous sign of her innocence.

Ryksa of Poland    see   Richeza of Silesia

Rysanek, Leonie – (1926 – 1998)
Austrian soprano
Leonie Rysanek was born in Vienna the daughter of a Czech father and an Austrian mother. She had vocal training under Alfred Jerger and Rudolf Grossmann, who would later become her first husband. Rysanek made her stage debut as Agathe in Der Freischutz in Innsbruck (1949) and during the earlier part of her career Rysanek appeared in most of the notable German opera houses. She first attracted critical attention when she appeared as Siegelinde at the Bayreuth Festival (1951) and she then became a member of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich (1952). Rysanek travelled to London with this company (1953) and appeared at Covent Garden in the role of Danae, the mother of Perseus and then joined the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) (1954). She made regular appearances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York from 1959, when she replaced Maria Callas as Verdi’s Lady Macbeth, remaining there till 1973, and returning (1975 – 1976) and other seasons. She was awarded the Lotte Lehmann Ring from the Vienna State Opera (1979). Her most famous roles were those of Siegelinde in Die Walkure, Elsa in Lohengrin, and Turandot. Leonie Rysanek died (March 7, 1998) aged seventy-one, in Vienna.

Ryves, Elizabeth – (1750 – 1797)
Irish author, journalist and translator
With her father’s death Elizabeth Ryves was robbed of her rightful inheritance and travelled to England, where she turned to writing for a livelihood. Apart from comic opera and odes, Ryves published the novel, The Hermit of Snowden (1789) and several collections of verse including Poems on Several Occasions (1777). She translated Jacques Rousseau’s Social Contact (1791) into English. Elizabeth Ryves died in London.

Ryves, Lavinia Janetta Horton – (1797 – 1871)
British royal claimant
Lavinia Serres was the daughter of the portrait painter John Anthony Serres, and his wife Olivia Wilmot, who had unsuccessfully claimed to be the unacknowledged niece of George III. She married (1822) Antony Thomas Ryves, a portrait painter to whom she bore five children. With her mother’s death (1834), Lavinia became determined to pursue her claims, and she assumed the titles of ‘Princess of Cumberland,’ and ‘Duchess of Lancaster.’ She produced a document (1858) which claimed that George III had secretly married the Quaker girl Hannah Lightfoot before his marriage with Queen Charlotte (1761). Lavinia applied unsuccessfully to the court of Chancery, and petitioned Queen Victoria herself, but to no avail. The court eventually declared these documents to be forgeries (1866), and her court evidence which contained strange ghost stories, left the court wondering whether she was completely sane.  Lavinia then wrote and published the pamphlet Ryves v. the Attorney-General: Was Justice done? (1866), and gave up the fight for recognition. She was later granted a pension by the Royal Academy, due to the reputation of her late father. None of her children had any interest in pursuing the matter any further. Lavinia Ryves died (Dec 7, 1871) aged seventy-four, at Haverstock Hill (Dec 7, 1871).