W

Waals, Jacqueline van der – (1868 – 1922)
Dutch poet, novelist and translator
Jacqueline van der Waals was the daughter of the famous chemist, Johannes Diderik van der Waals, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics (1910). Carefully educated in languages including English, German, Italian, Danish and Norse, she earned her degree to become a teacher. However, she found this career somewhat unrewarding, and left teaching to devote herself to social work. She wrote essays concerning the Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen, the Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlof, and the Danish theologian, Soren Aabye Kierkegaard. Waals was the author of the autobiographical novel Noortje Velt (1907), and several collections of verse such as Verzen (1900), Nieuwe verzen (1909) and Laatste verzen (1923) which proved incredibly popular in Holland, and went through several reprints during her lifetime. She also translated several religious hymns, most notably ‘Wat de toekomst brengen mode’ (Whatever the Future May Bring), which is still included in the Dutch Liedboek voor de kerken (Hymns for the Churches).

Waddedar, Pritilata – (1911 – 1932)
Indian revolutionary heroine
Pritilata Waddedar born in Chittagong, and was educated there. She later attended Eden College in Dhaka and studied philosophy at the Bethune College in Kolkata. Pritilata later joined the armed resistance movement aimed at the removal of the British from India, which was organized by Mastarda Surya Sen. She took part in planned attack on the Pahartali European Club which refused entry to Indians. The raid itself (Sept 23, 1932) proved successful, but Pritilata had dressed as a male and committed suicide rather than risk detection.

Waddell, Helen Jane – (1889 – 1965)
British medieval scholar and translator
Helen Waddell was born (May 31, 1889) in Tokyo, Japan and attended Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland. She became a lecturer at St Hilda’s College at Oxford and at Bedford College in London. Waddell remained unmarried and was a member of the Irish Academy of Letters (1932) and was a fellow of the Medieval Academy of America (1937). Her best known work concerned the travelling scholar monks of the Middle Ages The Wandering Scholars (1927). Waddell published the novel Peter Abelard (1933), concerning the monk scholar famous for his relationship with Heloise, as well as several translations such as Lyrics from the Chinese (1913) and Mediaeval Latin Lyrics (1929). Her other works included Translations of Manon Lescaut (1931), Beasts and Saints (1934) and The Desert Fathers (1936). Helen Waddell died (March 5, 1965) aged seventy-five.

Waddington, Mary Alsop King – (c1833 – 1923)
Anglo-American dilpomatic figure and letter writer
Mary Alsop King became the wife of the diplomat William Henry Waddington. Mary Waddington accompanied her husband to the Imperial court in St Petersburg, when he was appointed by the US government as ambassador extraordinary (1883). Her personal letters and correspondence from this period were later published in Letters of a Diplomat’s Wife, 1883 – 1900 (1904). Mrs Waddington also accompanied the ambassador on two trips to Rome (1880) and (1905), and during WW I she was present in Paris during the hostilities. These experiences she recounted in two successive publications Italian Letters of a Diplomat’s Wife (1905) and My War Diary (1917). Mary Waddington died (June 30, 1923) in Paris.

Waddington, Miriam – (1917 – 2004) 
Canadian poet
Born Miriam Dworkin (Dec 23, 1917) in Winnipeg, of Russian-Jewish background, she attended the University of Toronto and was married to the journalist Peter Waddington. She and her husband later seperated and Miriam returned to Toronto where she lectured in literature at York University. Miriam Waddington published her volume of lyric verse entitled Green World (1945), and it was received with great interest and acclaim. Two of her other works Dream Telescope (1972) and The Visitants (1981) reveal the influence of the work of Gertrude Stein. Her last works included the anthology Canadian Jewish Short Stories (1990) and Canada: Romancing the Land (1996). Miriam Waddington died (March 3, 2004) in Vancouver, British Columbia, aged eighty-six.

Waddles, Charleszetta Campbell – (1912 – 2001)
Black-American churchwoman and administrator
Charleszetta Waddles was born (Oct 7, 1912) in St Louis, Missouri. The early death of her father meant that Charleszetta had to leave school and work in order to help support the family. She later removed to Detroit, Michigan, where, during the 1960’s, with the assistance of her family and neighbours, she established the Perpetual Mission, which provided meals, job-training, and financial assistance to the poor and needy, which was funded privately and was staffed completely with volunteers.

Waddy, Dorothy Knight – (1909 – 1970)
British judge and author
Born Dorothy Knight Dix (Sept 8, 1909), she attended school in Hampstead before going on to study at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and at the University College in London. She was married (1947) to Bentley Waddy, a Queen’s Counsel. Dorothy Waddy was called to the bar at the Inner Temple (1934) and later served as Deputy-Recorder of Deal (1946) and of Margate (1949 – 1950). She was a member of the Legal Aid Area Committee (1956 – 1961) and was appointed Queen’s Counsel (1957) before finally being appointed a County Court Judge (1968 – 1970). Her published works included The Law Relating to Competitive Trading (1938) and Contract of Employment (1963). Dorothy Waddy died (Jan 8, 1970) aged sixty.

Wade, Rosalind Herschel – (1915 – 1989)
British novelist, editor and lecturer
Rosalind Wade was the daughter of an army officer. She attended secondary school in London and finished her education at Bedford College. She was married to William Kean Seymour to whom she bore two sons. Wade was a member of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists which organization she later served as president (1965 – 1989). She twoce served as chairman of the Alresford Historical and Literature Society (1968 – 1970) and (1972 – 1973). Together with her husband Rosalind Wade conducted courses in writing and literature at Moor Park College at Farnham. Her published novels included As the Narcissus (1946), The Widows (1948), Cassandra Calls (1954), Come Fill the Cup (1955), The Ramerson Case (1962), The Umbrella (1970), Mrs Medland’s Private World (1973) and Twelve Stories of Cornwall (1980). Wade had a particular interest in ghost stories and contributed to such anthologies as The Fourth Ghost Book (1965), Haunted Cornwall (1973), Tales from the Macabre (1976), More Tales from the Macabre (1979), After Midnight Stories (1985) and The Second Book of After Midnight Stories (1986). Wade was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) (1985) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her contribution to literature. Rosalind Wade died (Jan 25, 1989).

Wadenstrom, Karin Alice    see   Vala, Katri

Wadha – (fl. c1920 – c1930)
Kuwaiti queen consort
Born into the Ajman tribe, Wadha was married firstly to Shaikh Ali bin Salim al-Sabah (1898 – 1928), and very soon after his death, she remarried (1928) to Ahmad bin Jabir al-Sabah (1885 – 1950) the ruling Shaikh of Kuwait (1921 – 1950).  Her daughter Nuria (born c1926), later became the wife of Sabah III (1913 – 1977) the Emir of Kuwait.

Wadham, Doris Violet May    see   Gare, Nene

Wadjrenes – (fl. c720 – c700 BC)
Egyptian princess
Wadjrenes was the daughter of Prince Har and the granddaughter of King Piye, and niece to King Taharqa. Her paternal aunt Princess Qalhata became the wife of King Shabaka, which made her the first cousin to kings Shabataka and Tanutamun. Wadjrenes became the wife of the nobleman Mentuemhat, who served as mayor of Thebes, and was appointed as governor of Upper Egypt, and was the mother of his son Pasherenmut, whose statue remains preserved in the Cairo Museum, and was a priest. The princess was depicted on the walls of her husband’s tomb in Thebes, and and with him on the Nitokris Adoption Stela, whilst her name was carved on the statue of her son.

Waerenskjold, Elise Amelie – (1815 – 1895)
Norwegian-American author, journalist and letter writer
Born Elise Tvede, she was married firstly to a sea captain, but they seperated and then divorced several years later. She immigrated to the USA (1847) where she married a fellow passenger, and they established a farm at Four Mile Prairie in Texas. The couple had three sons. Elise established a community in Texas for Norse immigrants, and spoke out publicly against slavery and the repression of women in general. When her husband was murdered by a Methodist minister (1868) she survived by teaching school and writing articles and letters. Her correspondence from a forty-four year period (1851 – 1895) was published posthumously by the Norwegian-American Historical Association in Minnesota under the title Lady with the Pen: Elise Waerenskjold in Texas (1961).

Wagner, Cosima – (1837 – 1930)
German pianist and composer
Francesca Gaetana Cosima Liszt was born (Dec 25, 1837) in Bellagio, Italy, the natural daughter of the composer Franz Liszt and his mistress Marie Sophie, Comtesse d’Agoult. She was later legitimized by her father who also provided her dowry and that of her sister Blandine. Educated by governesses in Paris and Berlin, Prussia, she married (1857) her father’s pupil, the pianist and conductor Hans Guido von Bulow (1830 – 1904) who was the father of her two elder daughters Daniela and Blandina. Despite this, and her lifetime affection for von Bulow, the marriage remained uncongenial to Cosima, who formed a liasion with the composer and poet Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883). Her two younger daughters, Isolde (1865) and Eva (1867) were fathered by Wagner. Cosima finally took her four daughters and lived under Wagner’s roof at Triebschen. Their son Siegfried (1869 – 1930) was born soon afterwards, and they were finally able to marry after her divorce from von Bulow (1870). Wagner’s work Siegfried Idylle (1870) was composed as a surprise for Cosima to celebrate the first birthday of their son.
With Wagner’s death (1883) Cosima organized and managed the Bayreuth festivals for the next twenty-five years until she finally relinquished the responsibility to Siegfried (1908). She remained the vibrant moving spirit and force concerning all social and financial aspects of the festivals, and her influence extended to the selections of music, the artists who would perform, and event the style of presentation, though she did suffer criticism, shared by Siegfried, that they remained too rigidly adhered to established traditions. Cosima suffered from blindness during her last years. Cosima Wagner died (April 1, 1930) aged ninety-two, in Bayreuth, Upper Franconia, Bavaria.

Wagner, Elin Matilda Elisabeth – (1882 – 1949)
Swedish novelist and feminist
Elin Wagner was born in Lind and educated at a public shool for girls. Upon completing her education she embarked on a journalistic career, and remained avidly interested in the cause of universal suffrage for women. Wagner was also concerned for the way man treated the environment, becoming an early forerunner of the environmental movement which would gather momentum and importance later in the twentieth century. Her feelings in this sphere are portrayed with a strong feminist stance in the essay Vackarklocka (Alarm Clock) (1941). Wagner’s most popular work, the novel Asa-Hanna (1918), regarded by many critics as her best, dealt with the conditions of Swedish peasant women, and the restrictions placed upon them by their own society and by the church. Her personal experiences within the Swedish suffrage movement are recalled in Pennskaftet (Pen Woman) (1910).

Wagner, Johanna – (1828 – 1894)
German dramatic soprano
Johanna Wagner was born (Oct 13, 1828) in Hanover, and was the niece of Karl Jakob Wagner (1772 – 1822) the noted conductor and horn player. She created the role of ‘Elizabeth’ and was sometimes referred to by her married name of Jachmann-Wagner. Johanna Wagner died (Oct 16, 1894) aged sixty-six, in Wurzburg, Bavaria.

Wagner, Winifred (1897 – 1980)
German opera patron
Born Winifred Williams in Hastings, Sussex, England, she was the daughter of a British journalist and a Swedish actress. Her parents both died whilst she was small child, and Winifred was adopted by the musician, Karl Klindworth, and was raised in Berlin. Winifred became the wife of Siegfried Wagner, the son of the famous composer Richard Wagner, to whom she bore several children. With her husband’s death, Winifred became the director of the Bayreuth festival (1930 – 1944), which showcased the works of her famous father-in-law. Madame Wagner was famous for the admiration and support she gave to the leader of the Nazi Reich, Adolf Hitler, always claiming that the man she knew was unlike the general public perception of his character. With the end of the war she was given a suspended jail sentence and sufferred a fine because of this public association, and the Bayreuth festival was only permitted resumption annually in the understanding that Madame Wagner taken no part in the proceedings. Her admiration for Hitler never diminished and eventually during her final years, her sons became estranged from her. Winifred Wagner died (March 5, 1980) at Uberlingen, Lake Constance, aged eighyt-two.

Waideck, Baroness von   see   Hofmann, Leopoldine

‘Waif Wanderer’   see   Fortune, Mary

Wake, Blanche of Lancaster, Lady    see   Blanche of Lancaster (1)

Wake, Emma    see   Clare, Emma de

Wake, Joanna de Fiennes, Lady    see   Fiennes, Joanna de

Wake, Margaret – (1299 – 1349)
English Plantagenet feudal peeress
Margaret Wake was the daughter of John Wake, first Baron Wake of Liddell, and his wife Joan, the daughter of Sir William FitzBernard, of Kingsdown, Kent. Through her father she was a descendant of the Anglo-Saxon hero, Hereward the Wake, and through her maternal grandmother, Margaret was a descendant of the ancient Anglo-Norman family of Quincy. Margaret was married firstly to John Comyn of Badenoch, who was killed in battle (1314). She bore him an only child, Aymer Comyn, who died in infancy (before 1316). Margaret Wake was then married (1325) to Prince Edmund Plantagenet (1301 – 1330), first Earl of Kent, the son of Edward I by his second wife, Margaret de Valois, after a papal dispensation had been obtained. This marriage produced several children including Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, whose three marriages caused much scandal. She married as her last husband, her close kinsman, Prince Edward Plantagenet, the Black Prince, the eldest son of Edward III (1327 – 1377).
Through her daughter Joan, Margaret was the maternal grandmother of King Richard II (1377 – 1399). Margaret’s second husband was executed for supporting his half-brother, the deposed Edward II, by order of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer (March 19, 1330). He is buried in Westminster Abbey, London. Her fourth and last child by Edmund was born posthumously at Arundel Castle, Essex (April 7, 1330). Countess Margaret succeeded her childless brother, Thomas, Lord Wake of Liddell (May, 1349 – Sept, 1349) as third Baroness Wake of Liddell in her own right. Lady Margaret Wake died of the Black Death (Sept 29, 1349) aged fifty, only four months later. The children of her second marriage with the Earl of Kent were,

• Edmund Plantagenet (1326 – 1331). He was restored as second Earl of Kent (1330 – 1331). He died young.
• Margaret Plantagenet (1327 – 1352). She became the wife of Bernard Aiz d’Albret (died 1351) of Gascony, France, eldest son of Bernard Aiz V, Seigneur d’Albret. There were no children.
• Joan Plantagenet (Joan of Kent) (1328 – 1385). Her first two marriages were to Sir Thomas de Holland (1317 – 1360), first Earl of Kent, by whom she left issue, and to William de Montacute (1328 – 1397), Earl of Salisbury, both of which were annulled. By her third marriage with the Black Prince she became the mother of King Richard II (1377 – 1399).
• John Plantagenet (1330 – 1352). He succeeded his mother as fourth Baron Wake of Liddell (1349 – 1352) and was created third Earl of Kent (1351 – 1352) by his cousin Edward III. He was married to Elisabeth of Julich (Juliers), the niece of Queen Philippa, but left no issue. His widow remarried to Sir Eustace d’Aubricourt, whom she survived and died a nun in Waverley Abbey (1411).

Wakefield, Priscilla – (1751 – 1832) 
British Quaker writer and philanthropist
Priscilla Bell was born into a Quaker family and was married (1771) to Edward Wakefield, a merchant of London. She was related to the prison reformer Elizabeth Fry (1780 – 1845) and to the theorist Edward Gibbon Wakefield (1796 – 1862). Apart from various philanthropic activities she wrote moral tales for the instruction of children such as the popular Family Tour through the British Empire (1804). Mrs Wakefield was the also the author of the feminist text Reflections on the Present Condition of the Female Sex, with Suggestions for its Improvement (1798).

Wakin, Jeanette – (1928 – 1998)
American academic and legal specialist
Jeanette Wakin was an international expert on medieval Islamic law. Wakin was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, of Lebanese background, and attended the University of California in Los Angeles and at the New School for Social Research in New York. Wakin worked as the editor of the Saturday Review before studying Islamic law under Joseph Schracht at Columbia University. She later became a senior lecturer at Columbia (1974) and then a full professor. Wakin was the author of The Function of Documents in Islamic Law (1972) and was editor of the Journal of the American Oriental Society. Jeanette Wakin died (March 13, 1998) aged sixty-nine.

Wala – (c637 – c670)
Anglo-Saxon queen consort
Wala is thought to have been a wealthy Cornish heiress. She was married (c655) to Cenred (c620 – c694), King of Wessex, who abdicated the throne soon after her death and became a monk (672). Queen Wala was the mother of Ine (c661 – 728) King of Wessex who was married but died childless, and of Prince Ingild (c667 – 718) who left descendants. Of her daughters Cuthburga became the wife of Aldfrith, King of Northumbria by whom she left children, whilst Coenburh (Cwenburh) remained unmarried and became a nun. Both these daughters served as abbess of Wimborne in Dorset in turn.

Walata Petros – (1594 – 1643)
Ethiopian Monophysite saint
Walata Petros was the daughter of noble parents, Baher Shaggad, an important lord, and his wie Krestos Ebaya. Despite her own desire for the religious life, Walata was married to Malkea Krestos, a courtier of the emperor Susneyos. Her husband thwarted her first attempt to retire to a convent, but with several other ladies she managed to retire to Waldebba, north of Gondar (1618). Her refusal to accept the Catholic faith caused her to be brought before the Emperor Susneyos, and resulted in persecution and imprisonment, though her courage during these ordeals was much admired. She was later released and established two religious communities of chenqwa and Mesela in the Lake Tana region. With the death of Susneyos (1632) his successor, Fasilidas restored the Monophysite faith. Walata Petros was then honoured by her countrymen as a heroine of the Monophysite cause. Walata Petros died (Nov 24, 1643) and was interred on the island of Rema in Lake Tana.

Walburga       see also      Walpurga

Walburga of Paderborn – (c790 – 840)
Carolingian nun and saint
Walburga was the sister of St Luthard, Bishop of Paderborn in Westphalia. Walburga never married and became a nun at the Benedictine abbey of Herswede, near Paderborn. She lived a life of great religious piety and venerated as a saint after her death. Her feast was celebrated (Feb 25) the day of her death. St Walburga was listed in the Acta Sanctorum and in Vollstandiges Heilingen-Lexicon of the religious historian Stadler. The Menologium Benedictinum mistakenly identifies this lady with St Walpurga of Heidenheim (died 779).

Wald, Lillian – (1867 – 1940) 
American sociologist and public health nurse
Wald was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from the New York Hospital training school for nurses. Lillian Wald founded the Henry Street settlement (1893), and organized the district nursing work in connection with this establishment, which would ultimately achieve international acclaim. She began her career in New York as a school nurse in 1902. Wald devoted herself to the cause of public welfare reform, and her prominence in this field caused her to be appointed to several national and international conferences and commissions such as those held in Cannes, France, Washington, USA, and Zurich, Switzerland throughout 1919. An organizer of the National Women’s Trade Union League, Wald served as chairman of the American Union against Militarism. She was the author of The House on Henry Street (1915) and Windows on Henry Street (1934). Lilian Wald died aged seventy-three (Sept 1, 1940).

Waldeck, Ursula Polle, Countess von    see    Polle, Ursula

Waldegrave, Lady Charlotte  see  Euston, Charlotte Maria Waldegrave, Countess of

Waldegrave, Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave, Countess – (1760 – 1816)
British Hanoverian courtier and society beauty
Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave was born (March 25, 1760) the eldest daughter of James, second Earl Waldegrave (1714 – 1763) and his wife Maria Walpole, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward Walpole. After her father’s early death (1763) her mother remarried to Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester the brother of King George III. Lady Elizabeth was married (1782) at Gloucester House, Grosvenor Square, to her cousin George Waldegrave (1751 – 1789), Viscount Chewton, who succeeded his father as fourth Earl Waldegrave (1784 – 1789). The couple had five children. The countess is the central figure, winding a skein of wool, in Sir Joshua Reynold’s famous portrait The Three Ladies Waldegrave. Her miniature was painted by Shelly, and a half-length portrait was executed by Hoppner. Lady Waldegrave served at the court as Lady of the Bedchamber to George III’s eldest daughter Charlotte Augusta Matilda, the Princess Royal (later Queen of Wurttemburg). During the period of the king’s famous illness (1788 – 1789), the countess and Lady Courtown were amongst those at the court who remained devotedly attached to Queen Charlotte during this extremely stressful time, and she is mentioned in the diary of Fanny Burney. Countess Waldegrave died (Jan 29, 1816) aged fifty-five, at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, in Middlesex. She was buried with her late husband at Great Packington. Her children were,

• Lady Maria Wilhelmina Waldegrave (1783 – 1805). She became the wife of Nathaniel Micklethwait, of Taverham, Norfolk.
• George Waldegrave (1784 – 1794). He succeeded his father as fifth Earl Waldegrave (1789 – 1794) but died in childhood.
• John James Waldegrave (1785 – 1835). He succeeded his brother as sixth Earl Waldegrave (1794 – 1835) and left issue.
• Lieutenant Hon. (Honourable) Edward William Waldegrave (1787 – 1809). He served in the navy and drowned at sea whilst returning from Spain.
• William Waldegrave (1788 – 1859). He later succeeded his nephew as eighth Earl Waldegrave, was married twice, and left descendants.

Waldegrave, Frances Elizabeth Anne Braham, Countess – (1821 – 1879)
British salon hostess
Frances Braham was born in London, the daughter of the celebrated tenor John Braham, and married firstly John James Waldegrave, secondly George Edward, Earl of Waldegrave, thirdly George Granville Vernon-Harcourt, and fourthly Samuel, Lord Carlingford. With the death of her second husband (1846) she inherited the residences of Strawberry Hill, at Twickenham, Chewton, in Somerset, and Dudbrook, in Essex. A famous beauty, leader and hostess of fashionable society, the countess produced private theatricals at Woburn and Nuneham, performing in roles herself, her favourite being the dramatic piece Honeymoon. She restored and preserved Strawberry Hill, once the home of Horace Walpole, and presided over a liberal political salon there, as well as at her London residence at Carlton Gardens. Here she entertained politicians and men of letters such as the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Clarendon, the Duc d’Aumale, Bishop Wilberforce, Lord Dufferin, Julian Fane and Bernal Osborne. Portraits of her were painted by Dubufe, Tissot, and James Rannie Swinton, amongst others. Lady Waldegrave died in London (July 5, 1879).

Waldegrave, Frances Neville, Lady – (1520 – 1599) 
English Catholic courtier
Frances Neville was the eldest daughter of Sir Edward Neville and his wife Eleanor Windsor, the widow of Ralph, Lord Scrope of Masham. Her father was executed by order of Henry VIII (1538). Frances became the wife of Sir Edward Waldegrave (c1517 – 1561) of Borley, Essex. Both she and her husband were devoted supporters of the princess Mary, and Lady Waldegrave served in her household as lady-in-waiting. When Mary Tudor came to the throne (1553 – 1558) the couple were received at court with high favour, receiving several grants of estates. Lady Waldegrave attended the queen at her coronation in Westminster Abbey (Sept 30, 1553). As prominent Catholics however, they remained under suspicion during the reign of Elizabeth, as they both refused to accept the new queen’s religious policy, and Sir Edward was deprived of his offices. Lady Waldegrave shared her husband’s imprisonment in the Tower of London (1558 – 1561) after he was imprisoned for permitting the celebration of mass in their house. Sir Edward died in the Tower (Sept 1, 1561) and Lady Frances was released. She was later interrogated by royal officials when two of her daughters attempted to travel to Europe to receive a Catholic education (1565). Lady Frances survived her husband for almost four decades. Lady Waldegrave died at Borley, Essex, where a monument was erected to her memory and that of her husband who had been interred within the Tower Chapel. Her children were,

• Charles Waldegrave (c1539 – 1580) of Staining Hall, Norfolk, and of Chewton, Somerset. He was married and left issue.
• Nicholas Waldegrave. He was ancestor of the Waldegraves of Borley, Essex.
• Mary Waldegrave. She became the wife of Sir John, first Baron Petre (died 1613) and left issue.
• Magdalen Waldegrave. She became the wife of Sir John Southcote of Withyam, Essex.
• Catherine Waldegrave. She became the wife of Thomas Gawen of Wiltshire.

Waldegrave, Maria    see   Walpole, Maria

Walden, Bruno    see   Galliny, Florentine

Waldetrude (Vaudru, Waudru) – (c635 – 686)
Merovingian saint and founder
Waldetrude was the daughter of Vaubert, Count of Cambrai, and his wife Bertilia. She was the younger sister of Adelgunde, Abbess of Maubeuge. She was married (c650) to Madelgar, Count of Soignies (c619 – 677) to whom she bore four children, all of whom were regarded as saints. Waldetrude and her husband seperated after the birth of their youngest child so that both could then embrace the religious life. Madelgar retired to the Abbey of Haumont, taking the name of Vincent, whilst Waldetrude retired to live in religious seclusion in a private house. Refusing her sister’s offerr of a home at Maubeuge, Waldetrude founded the Abbey of Chateaulieu at Mons, where she retired to become the first abbess. The church honoured Waldetrude as a saint (April 19) and (September 20).

Waldo, Ruth Fanshawe – (1885 – 1975)
American advertising executive
Ruth Waldo was born (Dec 8, 1885) in Scotland, Connecticut. She attended school in Willimantic and the Adelphi College in Connecticut, before studying at Columbia University, and was trained as a social worker. Waldo became a copywriter for the J. Walter Thompson advertising company in New York City (1915 – 1930) and travelled to Chicago and London in pursuit of her work. She was later appointed to supervise the women’s department in New York, and made it a rule that all female copyists must wear hats to work. Waldo was a leader in the advertising game, and one of her more memorable advertising campaigns were launched for the benefit of Pond’s cold-cream (1942). She was appointed as vice-president of Thompson’s (1944 – 1960). Ruth later joined the Society of Friends (1953) and remained unmarried. She was a supporter of Adelphi University and of the American Friends Service Committee. Ruth Waldo died (Aug 30, 1975) aged eighty-nine, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Waldor, Melanie – (1796 – 1871)
French poet and novelist
Melanie was born at Nantes in Brittany, and became the wife of Francois Waldor (1817). Five years later she met the famous novelist, Alexandre Dumas the elder, and fell in love with him (1822). The couple later conducted a liasion which lasted for several years (1827 – 1831) during which they conducted a secret correspondence. When the affair ended Waldor devoted herself to writing and produced the novel Anna (1833), Poesie cu coeur (Poetry of the Heart) (1835) a collection of verse and Pages de la vie intime (Pages of the Intimate Life) (1836). Waldor later became a close friend of Victor Hugo for some years, and produced several comic works such as La tirelire de Jeanette (The Fate of Jeanette) (1859) and La mere Grippetout (Mother Grippetout) (1861). Melanie Waldor died in Paris, aged seventy-five (Oct 11, 1871).

Waldrada – (c625 – c680)
Merovingian nun and saint
Waldrada was a relative of Eleutherius, a Frankish chief. She remained unmarried and was veiled as a nun becoming the Abbess of St Pierre at Metz. Regarded as a saint her feast was celebrated (May 5).

Waldrada of Lucca – (fl. c770 – c800)
Italian mediaeval religious patron
Waldrada was the sister of Fulrad, Abbot of St Dionys and became the wife (c770) of Count Bonifacio I of Lucca. She bore Bonifacio two sons, Bonifacio II, Marquis of Tuscany and Berold, and a daughter Richilda (died 825). Jointly with her husband Countess Waldrada founded and endowed the Abbey of Lucca, and placed their daughter their as a nun and first abbess of that house.

Waldrada of Nordgau – (c837 – after 868)
Merovingian queen
Waldrada was of noble birth, perhaps daughter to Eberhard II, Count of Nordgau and Hamelant, and his Saxon wife Evesna. Waldrada became the mistress of Lothair II, King of Lorraine (835 – 869) at the time of his marriage (855) to his first wife Theutberga, and never lost her place in his affections, bearing him several children. From 857 Lothair attempted to have his marriage with Theutberga, who remained childless, set aside, so he could make Waldrada his legititimate queen. The church in Lorraine, led by several malleable bishops declared the king’s marriage annulled, and he then bigamously married Waldrada (862), who was crowned. However Pope Nicholas I now intervened in the affair, declared Theutberga to be the legal queen and deposed the compliant bishops. Finally, Waldrada was escorted to Rome (865) with Adventus, Bishop of Metz at the pope’s request, but she managed to escape to Pavia, and returned to Lorraine. Pope Hadrian II eventually lifted the bann of excommunication placed on her by Nicholas I (867), and Waldrada retired to the abbey of Remriemont in Lorraine, where she became a nun and finally died. Her younger daughter Bertha of Lorraine became the wife of Adalbert II, Duke of Tuscany.

Waldrada of Tuscany – (945 – 997)
Dogaressa of Venice
Waldrada was the daughter of Umberto, Marquis of Tuscany, and became the second wife (c962) of Doge Pietro Candiano IV (928 – 976), the marriage being arranged by the emperor Otto I. Her dowry included estates in Trivigliano, Friuli, Ferrara, and Adria, together with castles, retainers and slaves, and she was the first dogaressa to have a fourth part of her husband’s income settled on her by law as her dower. Waldrada’s haughty arrogance, and her private armed Florentine guard created hatred and violent protests from the Venetians, though her introduction to Venice of the Roman custom of the bull-fight proved lastingly popular. With the downfall of Candiano’s regime (976), Waldrada witnessed his brutal murder and that of their young son, committed by insurgents in the ducal palace, though the Dogaressa and her daughters remained unharmed. The three women were allowed to retire to the Imperial court, and Waldrada went to Verona where she appealed directly to the Dowager Empress Adelaide, the mother of Otto II, for legal redress.
Eventually her demands for restitution and compensation were met after an agreement was reached with Doge Pietro Orseolo I, who financed her demands from his own privy purse. Waldrada then retired to the court of her brother in Tuscany. Of her two daughers, Marina Candiano became the wife of Doge Tribolo Memo (979 – 991) whom she survived, and died a nun at the Abbey of San Trinita in Venice, while Waldrada Candiano became the wife of Alberto Azzo I, Marchese d’Este, and took the name of Adela. Waldrada died at the Castle of Pisa (shortly before Nov 24, 997) aged fifty-two.

Waled Sa’ala – (c1584 – 1660)
Ethiopian empress consort (1607 – 1632)
Waled Sa’la was the wife (c1598) of the Emperor Susenyos (1572 – 1632), who was later interred in the church of Gonata, near Iyasus, Azazo. Waled survived her husband for three decades as Empress Dowager (1632 – 1660). Her seven known children included the Emperor Fasiladas (1602 – 1667) and Prince Galawdewos, the Governor of Begamder, who was imprisoned (1640) for rebelling against his brother.

Walewska, Marie Laczynska, Countess – (1786 – 1817)
Polish patriot and mistress of Napoleon I
Marie Laczynska was married as a young girl to the elderly Count Anastasius Colonna-Walewicz-Walewski, being nearly ten years younger than his youngest grandchild. Marie lived in strict retirement with her husband at his estate of Walewicz until 1807, when they travelled to the capital of Warsaw, where the French emperor first saw her and fell in love with her. Marie and her relatives hoped that a relationship with the great conqueror would assist their country, so she seperated from her husband, and accompanied Napoleon to Paris. Countess Marie lived a retired life there, never leaving her house except to visit the emperor’s private apartments in the Tuileries Palace, out of regard for the Empress Josephine. Their illegitimate son the French statesman Comte Florian Alexandre Joseph Walewski (1810 – 1868) was born in Poland after her return with the peace with Austria (1810). Napoleon never forgot Marie, and a house in the Rue de Montmorency, at Boulogne-sur-Seine was provided for her continued use, togther with a monthly allowance from Imperial funds. Widowed (1814), the countess married secondly (1816) to Comte Philippe Antoine d’Ornano, a maternal cousin of Napoleon. Countess Walewska died in Paris (Dec 10, 1817) from the effects of childbirth.

Walford, Lucy Bethia – (1845 – 1915)
Scottish novelist
Lucy Colquhoun was born (April 17, 1845) at Portobello, near Edinburgh, the daughter of John Colquhoun, of the family of baronets of Colquhoun. She was educated at home under the supervision of governesses, and was married (1869) to Alfred Saunders Walford, to whom she bore seven children. Lucy Walford achieved such public fame with her first novel Mr Smith: A Part of His Life (1874) that she was taken to Windsor to be presented to Queen Victoria. Walford worked for two years as the London correspondent with the New York Critic, and wrote two volumes of personal memoirs entitled Recollections of a Scottish Novelist (1910) and Memoirs of Victorian London (1912). She produced over two dozen popular novels including Pauline (1877), Troublesome Daughters (1880) and The Enlightenment of Olivia (1907). Lucy Walford died (May 11, 1915) in London, aged seventy.

Walhain, Maria Henrietta Franziska von Hohenzollern, Comtesse de – (1642 – 1698)
Flemish-French heiress and ruler
Princess Maria Franziska von Hohenzollern was the only child of Eitel Fritz (1601 – 1661), second Prince von Hohenzollern-Hechingen (1623 – 1661), and his wife Maria Elisabeth van der Bergh-Heerenberg, the daughter of Count Heinrich I van der Bergh. Maria Franziska was married (1662) to Frederic Maurice de La Tour d’Auvergne, Comte d’Auvergne and d’Oliergues (died 1707), to whom she bore nine children, including her eldest son and successor, Franz Egon de la Tour d’Auvergne. With the death of her mother (1671) Maria Franziska succeeded her as sovereign marquise of Bergen-op-Zoom in the Netherlands and the county of Walhain. However, due to wars then in progress between Holland and France, the marquisate was taken from her (1672 – 1678) and bestowed upon William III of Orange. The fief was later returned to her, and the princess was officially invested as ruler (1681), though several years afterwards she again lost her property and rights when the fief was again granted to William of Orange (1688 – 1697), this time for almost a decade, only to have it returned to her the year before her death. Madame de Walhain died (Oct 17, 1698) aged fifty-six.

Walker, Caroline Maria – (1886 – 1948)
American poet and story writer
Caroline Walker was born in Meridian, Mississippi, the daughter of Richard Bordeaux Walker. Struck down by polio during her childhood, Walker attended the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College to study literature, by the severity of her physiocal handicap prevented the completion of her studies. Many of her poems and stories were published in magazines and newspapers, and she produced a collection of verse entitled Poems (1919). She remained unmarried. Caroline Walker aged sixty-two (Aug 10, 1948).

Walker, Cora – (1865 – 1951)
American author and teacher
Walker was educated at the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College, where she was employed as a teacher from 1893, and later earned her degree from the University of Mississippi (1900).In all, she taught at the Mississippi Institute for almost forty years, retiring in 1932. Walker wrote two volumes of short stories on historical themes Guatemo, Last of the Aztec Emperors (1934) and Hidalgo, Liberator of Mexico, and Other Stories (1936). Cora Walker died aged eighty-six (Nov 12, 1951).

Walker, Diana Barnato – (1918 – 2008)
British aviatrix and author
Diana Barnato was born (Jan 15, 1918) the daughter of Wolf ‘Babe’Barnato, the famous racing driver, and was the granddaughter of the wealthy South African diamond trader, Barney Barnato. She attended Queen’s College. Diana Barnato gained her pilot’s license in (1938), and was married (1944) to Derek Walker, a decorated pilot. With his death in an air crash (1945) she became involved in a three decade relationship with the American racing driver, Whitney Straight (died 1979). Barnato served during WW II with other young women as an ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) pilot (popularly known as ‘atagirls’), and delivered newly constructed Spitfire planes to airports all over southern England in readiness for immediate use. After the war she became corps pilot for the Women’s Junior Air Corps. Walker  became only the second woman, and the first British woman, to break the sound barrier (1963) when she reached a speed of Mach 1.65 in a RAF (Royal Air Force) Lightning. Her achievement was publicly recognized when she was appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1965) for services to aviation, and she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Walker later published her autobiography entitled Spreading My Wings (1994). Diana Barnato Walker died (April 28, 2008) aged ninety

Walker, Dora – (fl. 1914 – 1919)
British diarist
Dora Walker joined the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment at the outbreak of WW I, and served with the British soldiers in France. Her personal journal which she kept during the horrors of the war was published decades after these experiences as With the Lost Generation, 1915 – 1919: From a VAD’s Diary (1970).

Walker, Dame Eadith Campbell – (1861 – 1937)
Australian philanthropist
Eadith Walker was born (Sept 18, 1861) at Yaralla, New South Wales, the daughter of the noted politician Thomas Walker. With the end of WW I Eadith became concerned with the plight of Australian servicemen who had returned from the front stricken with tuberculosis. She set up nursing facilities at her home at Yaralla (1917 – 1920) and in Leura in the Blue Mountains (1917 – 1922) maintaining both these services at her own expense. In recognition of these services Eadith Walker was created CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1917) and then DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) (1928) by King George V. Dame Eadith remained unmarried, and according to her will, one-third of her estate was given to the Returned Soldiers’ and Sailor’s Imperial League in Australia, whilst she left property to the Red Cross. Dame Eadith Campbell Walker died (Oct 8, 1937) aged seventy-six.

Walker, Dame Ethel – (1861 – 1951)
Scottish painter and sculptor
Ethel Walker was born in Edinburgh, but came to reside in London with her family during her early childhood (1870). Privately educated she later studied at the Putney Art School, the the School of Art at Westminster and then spent two years at the Slade School of Art (1892 – 1894). From 1900 onwards Walker became a prominent member of the New English Art Club, whose style favoured a revivial of naturalism in painting. This can be seen in the seascape paintings Walker produced from her own country cottage at Robin’s Hood Bay in Yorkshire, though her works absorbed some of her own innate Impressionistic style. Besides portraits Walker also produced works with classical themes such as, Nausicaa (1920) and, The Zone of Love (1931 – 1933). Walker also produced landscapes, still-lifes, and flower and marine paintings, her work being exhibited at the Royal Academy. She was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) by King George VI (1943) in recognition of her contribution to the arts.

Walker, Georgiana Freeman Gholson – (1833 – 1904)
Southern American diarist
Georgiana Walker kept a private journal during the years of the Civil War (1862 – 1865), and for a decade afterwards (1865 – 1876), which was edited and published posthumously by the Confederate Publishing Company (1963) as the Private Journal of Georgiana Freeman Gholson Walker, With Selections from the War Post-Years (1963).

Walker, Kath    see    Noonuccal, Oodgeroo Moongalba

Walker, Lucy – (1836 – 1916)
British mountaineer
Lucy Walker was sister to the noted alpinist Horace Walker. She made almost one hundred alpine ascents with the guide Melchior Anderegg including the Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa (1862) and Rimpfischhorn (1864). She successfully climbed the Balmhorn (1864) with her father and brother. Lucy Walker became the first woman to make a successful ascent of the Matterhorn (1871). She was a founding member of the Ladies’ Alpine Club (1907) and served as the second president of that organization (1912 – 1918).

Walker, Margaret Evelyn – (1920 – 1996)
Australian dancer and choreographer
Margaret Walker was born in Victoria. She became a ballet student under Edouard Borovansky and his wife Xenia, and was actively involved with the development of the New Theatre, in Melbourne, throughout the 1940’s. Extremely interested in folk dance, Margaret founded the professional dance troupe Dance Concert (1967) as well as a dance troupe for children. Always a keen promoter of dance education and training for up and coming performers, Margaret was awarded the OAM (Order of Australia Medal) (1982), and also received the Ros Bower Award for her contributions to dance and choreography over the decades. She was made a life member of Ausdance.

Walker, Mary Broadfoot – (1892 – 1974)
British pharmacologist
Mary Broadfoot Walker studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and successfully graduated (1913). She worked for many years in a minor capacity at the Hospital of St Alphege at Greenwich, and conducted her own private research whilst employed there. Walker was the first to suggest that the drug physostigmine might be useful in the treatment of the chronic condition myasthenia gravis, which was characterized by extreme weakness in muscle integrity and an alarming degree of physical fatigue. Her research was never given due acknowlegdement by the medical establishment.

Walker, Mary Edwards – (1832 – 1919) 
American physician and surgeon
Mary Edwards Walker attended the Syracuse Medical College, and was married to fellow physician Albert Miller, with whom she entered into joint practice in New York. She volunteered her services during the Civil War (1861 – 1865), and became the first female surgeon in the US Army, becoming the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honour.

Walker, Mary Richardson – (1811 – 1897)
American Congregational missionary and diarist
Born Mary Richardson, she was married (1838) to Elkanah Walker (1805 – 1877), with whom she worked as a frontier missionary amongst the Spokane Indians, when he was sent there by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. They were originally supposed represented the mission amongst the Zulus in South Africa, but a change of plans saw them sent over the Rocky Mountains into Oregon (1838). By the provisions of the Donation Land Act (1850) the couple secured over six hundred acres of land in the Forest Grove region. They resided there for the remainder of their lives. The couple had six children. Her personal diary for the period (1833 – 1848), which included letters, was edited and published posthumously as Mary Richardson Walker: Her Book.The Third White Woman to Cross the Rockies (1945). Mary Richardson Walker died (Dec 5, 1897) aged eighty-six.

Walker, Mildred – (1905 – 1998)
American novelist and writer
Mildred Walker was born (May 2, 1905) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and studied literature at Wells College, Aurora, New York. After that she attended the University of Michigan. Her first novel was published as Fireweed (1934), for which she received tha Avery Hopwood Award. Four of her subsequent novels Unless the Wind Turns, Winter Wheat, The Curlews Cry and If a Lion Could Talk, were all set in Montana. Her last novel The Body of a Young Man (1960) was nominated for the School Book Award. Mildred Walker died (May 27, 1998) aged ninety-three, in Portland, Oregon.

Walker, Nancy – (1922 – 1992)
American film and television actress
Famous as a commedienne, she was born Anna Myrtle Swoyer Barto (May 10, 1922) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the daughter of a vaudeville acrobat. Walker appeared in the film Best Foot Forward (1943). with great success, but devoted much of her career to stage and television work. Her later film credits included The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973), Murder by Death (1976) and Can’t Stop the Music (1980). Her stage credits on Broadway included On the Town (1944), Pal Joey and Do, Re, Mi in which she played the wife of Phil Silvers (1912 – 1985). Walker also appeared in commercials during the 1970’s as well as in several popular television programs such as McMillan and Wife (1971 – 1976) in which she played the housekeeper, and Rhoda (1974 – 1976) and (1977 – 1978) with Valerie Harper, in which she played Harper’s mother Ida Morgenstern, a role she had played in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970 – 1974). She then hosted her own program The Nancy Walker Show (1976). Her last television role was in the series True Colors (1990). Nancy Walker died (March 25, 1992) aged sixty-nine, in Studio City, California.

Walker, Pauline – (c1836 – 1891)
British artist
Pauline specialized in still-life painting, and became the wife of art teacher and landscape painter James William Walker (1831 – 1898). Mrs Walker’s works were exhibited with the Royal Academy, the Grosvenor Gallery and the Victoria Hall Gallery (1878). Examples of her work are preserved in the collection at Norwich Museum. Pauline Walker died in Birkdale.

Walker, Rose – (fl. 1916 – 1935)
Australian portraitist, and watercolour and pastel painter
Rose Walker, whose married name was Hartrick, was a native of Melbourne, Victoria. Her work was exhibited with the Victorian Artists’ Society and the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors. Examples of her work are preserved at the Castlemaine Gallery

Walker, Sarah Benson – (1812 – 1893)
Australian diarist
Born Sarah Mather in England, she immigrated to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) in Australia with her family as a child (1821 – 1822). Her father established the first shop in Hobart and the family also worked a farm at Muddy Plains. She later joined the Society of Friends and was married to George Washington Walker, with whom she ran a draper’s business in Hobart. Sarah Walker’s personal reminiscences were written down during her old age as ‘My memories of life in Hobart Town’ (1884) and were published by her descendant, Peter Benson Walker in the book All That We Inherit (1968).

Walker, Sarah Breedlove – (1867 – 1919)
Black American businesswoman
Sarah Breedlove Walker was born at Delta in Louisiana, the daughter of poor sharecroppers. Left a widow early in life (1887) she removed to St Louis in Missouri where she obtained work as a washerwoman. Sarah attended evening classes and produced a hair straitener and other hair products for Negro women. Walker established a large mail order business and built laboratories in Indianapolis, as well as a training school for employees. She was prominent supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Walkinshaw, Clementina Maria Sophia – (1720 – 1802)
British Jacobite courtier and royal mistress
Clementina Walkinshaw was perhaps born in Rome, Italy, the youngest daughter of John Walkinshaw, of Camlachie and Barrowfield, Lanark. Clementina first met Charles Edward Stuart, the ‘Young Pretender’ (1725 – 1788) at the home of relatives in Scotland (1746), and, refusing to be admitted as a canoness in Belgium, she later followed him to Paris (1752), where she became his mistress, and bore an illegitimate daughter Charlotte Stuart (1753 – 1789), who was later legitimated and created duchess of Albany by her father (1784). The emperor Francis I, husband of Maria Theresa, created her Countess von Alberstrof. Her Jacobite connections caused unease in England, as her half-sister Catherine Walkinshaw served at court in the household of the Princess Dowager of Wales, the m other of George III. After sufferring years of drunken abuse and financial insecurity, Clementina finally left Charles (1760), taking their daughter, and retired to a convent at Meaux. Later her daughter went to live with her father (1784), and Clementina removed to Fribourg, in Switzerland (c1791), where she remained the rest of her life, surviving on a pension granted her by Charles’s brother Cardinal Henry Stuart. Her portrait was painted by Allan Ramsay.

Wall, Dorothy – (1894 – 1942)
New Zealand author and children’s writer
Dorothy Wall was born (Jan 12, 1894) in Wellington. She later moved to Sydney in Australia (1914) where she was employed as an illustrator for various newspapers and children’s books. Her married name was Badgery. Dorothy Wall created the children’s character Blinky Bill, and was especially popular for her illustrations of Australian flora and fauna. Her other children’s works included Tommy Bear and the Zookies (1920) and The Crystal Bowl (1921) which she illustrated.

Wallace, Cornelia – (1939 – 2009)
American governor’s lady
Born Cornelia Ellis Snively (Jan 28, 1939), she was the daughter of Southern social figure Ruby Folsom, and was niece of politician ‘Big Jim’ Folsom (1908 – 1987), the Governor of Alabama (1947 – 1951) and (1955 – 1959). Having formerly worked as a stage performer Cornelia became the second wife (1971) of George Corley Wallace (1919 – 1998), several days prior to him beginning his second term as Governor of Alabama and Cornelia became the First Lady of that state (1971 – 1978). She was popularly referred to in the newsmedia as ‘the Jackie Kennedy of the Rednecks.’ When Governor Wallace was shot four times by Arthur Bremer in Washington D.C. during the Democratic Presidential campaign (May 15, 1972) Cornelia threw herself over her injured husband. This momentous scene was captured by television cameras throughout the world. Governor Wallace survived the assassination attempt but remained paralyzed waist-down. Mrs Wallace and her husband were later divorced (1978) amidst media claims that she’d had the telephones tapped at the Governor’s official residence. Cornelia Wallace died (Jan 8, 2009) aged sixty-nine, at Sebring in Florida.

Wallace, Doreen – (1897 – 1989)
British novelist
Doreen Wallace was born (June 18, 1897), and attended secondary school in Malvern prior to studying English at Somerville College at Oxford. She was a grammar school teacher before her marriage (1922) with Rowland Rash of Wortham, Suffolk, to whom she bore two sons. Her novels included Barnham Rectory (1934), Going to Sea (1936), The Time of Wild Roses (1938), Green Acres (1941), The Noble Savage (1945), Willow Farm (1948), Sons of Gentlemen (1953), Daughters (1955), Woman with a Mirror (1963), The Mill Pond (1966), An Earthly Paradise (1971) and Landscape with Figures (1976). Doreen Wallace died (Oct 22, 1989) aged ninety-two.

Wallace, Eglantine Maxwell, Lady – (1750 – 1803)
British author
Eglantine Maxwell was born at Craigie, the younger daughter of Sir William Maxwell, of Monreith, Wigton, and his wife Magdalen Blair Scott, and the sister of Jane, Duchess of Gordon. A woman of wild and violent temperament, her marriage (1770) with Sir Thomas Dunlop Wallace, to whom she bore a son and heir, ended in legal seperation of the grounds of cruelty (1783), and Lady Wallace returned to reside with her family at Craige. Lady Maxwell settled in London, but when her play The Whim was prohibited on the stage, she left England in disgust. She was then arrested in Paris (Oct, 1789), being mistaken for a British agent, and narrowly escaped with her life. In 1792 she went to Brussels where she began a friendship with General Charles Francois Dumouriez, whom she would later entertain in London (1793). Her written works included Letter to a Friend, with a poem called ‘The Ghost of Werten’ (1787), Diamond cut Diamond (1787) and The Ton (1788) both comedies, The Conduct of the king of Prussia and General Dumouriez (1793), followed by The Whim (1795) a comedy and An Address to the People on Peace and Reform (1798). Lady Wallace died (March 28, 1803) in Munich, Bavaria, aged fifty-two.

Wallace, Lila Acheson – (1889 – 1984)
American businesswoman and patron
Lila Acheson was born in Virden, Manitoba, the daughter of a clergyman. She was educated in Nashville, Tennessee and later attended the University of Oregon, and was trained as a teacher. She was married (1921) to De Witt Wallace and with him established the Reader’s Digest periodical in Greenwich Village, New York. The Digest was translated into over a dozen languages and attained a world subscription of over thirty million. Lila Wallace worked as the editor and manager of the periodical, and also collected herself a considerable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Very active in philanthropic projects she is said to have donated over sixty million dollars to various causes over the years, as well as trusteeships with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Juilliard School of Music. Mrs Wallace contributed to the restoration of the home of the painter Manet at Giverny and to the removal of the ancient temples at Abu Simbel in Egypt to safety above the floodline. Mrs Wallace served as co-chairman of the Reader’s Digest (1965 – 1973) and with her husband’s death (1981) she retained sole ownership of the firm. She received the US Medal of Freedom (1972) and was appointed an Officer of the Legion d’Honneur by the French government.

Wallace, Lurleen Beatrice – (1926 – 1968)
American governor
Lurleen Beatrice Brigham Burns was born (Sept 19, 1926) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she completed her secondary education. She worked in a local store where she met her husband George Corley Wallace (1919 – 1998), then a member of the US Army Air Corps. They were married (1943) and Lurleen bore four children. The next two decades of her life were filled with the raising and care of her family. When George Wallace was elected as Governor of Alabama Lurleen became the First Lady of the State (1963 – 1967). She was first governor’s wife to open the official residence to the public and both became popular public figures. As Wallace was not permitted more than one consecutive term in office Mrs Wallace was given the Democratic nomination for governor (1966) was installed in office (Jan, 1967). However, she was already very ill with the cancer that would claim her life, and her condtion began to decline rapidly. She served as governor for only seventeen months though she managed to have state funding increased for the mentally disabled and the Partlow State Hospital underwent major modernizations. Lurleen Wallace appeared in public during her husband’s campaign for the presidential nomination (Jan, 1968) but died six months afterwards (May 7, 1968) aged forty-one, in Houston, Texas. The day of her funeral was considered a statewide day of mourning, and all state offices and public and private schools were closed.

Wallace, Mary Wilson     see     ‘Ocean Born Mary’

Wallace, Nellie – (1870 – 1948)
Scottish music hall comedienne
Wallace was born in Glasgow, the daughter of an actor. She appeared on stage durinh childhood with her sisters and later married the actor Bill Liddie. She took over from Ada Reeve as the prinipal girl in Jack and Jill (1895) at Manchester in Lancashire. From 1910 she was established and successful performer in London, and was particularly popular in comic roles. She toured England and the USA and entertained the troops during WW I. During the following world war she worked with the ENSA (Entertainment National Service Association. Nellie Wallace collapsed and died after appearing in a Royal Variety Performance.

Wallace, Sippie – (1898 – 1986)
Black American blues singer
Sippie Wallace was born in Houston, Texas. She became an extremelyy popular vocalist during the mid 1920’s, when she performed with musicians and singers like Louis Armstrong, and was famous for songs such as ‘Special Delivery Blues’ and ‘Bedroom Blues.’ After several decades in obsurity, Wallace recorded a joint blues album with vocalist Victoria Spivey entitled Sippie Wallace and Victoria Spivey (1966). Her last album entitled simply Sippie (1970), and recorded after she had sufferred from a stroke, was awarded the W C Handy Award for Best Blues Album.

Wallach, Yonach – (1944 – 1985)
Israeli poet
Her work is distinguished by its brilliant imagery and provocative style of writing, and Wallach published her first work before the age of twenty (1963). Some of her verse is particularly sensual in nature and her position in contemporary Jewish literature remains somewhat unique. Her collections of verse included Devarim (Things) (1966), Shney Ganim (Two gardens) (1969) and Shira (Poetry) (1976). Yonach Wallach died aged forty.

Walladah – (994 – 1077)
Arab princess and poet
Born Princess Walladah bint al-Mustafki, she was the daughter of the Caliph of Cordova. Her mother was probably an Ethiopian Christian slave. Walladah never married and received a substantial inheritance which enabled her to live an independent life. The princess established her own literary salon and was famous for her long relationship with the famous poet Ibn Zaydun. Some of her verses have survived and the Spanish sometimes called her ‘Ouallada.’

Wallburg, Laura von – (1826 – 1865)
Austro-Hungarian noblewoman
Aloisia Laura Skublics de Velike et Bessenyo was born (July 8, 1826) at Castle Bessenyo, the daughter of the Hungarian nobleman Alajos Skublics de Velike et Bessenyo and his wife Borbala Ivankovich. She was married firstly to Ignac Csendhelyi. Laura was married secondly at Ljubljana in Slovenia (1858) to the Hapsburg Archduke Ernst of Austria (1824 – 1898). This marriage was not recognized by the Imperial family and was regarded as morganatic. The marriage had been performed by an army chaplaib with Ernst’s brother the Archduke Heinrich as a witness. Ernst took the name of Karl von Wallburg and Laura took the name of Wallburg for herself and for her children. Eventually however the Emperor Franz Josef intervened, and declared the marriage to be illegal. Madame von Wallburg died (Oct 8, 1865) aged thirty-nine, in Vienna. She left four children from her second marriage,

• Laura von Wallburg (1859 – after 1900). She remained unmarried.
• Ernst von Wallburg (1859 – after 1909). A twin with his sister Laura he later took his mother’s surname of Skubilics (1909) and left descendants.
• Heinrich von Wallburg (1861 – 1888). He remained unmarried.
• Clotilde von Wallburg (1863 – after 1900). She was married firstly to sidulius Pegger (1843 – 1891) and secondly to Eugen Szimic Edler von Majdangrad.

Waller, Anne Paget, Lady – (c1605 – 1662)
English Civil War diarist
Anne Paget was the daughter of William, fifth Baron Paget (1572 – 1629) and his his Lettice, the daughter of Henry Knollys (c1544 – 1582), of Kingsbury, Warwickshire. Lady Lettice Paget was the niece of the famous Lettice Knollys, the wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Anne was married firstly to the Royalist Sir Simon Harcourt of Stanton Harcourt, by whom she left children, including Sir Philip Harcourt (c1626 – 1688) of Stanton Harcourt, who left descendants after marrying his stepsister Anne Waller. Sir Simon Harcourt was killed by rebels at Kilgobbin Castle in Wicklow, Ireland (1642). Lady Harcourt later became the third wife of the famous Parliamentarian general, Sir William Waller (c1597 – 1668), of Osterley Park, Middlesex, but left no issue from this marriage. She spent some time imprisoned with Waller in the Tower of London (1659). Extracts from Lady Waller’s extensive diary, begun in 1649, were recorded in the Harcourt Papers and her funeral sermon was written by Edmund Calamy, who provided a personal account of her character.

Waller, Christian – (1895 – 1956)
Australian painter and printmaker
Born Christian Yandell in Castlemaine, Victoria, she studied painting and technique under Bernard Hall at the National Gallery School in Melbourne, and later married (1915) fellow artist, Napier Waller. Apart from working alongside her husband producing murals, Waller designed and built stained glass windows and produced linocut illustrations. Examples of her work are preserved at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, at the Australian National Gallery, and at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Waller, Edith – (1918 – 2003)
Australian social campaigner
Born Edith Riley in Sydney, New South Wales, and studied at the University of Sydney with her friend, the novelist and poet Amy Witting. During WW II she worked as a schoolteacher at Kiama, and was married to Neville Waller, to whom she bore three children. A staunch supporter of the indepennence of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) Waller began actively campaigning on the organization’s behalf, becoming a committee member of the Friends of the ABC, and served on several ABC state and national advisory councils. She wrote letters to popular newspapers such as The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald and was a member of Amnesty International.

Waller, Judith Cary – (1889 – 1973)
American broadcasting executive
Judith Waller was born (Feb 19, 1889) in Oak Park, Illinois, the daughter of a physician, John Duke Waller. She attended school in Oak Park and then travelled abroad in Europe. Waller worked with the advertising firm, J. Walter Thompson in Chicago and New York before being aapointed as manager of the radio station, WMAQ, Chicago (formerly WGU) where she proved to be a pioneering innovator of new ideas for radio programming. Judith Waller was responsible for the first broadcast of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and assisted with the production of the highly popular ‘Amos ‘N’ Andy’ show, which was first broadcast at WMAQ (1929). Waller later created the popular program ‘Ding Dong School’ for pre-school children. She left WMAQ and was appointed as the educational director of the Central Division of NBC (1931). She was the author of the text manual Radio, the Fifth Estate (1946). Judith Cary Waller died (Oct 28, 1973) aged eighty-four, in Evanston.

Walling, Jean Sears – (1921 – 1975)
American civic leader
Jean Sears was born in Troy, New York, and attended the State University in Albany. During WW II she served as a lieutenant with the Womens’Reserve of the Navy (1943 – 1946). After this she joined the staff of the New York State Commissioner of Education, where she met her husband, W. D. Walling.  Jean Walling bore five sons and became immersed in school activities, serving on the township Board of Education (1961 – 1966) and was president of the Middlesex County School Board Association. These involvements prepared and precipitated her introduction into political life. Walling later served as mayor of East Brunswick in New Jersey (1972 – 1975) and was appointed as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Kansas City (1974). She died of cancer (April 25, 1975) in New Brunswick, aged fifty-three.

Wallingford, Elizabeth Howard, Viscountess    see    Banbury, Elizabeth Howard, Countess of

Wallis, Hannah – (c1720 – after 1789)
British Methodist poet
Hannah Wallis was a native of the village of Broomfield, near Chelmsford, Essex. Apparently unmarried, she mentioned the deaths of her parents and both siblings. Her known devotional work The Female Meditations; or, Common Occurences Spiritualised, in Verse (1787) was written during old age and published in London. Her other poems included The emptiness of Praise, The Female’s Lamentation; or the Village in Mourning and To a Sick Friend.

Wallis, Rosa – (1857 – 1930)
British painter
Rosa Wallis was born at Stretton and studied art in Manchester. Wallis specialized as a water colour artist, and was best known for her still-lifes of flowers. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and the New Water Colour Society. Examples of her work are preserved in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Wallmoden, Amalia Sophia Marianna von – (1704 – 1765)
German courtier and royal mistress
Amalia von Wallmoden was the daughter of a general in the Hanoverian service, her maternal grandmother, Maria von dem Bussche (nee von Meisenburg) having been mistress to George I. She married (1727) Gottlieb Adam von Wallmoden, of Calenberg, Brunswick, Germany, and later became the mistress of George II of England, who installed her as his official mistress in apartments in St James’s Palace, London (1737) after the death of Queen Caroline. Divorced from her husband and naturalized as a British citizen, she was granted an annuity for thirty-one years from the Irish list, and was created countess of Yarmouth (1739), and remained George’s mistress until the king’s death (1760), when she retired to Hanover, where she died (Oct 19, 1765). Her youngest child, Johann Ludwig von Wallmoden-Gimborn (1736 – 1811) was brought up and educated in England, and is thought to have been fathered by the king. Horace Walpole observed that she had no apparent interest in interfering in politics but was more concerned with selling peerages and bishoprics in order to acquire wealth writing that, ‘Her action seemed to be wholly beneficial, she appeased jealousies, conciliated animosities, administered common sense, spoke ill of nobody, and so far as he can judge, was eminently good-natured.’

Waln, Nora – (1895 – 1964)
American-Anglo journalist and writer
Nora Waln was born (June 4, 1895) in the Grampian Hills, Pennsylvania. She was taught at home by a governess before attending Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Nora was married to an Englishman, George Edward Osland-Hill (died 1958) of Fulmer, Buckinghamshire. She worked as a newspaper correspondent for The Saturday Evening Review in Tokyo, Japan (1947 – 1951) and spent six months reporting from the battlefield in Korea. Afterwards she worked on the staff of The Atlantic Monthly in Germany and Scandinavia (1951) and then worked as a freelance journalist. Waln’s published works included The Street of Precious Pearls (1922), The House of Exile (1933) and Surrender the Heart (1961). She also wrote the radio play for children If You Were American (1941). Nora Waln died (Sept 27, 1964) aged sixty-nine.

Walpole, Maria – (1736 – 1807)
British Hanoverian and royal
Maria Walpole was born (July 3, 1736) in Westminster, London, the second illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward Walpole and his mistress Dorothy Clement, a milliner, the daughter of Hammond Clement. Her uncle was the famous antiquarian, traveller, and letter writer, Sir Horace Walpole (1717 – 1797). Possessed of great beauty, like her sisters, Maria was married firstly (1759) at her father’s house in Pall Mall to James, second Earl of Waldegrave (1714 – 1763), to whom she bore three equally beautiful daughters before his death from smallpox. They were the subject of the famous group portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds entitled The Three Ladies Waldegrave (1780) which portrait was paid for by Horace Walpole. Her children were,

• Lady Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave (1760 – 1816). She became the wife of her cousin, George, fourth Earl Waldegrave (1751 – 1789) and left descendants.
• Lady Charlotte Maria Waldegrave (1761 – 1808). She became the wife of George Henry Fitzroy (1760 – 1844), Earl of Euston (later fourth Duke of Grafton) and left descendants.
• Lady Anne Horatia Waldegrave (1763 – 1801). She became the wife of Admiral Lord Hugh Seymmour (1759 – 1801) and left descendants.

During the year 1766 Lady Waldegrave attracted the amorous attentions of Prince William Henry (1743 – 1805), Duke of Gloucester, younger brother to King George III. Earli in September they were married secretly by her chaplain at her father’s house in Pall Mall. The secret was kept, though the court had its suspicions, until the passing of the Royal Marriage Act (1772), when the duke and his brother, the duke of Cumberland, both confessed to the king that they had contracted secret marriages. King George banished his brother from court, whilst Queen Charlotte indignantly declared that she would not receive ‘a milliner’s daughter’ at her court. The king ordered an enquiry into the validity of the couple’s marriage. The duke and duchess were accordingly examined before three commissioners (May 23, 1773). They swore to the fact of the marriage and its validity was allowed, although the chaplain who had officiated was dead by this date and it remained unattested by any third party. It was not until 1778 that provision was made by Parliament for any issue of the marriage. Part of the intervening period was spent abroad by Maria and her husband, and their son was born at the Tedoli Palace in Rome (1776).
The duke and duchess of Gloucester were finally restored to favour at the court (1780), while the Duke was offerred an income that would allow him to pay off his enormous debts. The married life of the duchess in later years became unhappy, mainly due to her husband’s liasion with her lady-in-waiting, Lady Almeria Carpenter, who bore the duke an illegitimate daughter (1782), and they finally seperated agter an argument concerning the education of their surviving daughter (1787). Until the death of her uncle, Horace Walpole (1797) Maria spent time at his estate in Norfolk. The Town and Country Magazine caricatured the couple as ‘Dorimont and Maria‘(1769) whilst Sir Herbert Croft left an unflatterring opinion of the duchess in his work The Abbey of Kilkhampton (1780) where he wrote that “The most wanton insolence succeeded the less arrogant dominion of her beauty.”  With her husband’s death (1805) and subsequent burial at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the Dowager Duchess retired and lived in seclusion until her own death. Her half-length portrait was painted by Sir Thomas Gainsborough. Maria Walpole died (Aug 23, 1807) aged seventy-one, at Oxford Lodge, Brompton, Middlesex, and was interred with her husband at Windsor. Her royal children were,

• Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester (1773 – 1844). She died unmarried.
• Princess Caroline Augusta Maria of Gloucester (1774 – 1775). She died young.
• Prince William Frederick (1776 – 1834). He succeeded his father as Duke of Gloucester (1805 – 1834) and was married (1816) to his cousin Princess Mary (1776 – 1857), daughter of George III. They remained childless.

Walpurga of Eichstatt (Walpurgis, Walburga) – (c703 – 779)
Anglo-Saxon abbess and saint
Walpurga was the daughter of Whitred (Richard), an aetheling of the royal family of Kent, and sister to saints Willibald and Winnibald. Walpurga trained as a nun under Tetta at Wimborne Abbey, Dorset, then travellwed with her brothers to Germany (721), where she became a nun at the abbey of Bischoffsheim.  Walpurga later ruled over a community of nuns at Mainz before succeeding as abbess of Eichstatt (761). At her death, aged in her mid-seventies, she was interred in the church of the Holy Cross at Eichstatt. Venerated as a saint (Feb 25), Walpurga has been confused with the cult of Walborg, a heathen goddess of fertility, and with the festival of Walpurgisnacht (April 30), which was supposed to be the time of witch rendezvous in the Harz Mountains.

Walpurgis, Maria Antonia    see    Maria Antonia Walpurgis

Walsh, Adela    see   Pankhurst, Adela Constantia Mary

Walsh, Florence Long – (1961 – 1998)
American financial executive
Florence Walsh attended the Johns Hopkins University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She became the director for corporate finance at the General Motors Corporation in New York (1988) and then became assistant treasurer to the AT&T Company (1994). Walsh later organized the split of Lucent Technologies Inc. Company from AT&T (1996) and served that company, which produced advanced communications equipment, as vice-president and treasurer. Florence Walsh died (Nov 7, 1998) aged thirty-seven, in New Jersey, New York.

Walsh, Kay – (1911 – 2005)
British film and television actress and dancer
Kathleen Walsh was born (Aug 27, 1911) in London and began her career on the stage as a dancer in the West End. Kay became the wife (1940 – 1949) of the noted director, David Lean (1908 – 1991) (later Sir David) from whom she was later divorced. Her second marriage also ended in divorce. Walsh made her film debut in Get Your Man (1934) and then appeared in two of Noel Coward’s films In Which We Serve (1942) and This Happy Breed (1944) in the role of Queenie Gibbons. Kay Walsh made many films, most notable of which were The October Man (1947), Oliver Twist (1950) as Nancy, Stage Fright (1950) directed by Alfred Hitchcock, in which she played the maid Nellie Goode, Encore (1951), Times of Glory (1960), The Witches (1966), Scrooge (1970) and The Ruling Class (1971). Walsh continued to work in the theatre, and also appeared on television in the series Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson (1980). She retired after her last film Night Crossing (1981). Kay Walsh died (April 16, 2005) aged ninety-three, in London.

Walsh, Octavia – (1677 – 1706)
English poet
Octavia Walsh was the daughter of Joseph Walsh, of Abberley Lodge, Worcestershire, and of his wife Elizabeth Palmes. She was sister to the poet and critic William Walsh (1663 – 1708) the friend of Alexander Pope. Octavia died unmarried of smallpox (Oct 10, 1706) and was interred in Worcester Cathedral. Her writings were discovered after her death by her family, in a notebook that contained drafts and copies of poems, and included several recipes. Much of her verse was devotional, and several poems are adressed to ‘Urania’ whose identity remains unknown. Her work appeared as The Private Entertainment of Mrs Octavia Walsh In her Vacant Hours From the Age of Fifteen to Twenty-Nine, At which Time it pleas’d Almighty God by ye Smallpox to take her out of this world (1706). Seven of her devotional works are included in A Collection of Select Original Poems and Translations (1734).

Walsingham, Audrey Shelton, Lady – (c 1570 – 1631)
English Tudor and Stuart courtier
Audrey (Etheldreda) Shelton was the daughter of Sir Ralph Shelton, and was a descendant of Anne Boleyn, sister to Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire, and her husband Sir John Shelton. Thus she was a maternal relative of Queen Elizabeth I. Audrey became the wife of Sir Thomas Walsingham (1568 – 1630) of Scadbury, Kent. Lady Walsingham was thought to be a great friend to Sir Robert Cecil, and with the death of Queen Elizabeth (1603) she was one of the ladies who travelled to Scotland in order to escort the new queen, Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, to the English court. After this Audrey and her husband were appointed as keepers of the new queen’s wardrobe. Lady Walsingham was granted a generous yearly pension by King James (1604) and she participated in the life at court, appearing in the masques organized by Ben Johnson. With the death of Queen Anne (1619), Audrey became less prominent at the court. Audrey briefly survived her husband as the Dowager Lady Walsingham (1630 – 1631). She was the mother of Sir Thomas Walsingham (c1595 – 1669), of Chislehurst, who was vice-admiral of Kent (1627 – 1669). He married twice and left issue. Lady Walsingham was buried (April 24, 1631) at Chislehurst, Kent, beside her husband.

Walsingham, Frances – (1567 – 1632)
English Tudor courtier
Frances Walsingham was the only surviving child and heiress of Sir Francis Walsingham, the famous spymaster of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603), and his wife Ursula St Barbe, the widow of Sir Richard Worsley. Dark-haired and beautiful, Frances was married firstly (1583) to the noted poet, Sir Philip Sidney (1554 – 1586), and resided with her parents at Walsingham House, London, and at Barne Elms in Surrey. Frances bore Sidney a daughter, Elizabeth Manners (1584 – 1612), to whom Queen Elizabeth stood godmother, and was later the wife Roger Manners (1576 – 1612), fifth Earl of Rutland. Sidney died from wounds he received at the battle of Zutphen, Frances having travelled to Holland to be present at his deathbed. Edmund Spenser’s poem Astrophel: a Pastorall Elegie, written in memory of Sir Philip, was dedicated to Lady Sidney after her second marriage. Another poetic tribute by Thomas Churchyard was also dedicated to her.
Lady Frances returned to court to serve as lady-in-waiting to the queen and then secretly married the queen’s last favourite, the unfortunate Robert Devereux (1566 – 1601), second Earl of Essex (1576 – 1601). The marriage infuriated Queen Elizabeth, who ordered Frances to remain in the house of her mother. The day after the birth of her daughter Frances Devereux (1599) Lord Essex was sent to the Tower of London. Frances was permitted to see him once when he was ill, but was refused permission to share Essex’s imprisonment. After Essex was found guilty of treason, the countess appealed to Robert Cecil, who, at length, appeared willing to help save Essex, but his resolution in this regard was altered by Essex’s enemy, Sir Walter Raleigh. After Essex’s execution the countess married a third time (1603) to the Irish peer, Richard de Burgh (1572 – 1635), fourth Earl of Clanricarde, who was said to have resembled Essex. She was the mother of his son and heir, Ulick de Burgh (1604 – 1657), fifth Earl and first Marquess of Clanricarde, who died childless, and bore him several daughters, including Honoria de Burgh (1610 – 1662), the second wife of John Paulet (1598 – 1675), fifth Marquess of Winchester. Frances’s last marriage lasted for thirty years. Frances Walsingham was buried (Feb 17, 1632) at Tunbridge, Kent. Her children by the Earl of Essex were,

• Robert Devereux (1591 – 1646). He succeeded his father as third Earl of Essex (1601 – 1646) and was married firstly to the infamous Lady Frances Howard (later Countess of Hertford), who divorced him after being involved with the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury, in the Tower of London, and remarried to Robert Carr.
• Walter Devereux (born 1592). He died young.
• Henry Devereux (born 1595). He died young.
• Lady Frances Devereux (1599 – 1674). She became the second wife of William Seymour (1588 – 1660), second Duke of Somerset, the widower of Lady Arbella Stuart, and left issue.
• Lady Dorothy Devereux (1600 – 1636). She was married firstly to Sir Henry Shirley (died 1633), and secondly to William Stafford.

Walsingham, Petronilla Melusina von der Schulenburg, Countess of – (1693 – 1778)
British Hanoverian royal
Petronilla was born in Hanover, Germany, the elder illegitimate daughter of George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover and his mistress Countess Ehrengarda Melusina von der Schulenburg, the daughter of Baron Gustavus Adolf von der Schulenburg. Her childhood was spent in Hanover, and when her father ascended the throne of England as King George I (1714) she was taken to England with her mother and her sister Margaret Gertrude, later the Countess von Schaumburg-Lippe. Her father created her Countess of Walsingham in Norfolk and Baroness of Aldborough in Suffolk in her own right (1722). Her subsequent marriage (1733) when aged over forty, to Philip Dormer Stanhope (1694 – 1773), the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, caused great offence to Lady Walsingham’s half-brother George II. Horacw Walpole stated that the countess had been married in her youth but that when Chesterfield made her acquaintance, she was residing with her mother the Duchess of Kendal in Grosvenor Square, the house adjoining his own. The marriage was financially a success as Lady Walsingham’s dowry was said to be the large sum of fifty thousand pounds with three thousand per annum payable out of the civil list revenue in Ireland during her lifetime. At the same time her expectations from her mother were considerable.
The marriage was in fact purely a political and financial arrangement and husband and wife continued to reside next door to each other. Lord Chesterfield took a mistress, Lady Frances Shirley, but at the same time he frequently visited his wife at the house of her mother and ‘played away all his credit there.’ According to Walpole the countess made her husband ‘a most exemplary wife, and he rewarded her very ungratefully.’ His neglect of her was obvious and indefensible but Lady Walsingham does not appear to have resented it. All she expected from Chesterfield was an outward show of respect and his considerable references to her in his correspondence indicate that he did not disappoint her in that regard. When his mother-in-law the Duchess of Kendal died (1743) George II is said to have destroyed her will in order to prevent Lady Walsingham from benefiting from the dispositions made by his late father in his mistress’s favour. It was believed that forty thousand pounds had been bequeathed to the duchess by George I and had never been paid. Lord Chesterfield then insisted that that sum should be paid to Lady Walsingham but this demand was not met. Petronilla survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Chesterfield (1773 – 1778) though she used the Walsingham title. Lady Walsingham died (Sept 16, 1778) aged eighty-five and the Walsingham peerage became extinct.

Walsingham, Ursula St Barbe, Lady – (c1537 – 1602)
English Tudor courtier
Ursula St Barbe was the daughter of Henry St Barbe. She was married firstly (c1553) to Sir Richard Worsley, of Appuldurcombe, to whom she bore two sons, John and George. After Worsley’s death, Ursula became the second wife (c1564) of Sir Francis Walsingham (c1530 – 1590), the famous minister of Elizabeth I, to whom she bore two daughters. Soon after this marriage her two sons from her first husband were accidentally killed by a gunpowder explosion in the porter’s lodge of their late father’s house at Appuldurcombe. Although Lady Walsingham was not a particular friend of Queen Elizabeth, after her husband’s death, she frequently attended the court, and exchanged New Years’ gifts with the queen. Lady Walsingham died suddenly (June 18, 1602) aged about sixty-five, at Barn Elms. She was buried beside her later husband in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, during a private evening ceremony. Her properties of Boston and Skirbeck in Lincolnshire were inherited by her surviving daughter. In the film Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) which starred Cate Blanchett in the title role and Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis, Lady Walsingham was portrayed by actress Kelly Hunter. Her children by Walsingham were,

• Mary Walsingham (1566 – 1580). She died unmarried.
• Frances Walsingham (1567 – 1632). She married three times, firstly to Sir Philip Sidney, the poet, secondly to Robert Devereux (1566 – 1601), the second Earl of Essex, favourite of Queen Elizabeth, and thirdly to Richard de Burgh (1572 – 1635), the Irish earl of Clanricarde. She left children by all three marriages.

Walter, Elizabeth    see   Sheppey, Elizabeth Bayning, Countess of

Walter, Emma – (fl. 1855 – 1891)
British painter and artist
Emma Walter was a native of London. Walter specialized in the painting still-lifes of flowers, her active career spanning thirty-five years. She was a member of the Society of Female Artists, whilst her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and with the New Water Colour Society.

Walter, Lucy – (1630 – 1658)
English courtesan and royal mistress
Lucy Walter was born at Roch Castle, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, the daughter of Richard Walter. With the capture and destruction of her home by the parliamentary forces of Oliver Cromwell (1644), she found shelter first in London, before immigrating to The Hague in Holland. There she renewed an earlier acquaintanceship with Charles, Prince of Wales, and became his mistress. The liasion lasted several years until the autumn of 1651, when Charles cast her off due to her infidelities, notably with Colonel Howard, who was killed in a duel fought with another of Lucy’s paramours. On returning to England she was accused of being a royalist spy and was exiled to France (1656). Lucy died in poverty in Paris, but her son James (1649 – 1685) was claimed by his royal father, who established him as duke of Monmouth and who assumed exchanged the surname of Crofts for that of Scott after his marriage to the Scottish heiress Anne Scott, Countess of Buccleuch. Her daughter Mary Sarsfield was probably not fathered by the king.

Walter, Mary    see   Sarsfield, Mary

Walters, Catherine – (1839 – 1920) 
British courtesan
Catherine Walters was born in Liverpool and travelled to London where she quickly established herself as a popular courtesan with the sobriquet ‘Skittles.’ The poet Alfred Austen wrote verses in her honour after her appearance in Hyde Park attracted much media attention. Walters later eloped to America with Aubrey de Vere Beauclerk, a relative of the Duke of St Albans, and then became the mistress of the Marquess of Hartington, the poet Wilfred Scawen Blunt, who idolized her in his famous sonnet Esther (1892) and received the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) at her famous parties.

Walters, Elizabeth Ogg – (1905 – 1992)
Anglo-American manual writer
Elizabeth Walters was born in England and was educated at a private school. She came to America (1929) and was employed as a book publisher. During WW II she was attached to the Office of War Information, where she produced instruction manuals for sonar equipment which was used by the US Navy. Walters, who sometimes published works under the pseudonym ‘Elizabeth Ogg,’ was a prolific writer concerning social and mental health issues. Her published works in this field included Your Nursing Services Today and Tomorrow and, Good News for Stroke Victims. She was also the author of Facing Death and Loss (1985). Elizabeth Ogg Walters died (Jan 14, 1992) aged eighty-six, in Manhattan, New York.

Walton, Cecile – (1891 – 1956)
Scottish artist and illustrator
Cecile Walton was born in Glasgow, the elder daughter of the noted painter Edward Walton. She studied art in Edinburgh, and abroad in Florence and in Paris. She married (1914) fellow painter Eric Robertson, and the couple were leading figures within the Edinburgh Group of artists (1912 – 1921). Walton provided illustrations for several books, but achieved most lasting acclaim as an oil painter. Walton later joined the staff of BBC radio and became one of the organiser’s of the Scottish Children’s Hour. She retired in 1948. Cecile Walton died at Kirkcudbright.

Walton, Nancy Bird – (1915 – 2009)
Australian aviatrix
Nancy Bird was born (Oct 16, 1915) at Kew, New South Wales. She attended school in Manly and received flying lessons from Sir Charles Kingsford Smith being amongst his first pupils. Nancy obtained her commercial flying license (1934) at the age of nineteen becoming the youngest Australian woman to gain her pilot’s license. She then became the first female Australian commercial pilot. After meeting the Reverend Stanley Drummond Nancy agreed to assist with the organization of flying medical service for outback NSW. She operated an air ambulance service using her own Gipsy moth plane for the Far West Children’s Health Scheme in Bourke (1935). Nancy Bird won the the ladies’s trophy in the South Australian Centenary Air Race (1936), from Brisbane to Adelaide, and was married (1939) to Charles Walton to whom she bore two children.
During WW II Walton served as a commandant with the WATC (Women’s Air Training Corps) after which she became the founder of of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association (1950) and served as president of this organization for four decades (1950 – 1990). In recognition of her public service she was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) (1966) by Queen Elizabeth II. She was later made a Dame of the Knights of Malta (1977) and awarded the AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) (1990). She published two volumes of autobiography, Born to Fly (1961) and My God, It’s a Woman: the inspiring story of one woman’s courage and determination to fly (1990). The National Trust declared Nancy to be a living treasure (1997). She was presented with the first life membership and achievement award by the Royal Far West Children’s Health Scheme (2006) and the first Qantas Airbus A380 was named the Nancy-Bird Walton (2008). Nancy Bird Walton died (Jan 13, 2009) aged ninety-three, in Mosman, Sydney. She received a State funeral.

Waltrude of Verdun – (c665 – after 718)
Carolingian duchess consort of Aquitaine
Waltrude was the daughter of Count Walacho (Walchigise) of Verdun, and his second wife Waltrude. She was the much younger half-sister to St Wandrille (Wandregiselus) (July 22), the Benedictine abbot of Fontenay (died 668) as recorded by the French historian Montlezun. Her father was the younger brother of Anisegal, and Waltrude was the first cousin of Pepin II of Heristal (645 – 714), Duke of Austrasia. She was married (before 688) to Duke Eudes of Aquitaine (c660 – 735). Duchess Waltrude survived well into her husband’s reign and was living in 718, when aged in her early fifties. She left four children,

• Hunoald of Aquitaine (Chunoald) (c690 – 753). He succeeded his father as duke of Aquitaine (735 – 748) but was deposed by his cousin Pepin III, and was taken into captivity.
• Hatto of Aquitaine (c695 – after 744). He was blinded and imprisoned by his brother Hunoald. He was married to Wandrada, who bore him three sons including Loup (c720 – 774), Duke of Gascony.
• Remiston of Aquitaine (c700 – 768). He was hanged at Saintes by order of Pepin III, and left descendants.
• Lampagie of Aquitaine. She was married to the Muslim general Munusa.

Wandall, Tekla – (1866 – 1940)
Danish pianist and composer
Tekla Griebel was born at Randers, the daughter of the pianist Theodor Griebel, under whom she studied. She then studied music at the Danske Musikkonservatorium in Copenhagen (1889 – 1891). She became the wife (1902) of the elderly theologian, Frederick Wandall. Marriage and the birth of a daughter necessitated Tekla giving music lessons in order to support the family. Her opera Schon Karin was first performed at Breslau (1894) and at the Koneglige Teater in Copenhagen. She also produced the cantatas, choral works, and songs such as Den flyvende Hollaender (1894). Wandall also wrote works on music theory such as Musikteori paa stryge-Musikens Omraade (An Epoch-Making Discovery in the String Music Field) (1886), and published the semi-autobiographical Rigmor Vording (1915). Tekla Wandall died (June 28, 1940) in Copenhagen.

Wandelmodis of Troyes – (c820 – before 871)
Carolingian noblewoman and heiress
Wandelomodis (Wandelmode, Guandilmodis) was possibly the daughter of Count Aledram I of Troyes. She may have been related, perhaps maternally, to William, count of Dunois in the Orleanais, as she appears to have inherited certain rights to that county which was held by her future husband. Wandelmodis was married (before 846) to Eudes of Blois (c810 – 871), the son of Count Rodbert (Robert) of Wormsgau, to whom she may have brought the county of Troyes as her dowry. A surviving charter reveals that, Odo (Eudes) comes et uxor mea Guandilmodis donated property to the abbey of Marmoutier. Count Boso later donated estates at Nogent to the abbey of St Martin at Tours (June, 871) for the benefit of the souls of Eudes and Wandelmodis. Her children were,

• Daughter (name unknown). She became the wife of Emenon (810 – 866), Count of Poitiers, and left issue.
• Eudes of Troyes (Odo) (died after 886). He became Count of Tonnerre.
• Robert I (c845 – 886). He succeeded as Count Palatine of Troyes, and left issue.

Wander, Maxie – (1933 – 1977)
Austrian writer
Maxie Wander was born in Vienna. She left university as a sign of rebellion and became involved with communist ideals popular at the time. Finally she immigrated to Eadt Germany with her husband (1958). Wander was best known for her Guten Morgen, du Schone.Protokolle nach Tonband (Good Morning, Beautiful. Transcripts from Tapes) (1977), a series of private and personal interviews which had beeen conducted by Wander with a group of East German women. Some of the subject matter under discussion created great controversy at the time. Wander died of cancer aged only in her early forties, and her husband caused her diaries and letters to be published posthumously as Leben war’ eine prima Alternative (To Stay Alive Would Be a Great Alternative) (1980).

Wang (1) – (c70 BC – 14 AD)
Chinese empress
Wang was the wife (c54 BC) of the Emperor Yuandi of the Han Dynasty, and became the mother to emperor Chengdi (51 – 7 BC). Her husband succeeded as emperor in 49 BC, and after his death (33 BC), she played an influential role as empress dowager during the reign of her son. With the death of the young Emperor Aidi (1 BC), the empress summoned her nephew Wang Mang to the Imperial palace of Weiyang in Chang’an and invested him as commander of the palace guard and duke of Han. She then, through him, organized the merciless removal of Aidi’s favourites and relatives including his childless widow, the empress Fu. She then arranged for the accession of the child emperor, Pingdi, but retained the government in her own hands. The empress then issued an edict proclaiming her regency, and, pleading her increasing age, the necessity of selecting ministers to help her rule, which included her nephew, for whose eventual succession to the Imperial throne she was paving the way. By 4 AD Wang Mang had achieved such success, that the empress dowager, though treated with honour and respect, remained only the nominal head of the government. With the death of Pingdi (Feb, 6 AD), Wang Mang alone chose the new successor, another child ruler, Ruzi (7 – 9 AD), whom he married to his own granddaughter, and then assumed the position of sole regent, displacing the empress Wang altogether. She retired to private life and died during the winter of 14 AD.

Wang (2) – (c687 – 724)
Chinese empress consort
Wang was the wife of emperor Xuanzong (685 – 762), being his consort at his accession to the Imperial throne (712). Her husband prevented Wang’s family from benefitting from public office, and eventually divorced her for barrenness, demoting the empress to the rank of commoner. Empress Wang died in retirement.

Wang Zhagun – (c60 – c10 BC)
Chinese poet
Wang Zhagun served at the Imperial court as concubine to the Emperor Yuandi (49 – 33 BC) of the Han Dynasty. Wang refused to bribe the court artist, and because of this he portrayed her unfavourably, which led the emperor to withdraw his favour from her. Finally in 33 BC, she volunteered to become the wife of a chieftain of the Xunnu tribe, the emperor offerring his concubines as part of the peace terms. This marriage bore a son, but with her husband’s death, she adhered to local custom and married her stepson, to whom she bore two daughters. Her surviving poetry bemoans the unfairness of her lot, and her longing for her homeland, which verses have become part of Chinese history and drama, which portrays her in the role of peacemaker between China and her barbarian neighbours.

Wannenwetsch, Dorothy Ann    see    Layton, Dorothy

Wantage, Harriet Sarah Loyd, Lady – (1837 – 1920)
British author
The Hon. (Honourable) Harriet Loyd-Lindsay was the only daughter and heiress of Samuel Jones Loyd-Lindsay, Baron Overstone, and his wife Harriet Wright, of Mapperley Hall, Nottinghamshire. She was married (1858) to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Loyd-Lindsay, the first and only Baron Wantage, who died in 1901, and whom she survived for two decades as the Dowager Baroness Wantage (1901 – 1920). With her father’s death she inherited the estate of Overstone Park in Northampton. She was the author of Lord Wantage, V.C., K.C.B.: a Memoir. Lady Wantage died aged eighty-two (Aug 7, 1920).

Ward, Anne – (c1730 – 1789) 
British printer
Anne was the wife of Caesar Ward, a printer from York. With her husband’s death she took over the publication of The York Courant for three decades. Anne Ward printed the first edition of Mason’s Poems of Gray (1775).

Ward, Dame Barbara Mary – (1914 – 1981) 
British political economist, journalist and social activist
Barbara Ward was born (May 23, 1914) in Sussex, and was educated abroad in Paris, and at home at Somerville College, Oxford. She was married to Robert Jackson, an official with the United Nations. Ward lectured at Harvard and Columbia universities in the USA, and was appointed as president of the International Institute for Envronment and Development (1973 – 1980). She became the first woman to address a Vatican assembly and was appointed DBE (Dame of the British Empire) (1974) and then a life peer as Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth (1976 – 1981) by Queen Elizabeth II. She was the author of The International Share Out (1936), The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations (1962) and Spaceship Earth (1966), amongst other works on political and ecological subjects. Barbara Ward was married (1950) to Commander Sir Robert Gillman Jackson, to whom she bore a son. Dame Barbara Ward died (May 31, 1981) aged sixty-seven.

Ward, Dorothy – (1891 – 1987)
British pantomime performer
Dorothy Ward was born in Birmingham, Lancashire and was educated there. She made her stage debut as Zenobia in Bluebird (1906), and became an immensely popular pantomime and comic performer, being especially favoured for her appearance with George Robey in Jack and the Beanstalk (1922). Her most popular songs included ‘Take me back to dear old Blighty’ and ‘The Sheik of Araby’ amongst other favourites. Ward retired in 1957. Dorothy Ward died aged ninety-six.

Ward, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps – (1844 – 1911)
American feminist and author
Elizabeth Ward was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally named Mary Gray Phelps, with the death of her mother, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1852), she adopted her name as her own. With the early death of her fist husband in the Civil War, she resolved never to remarry. She later relented and married Herbert Dickinson Ward, who was nearly twenty years her junior. Ward’s earlier novels such as The Gates Ajar (1868) which sold nearly two hundred thousand copies in America and England, Beyond the Gates (1833) and The Gates Between (1889) had strong religious themes. Her later work Within the Gates (1901) dealt with the loss of a loved one, for which she was able to draw on her own personal experiences. Her novel Doctor Zay (1882) dealt with the life of a female physician.

Ward, Dame Genevieve – (1837 – 1922)
American-Anglo actress and vocalist
Lucy Genevieve Teresa Ward was born (March 27, 1837) in New York, and studied voice in Italy. She was married to the French noblemanm Comte Charles de Guerbel. Genevieve performed as an opera singer in Milan under the name Ginevra Guerrabella, in the part of Lucrezia Borgia (1856). Genevieve then toured England and America, but in 1862 her voice failed after an attack of diptheria. Ward decided to remain a stage actress, and made her debut in Manchester, Lancashire in England as Lady Macbeth (1873). Her success as a tragic actress was immediate and lasting, and Genevieve gained international renown after her wild success at the Lyceum Theatre (1879) in the role of Stephanie in the play Forget-Me-Not, written by Herman Merivale and F.C. Grove. She later joined Henry Irving’s company (1893), and then that of F.R. Benson (1910). Genevieve Ward’s other famous roles included that of Eleanor of Aquitaine in Becket, which she played at the specific request of Lord Tennyson, Portia, and Queen Margaret in Shakespeare’s Richard III. Created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1921), as public recognition of her contribution to the theatre, she was the first actress to be so honoured. She co-wrote her memoirs with Richard Whiteing entitled Both Sides of the Curtain (1918). Dame Genevieve Ward died (Aug 18, 1922) in London, died aged eighty-five.

Ward, Harriet Sherrill – (1803 – 1865)
American settler and diarist
Harriet Sherrill Ward was made an overland journey from Ohio to California (1853), accompanied by her daughter Frankie (Frances) (born 1839). Harriet Ward kept a private journal of her experiences during this journey, which was published posthumously as Prairie Schooner Lady: The Journal of Harriet Ward, 1853 (1959). The following year her daughter’s account of the same journey was published as Frankie’s Journal, By Frances Elizabeth Ward, Daughter of the Prairie Schooner Lady (1960).

Ward, Henrietta Mary Ada – (1832 – 1924)
British portrait painter
Henrietta was the daughter and granddaughter of artists, and received her early training from them. She was married secretly (1848) to fellow artist Edward Ward (1820 – 1879), but the match had to be kept a secret due to her parents’ disapproval. The couple had eight children. Henrietta Ward received many portrait commissions from Queen Victoria, and later taught painting to the royal children. After her husband’s death she established her own art school for young women in London. Mrs Ward's work was exhibited at the Chicago Exposition (1893) and at the Royal Academy (1924).

Ward, Mrs Humphrey     see    Ward, Mary Augusta

Ward, Ida Caroline – (1880 – 1949) 
British linguist and phonetician
Ida Ward was born in Bradford, the daughter of a wool merchant. She was educated in Darlington and later attended Durham University. She was trained as a schoolteacher and lectured in phonetics at the University College in London. She was the author of several works including Speech Defects and their Cure (1923) and The Phonetics of English (1930). She was later appointed as professor of West African languages at the School of Oriental and African Studies and was then appointed to head the new department of African Languages and Culture (1937).

Ward, Dame Irene Mary Bewick – (1895 – 1980)
British Conservative politician
Irene Ward was born (Feb 23, 1895) and was educated in Newcastle. She decided upon a career in politics and became a member of the Conservative Party. Ward twice contested the seat of Morpeth (1924) and (1929), without success, but was finally elected to the House of Commons for the seat of Wallsend (1931) after defeating the Labour candidate, Margaret Bondfield. She retained this seat until the disastrous 1945 general election. During her second foray into parliament Ward was returned as the member for Tynemouth (1950 – 1974) after defeating Grace Colman. She introduced the Rights of Entry Act (1954) on behalf of the Gas and Electricity Boards, and promoted the Nurses Amendment Act (1961). In recognition of her service to politics and the community she was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1955) and then CH (Companion of Honour (1973). Ward retired in 1974 and was granted a life peerage by Queen Elizabeth, becoming Baroness Ward of North Tyneside (1975 – 1980). Dame Irene Ward died (April 26, 1980) aged eighty-five.

Ward, Margaret – (1556 – 1588)
English Catholic martyr
Margaret Ward was born in Congleton, Cheshire of the minor gentry, and obtained a position in London as a lady companion in an upper class household. She was arrested with her manservant, John Roche (also called Neale), and charged with assisting a Catholic priest, Richard Watson, in his escape from Bridewell Prison in London, having managed to smuggle him a rope to escape via his cell window, whilst disguised as a maid. Offerred their freedom if they would ask pardon of Queen Elizabeth, they refused, and were both hung, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, near London (Aug 30, 1588) when they refused to betray the priest’s hiding place. Margaret Ward was canonized by Pope Paul VI (1970).

Ward, Mary – (1585 – 1645) 
English religious reformer and educator
Born Joan Ward in Yorkshire, she became a nun taking the religious name of Mary. She went to France and Germany to establish schools, and later founded a teaching society for women, which was modelled on the Society of Jesus (1609). Mary Ward concentrated on social and educational reform, and her nuns left the safety of the convent and their habits, in order to work fully within the community. Despite the fact that her order spread afar afield as Italy and Hungary, she was eventually summoned to Rome by Pope Urban VIII (1630) and her order was suppressed. Ward refused to desist and was arrested for heresy before being permitted to return to England (1639). Over two hundred years afterwards her order was restored with full papal permission (1877).

Ward, Mary Augusta (Mrs Humphrey Ward) – (1851 – 1920) 
British novelist and anti-suffrage campaigner
Mary Augusta Arnold was born in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, the daughter of Thomas Arnold, a school inspector. Educated at Oxford in England, and closely associated with the university literary circle, she married Thomas Humphrey Ward (1872). Ward’s first published work was the children’s story Milly and Olly (1881), the illustrations for which work were done by Lady Laura Alma-Tadema. This was followed by the novel Miss Bretherton (1884) concerned with the life of an actress, and she then published an admired translation of the Journal Intime (1885) written by the Swiss philosopher Henri Amiel.
Her most acclaimed work was the novel Robert Elsmere (1888) which dealt with the life of a clergyman. The character of the squire in this work was said to have been based on that of Edward Hartopp Cradock, the principal of Brasenose College 1853 – 1886, whom the author knew personally. The book was reviewed by Prime Minister William Gladstone in the Nineteenth Century (May, 1888) and made Mrs Ward famous. Her other novels included David Grieve (1892), the Story of Bessie Costrell (1895) a short tragedy, Helbeck of Bannisdale (1898) which dealt with Roman Catholic ascetism in the contemporary world and Eleanor (1900). Two successive novels Lady Rose’s Daughter (1903) and The Marriage of William Ashe (1905) were inspired by the lives of the French salonniere Julie de Lespinasse and the British novelist and adventuress Lady Caroline Lamb. Other novels included Fenwick’s Career (1906), Diana Mallory (1908), Canadian Born (1910), The Case of Richard Meynell (1911), Delia Blanchflower (1915) and The War and Elizabeth (1918), amongst others. Mary Ward died (March 24, 1920) in London.

Ward, Sarah Adelaide – (1894 – 1969)
British politician
Sarah Stone was the daughter of John Ainsworth Meaford Stone, and was educated at the Orme Girls’ School in Newcastle. During World War I she served with the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) and later married William Ward (1921). Entering local politics she succeeded in becoming the Conservative Member of Parliament for Cannock in Staffordshire (1931 – 1935). With the outbreak of World War II, Ward again served the war effort, and was appointed a junior commander of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service, later the WRAC) (1940 – 1943). After the war she served as Member of Parliament for Lichfield in Staffordshire, and Perry Barry in Birmingham, Lancashire. Elected a member of the Staffordshire County Council (1950), her work was recognized with the OBE (Order of the British Empire) (1952) and later a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) (1961). Sarah Ward died at Walsall, Staffordshire, aged seventy-four (April 9, 1969).

Ward, Winifred Louise – (1884 – 1975)
American children’s theatre specialist
Winifred Ward was born (Oct 29, 1884) in Eldora, Iowa. She was the author of Creatic Dramatics (1930) and Playmaking With Children (1947). Winifred Ward died (Aug 16, 1975) in Evanston, Illinois, aged ninety.

Warde, Beatrice Lamberton – (1900 – 1969)
American-Anglo typographer and editor
Born Beatrice Lamberton Becker, she was born (Sept 20, 1900) in New York City, the daughter of the composer and teacher Gustav Becker and the author May Lamberton Becker. Educated at Barnard College and Columbia University she served as assistant curator at the Typographic Library of the American Type-founders’ Company (1921 – 1925), and herself researched the history of typography in London and Paris. Mrs Warde was later made and Honorary Fellow of the Manchester College of Art in England, and was also a member of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers. Her written works which appeared under the male pseudonym ‘Paul Beaujon’ included XVIIIth Century French Typography and Fournier le Jeune (1926), The ‘Garamond’ Types (1926), and Peace Under the Earth (1938). Under her own name she published Type Faces Old and New, Transactions of the Bibliographical Society (1935). Beatrice Warde died (Sept 14, 1969) aged sixty-eight, at Epsom, in Surrey, England.

Warde, Joan – (c1465 – 1512)
English Lollard heretic
Joan Warde was converted by Alice Rawley, a prominent Lollard of Coventry. Rawley’s husband, who did not approve of hersey, caused Joan to flee under protection to Northampton, but she returned to Coventry some months later. Joan was married to Thomas Washingbury, a shoe-maker and fellow Lollard. They were arrested as heretics (Aug, 1495). Upon being released they were both forced to make public penance in Maidstone, Canterbury and London. Re-arrested in Coventry in 1511, then apparently a widow, Joan was interrogated by Geoffrey Blyth, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. She was found guilty and handed over to the authorities to be burned at the stake in Coventry (March, 1512).

Warden, May – (1891 – 1978)
British stage and television actress
May Warden was born (May 9, 1891) in Leeds, Yorkshire. After a successful stage career during her youth, Warden made many character appearances in various popular television programs such as Dixon of Dock Green (1967), Doctor in the House (1969), Dad’s Army (1969), Ace of Wands (1972) and Angels (1975 – 1976). She also made appearances in tele-movies such as Ours is a Nice House (1969) and Billy Liar (1973) in both of which she played the grandmother. However, Warden is probably best remembered as Miss Sophie in the classic twenty minute televison film Der 90. Geburtstag oder Dinner for One (The 90th Birthday, or Dinner for One (1963), with Freddie Frinton (1911 – 1968) as her long sufferring butler, James. This show was shown regularly on German television every New Year’s Eve since it was first screened. May Warden died (Oct 5, 1978) aged eighty-seven, in London.

Warder, Ann Head – (1758 – 1829)
Anglo-American Quaker colonist and diarist
Born Ann Head, she was the wife (1776) of the merchant John Warder (1751 – 1828), a Quaker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After marrying Warder in London, Ann accompanied her him back to America. She kept a personal journal of social life in Philadelphia (1776 – 1778), which was edited and published posthumously by the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography as Extracts from the Diary of Mrs Ann Warder (1893) and (1894). Her daughter, Caroline Warder (1801 – 1868) became the wife of her first cousin Joel Cadbury (1799 – 1870) and left descendants.

Wardington, Dorothy Charlotte Forster, Lady – (1891 – 1983)
British aristocrat and peeress (1936 – 1950)
Hon. (Honourable) Dorothy Charlotte Forster was the elder daughter of Sir Henry William, Lord Forster, and his wife Rachel Cecily Douglas-Scott-Montagu, the daughter Henry John Montagu-Douglas-Scott (1832 – 1905), the first Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (1885 – 1905) and his wife Cecily Susan Stuart-Wortley, the sister of the first Earl of Wharncliffe. Dorothy Forster was married firstly (1914) to Captain Hon. (Honourable) Harold Fox Pitt Lubbock (1888 – 1918), an officer with the Grenadier Guards, the fourth son of the first Baron Avebury. Her first husband was killed on active service during WW I. By this marriage Dorothy Lubbock was the mother of John Lubbock (1915 – 1971), who succeeded his uncle (1929) as the sixth Baron Avebury. He was married three times but left an only daughter, and the Avebury peerage passed to a cousin. Her daughter Ursula Moyra Lubbock (born 1917) was later raised to the rank of a baron’s daughter by Royal Warrant (1931), and became the Hon. Moyra Lubbock. Her marriage (1938 – 1947) with Dorian Williams ended in divorce and remained childless.
Dorothy Lubbock was remarried secondly (1923) to John William Beaumont Pease (1869 – 1950), the Chairman of Lloyd’s Bank in London (1922 – 1945), who was later raised to the peerage as the first Baron Wardington of Alnmouth, Northumberland (1936 – 1950) by King George VI. Lady Dorothy survived her second husband for over three decades as the Dowager Baroness Wardington (1950 – 1983). During her long widowhood she divided her time between her house in Sloane Square, London, and the family estate of Wardington Manor, near Banbury, Oxon. Her children by her second marriage were,

• Christopher Henry Beaumont Pease (1924 – 2005), the noted bibliophile. He succeeded his father as the second Baron Wardington (1950 – 2005). He was married but died childless.
• Simon William Pease (born 1925). He succeeded his brother as the third and last Baron Wardington (2005). He was married but remained childless.

Wardlaw, Elizabeth Halket, Lady – (1677 – 1727)
British author
Elizabeth Halket was born (April, 1677) the second daughter of Sir Charles Halket, baronet, of Pitfirrane, Fifeshire. She was married (1696) to Sir Heny Wardlaw of Pitcruivie, baronet. Lady Wardlaw was believed to be the author of the famous ballad Hardyknute (1719), fragments of which she actually discovered in a vault in Dunfermline, Scotland. Friends verified that Lady Elizabeth used these fragments on which to base the more modern version of the ballad. Allan Ramsay included the poem in his collection entitled Evergreen (1724). She also has been named as the author of the ballad Sir Patrick Spens, though this claim is not universally accepted.

Wardle, Elizabeth – (1834 – 1902)
British embroiderer
Elizabeth Wardle was born in Leek, Staffordshire and was married (1857) to her cousin, Sir Thomas Wardle, the owner of an important silk manufacturing business. Elizabeth founded the Leek Embroidery Society (1879), which showcased the work of many skilful and talented embroidresses, before establishing the Leek School of Art Embroidery (1881).

Wardle, Ethel – (c1874 – 1957)
Australian realist painter
Ethel Wardle became a member of the Victorian Artists’ Society in Melbourne, Victoria (1903). Wardle was best known for her studies of landscapes and flowers, and she exhibited her work with fellow artist Doris Tilley. Shortly before her death Wardle was made a honoray member of the VAS (1954).

Wardle, Madeleine Smith   see   Smith, Madeleine Hamilton

Ware, Harriet – (1877 – 1962)
American pianist and composer
Harriet Ware was born at Waupun, Wisconsin. She attended the Pillsbury Conservatory in Owatonna, Minnesota, and was a pupil of William Mason and the Polish pianist Sigismond Stojowski. Apart from piano pieces Ware composed The Fay Song and the cantata Sir Olaf, which was first performed by the New York Symphony Orchestra (1910).

Ware, Mary Smith Dabney – (1842 – 1933)
American traveller and author
Mary Smith Dabney was born in Raymond, Mississippi, the daughter of Augustine Dabney. Mary was educated at home with a governess, and then in private schools she became the wife (1864) of William Ware. Her literary career began at the age of seventy, when she undertook a three year trip throughout the Asia (1913 – 1916) and then wrote The Old World through Old Eyes. Further travels throught central and Eastern Europe produced a series of letters which were published under the title A New World Through Old Eyes: With Reminiscences from My Life (1923) and From Mexico to Russia (1929). Mary Dabney Ware died aged ninety, in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Warenne, Ada – (c1122 – 1178)
Anglo-Scottish princess and royal matriarch
Lady Ada de Warenne was the daughter of William de Warenne, second Earl of Surrey, and his wife Elisabeth of Vermandois, the widow of Robert de Beaumont, Count of Meulan, and niece of Philip I of France (1060 – 1108). Ada de Warenne was married (1139) to Prince Henry (1114 – 1152), Earl of Huntingdon, the son and heir of David I, King of Scotland (1124 – 1153). The marriage took place whilst the prince was visiting the English court of King Stephen, and was not without the flavour of romance. With her husband Ada was joint founder of the abbey of Huntingdon in Cumberland, and during her long widowhood (1152 – 1178) the countess herself established the abbey of Haddington. Surviving charters which record gifts made to the abbey of Hexham style her Ada, the countess. Her children were,

• Malcolm IV the Maiden (1141 – 1165). He succeeded his grandfather David I as King of Scotland (1153 – 1165). He remained unmarried and was buried at Dunfermline Abbey in Fifeshire.
• William I the Lion (1143 – 1214). He succeeded his brother as King of Scotland (1165 – 1214). He was married to Ermengarde of Beaumont and left issue.
• Princess Margaret of Scotland (1145 – 1201). She was married firstly to Conan IV (1139 – 1171), Duke of Brittany, and secondly to the English baron Humphrey de Bohun (died 1182). Her daughter, Constance of Brittany (1161 – 1201) became the wife of Geoffrey Plantagent, the third son of Henry II of England. Thus Margaret was the maternal grandmother of Arthur I (1187 – 1203), the last duke of the Plantagenet dynasty.
• Princess Ada of Scotland (1146 – after 1206). She was married to Floris III (c1137 – 1191), Count of Holland, and left many descendants.
• Prince David of Scotland (1147 – 1219). He succeeded his father as Earl of Huntingdon (1152 – 1219) and was later created Earl of Garioch, Cambridge and Lennox (1205). He was married to Bertrada de Montfort (1171 – 1233) and left descendants.
• Princess Matilda of Scotland (c1149 – 1152). She died young.

Warenne, Gundrada de – (1054 – 1085)
Anglo-Norman aristocrat and courtier
Gundrada de Warenne was long mistakenly believed to be the daughter of Matilda of Flanders by an earlier marriage with Gherbod, advocate of the Abbey of St Bertin in Flanders, and thus the stepdaughter of King William the Conqueror.  Gundrada was actually the daughter of Gherbod by an unknown wife, and sister to Gherod ‘the Fleming,’ earl of Chester in England. Her supposed relationship to the Norman royal house was a complete fabrication, though her existence is definitely attested. This was proved by the Victorian historian Sir Charles Clay and by Chester Waters in his work Gundrada de Warenne (1884). Agnes Strickland in her life of Matilda of Flanders in her Lives of the Queens of England erroneously listed Gundrada as the daughter of the Conqueror.
Gundrada was married (c1075) to William de Warenne (c1037 – 1088), a connection of the Norman ducal dynasty, who was created first earl of Surrey, and bore him several children including Edith de Warenne, the wife firstly of Gerald de Gourney, and seocndly of Drogo de Mancey. The countess and her husband jointly founded (1077) the Cluniac priory of St Pancras at Lewes and the priory of Lewes. They departed England on a pilgrimage to Rome, but because of the war between Pope Gregory and the emperor Henry IV, the couple spent time visiting various monasteries in Burgundy including Cluny. Gundrada de Warenne died (May 27, 1085) from the effects of childbirth, at Castle Acre, Norfolk and was interred within the chapter house at Lewes. Her black marble tombstone was uncovered in Titchfield Church in Sussex, and was removed to the Church of St John at Southampton, where it was later rediscovered (1845).

Warens, Francoise de La Tour du Pil, Baronne de – (1699 – 1762)
Swiss literary patron
Born Louise Eleonore Francoise Marie de La Tour du Pil in Vevey, Switzerland, and brought up by Protestant pietists in Bern, she was married off during her youth (1713) to the Baron de Warens. The marriage proved uncongenial, and, after she converted to Roman Catholicism, she relieved her husband of all available cash and the family jewels, and fled to the court of Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia, in Savoy, accompanied by her lover, Claude Anet, the son of her former gardener. The King of Sardinia granted the baroness his protection, and employed her in shady political activities aimed to combat the enroachment of Protestantism, granting her a state pension. She resided quietly at Annecy and Chambercy, and later converted the youthful Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778), who had been raised as a Calvinist, and arranged for his education and training for his future career as a man of letters, and hired him as her steward. Over twelve years his senior, the couple was involved in a liasion for a decade (1733 – 1740), though she still continued her liasion with Anet until his death (1734). Rousseau observed of her that, ‘ … there could not be a more lovely face, a finer neck and handsome arms more exquisitely formed.’ An intelligent and business minded woman, Madame de Warens later established a silk stocking factory, but the venture did not prove a success. Madame de Warens died aged sixty-two.

Waring, Caroline Placide – (1798 – 1881)
French-American actress
Caroline Placide was born in Charleston, South Carolina, the daughter of the actor and theatrical manager, Alexandre Placide, and his wife, the actress and vocalist Charlotte Sophia Wrighten. Waring made her first stage appearance in the ballet Love’s Stratagem at the Park Theatre in Charleston at the age of nine (1807). Beautiful and graceful, he later performed at the Anthony Street Theatre in New York (1814). In the same year she married the British actor Leigh Waring (1776 – 1816), as his second wife, but the marriage proved short-lived and she remarried secondly to the actor, William Rufus Blake (1805 – 1866) several years her junior.Her second marriage lasted four decades, and Waring remained active in the theatre until she was widowed, when she finally retired. The actress Ann Waring Sefton Wallack (1815 – c1877) was her daughter.

Waring, Mary – (1760 – 1805)
American Quaker diarist
Mary Waring was the daughter of Elkanah Waring. Mary never married and kept a personal devotional diary for the last fourteen years of her life, which was published a few years after her death as A Diary of the Religious Experience of Mary Waring … Late of Godalming (1809).

Waring, Susan Elizabeth Clementine Hay, Lady – (1879 – 1964)
Scottish hospital organizer and author
Lady Susan Hay was the daughter of William Montagu Hay, tenth Marquess of Tweeddale, and his wife Candida Bartolucci. Educated at home and in exclusive schools abroad in Paris and Germany, she was married (1901) to Captain Walter Waring, of Lennell, Coldstream, in Berwickshire, an officer of the First Life Guards and member of parliament for Banff. During World War I she established the Lennell Auxiliary Hospital for Officers in her home in Berwickshire, and served as administrator, for which service she awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) from George V (1918). Interested in the the care of young children, Lady Waring served for nearly sixty years (1893 – 1950) as president of the Scottish Children’s League of Pity, and was the author of Mother and Babe, an anthology for Mothers (1933). During World War II she served as organiser of the WVS (Women’s Voluntary Services, later WRVS) at Salcombe (1941 – 1942), and was closely involved with the organization of the Red Cross Shop, in Knightsbridge, in London. She was awarded the prestigious Order of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium in recognition of her work during the two wars. Lady Waring died (Feb 15, 1964) aged eighty-four, at Salcome, South Devon, in Cornwall.

Warmsdorf, Countess von    see   Wuthenau, Agnes Wilhelmina von

Warnant, Adelgonde Louise de – (1702 – 1731)
Flemish heiress
Adelgonde de Warnant was born (Dec 27, 1702), the daughter of Dieudonne Nicolas, Baron de Warnant (1699 – 1743) and his wife Anne Florence d’Oultremont. She was married (1724) to Adrien Damien Ernest de Lannoy (1699 – 1743), the Baron de Clervaux. Adelgonde inherited the seigneuries and estates of Neuville, Goesne and Fillee which ultimately passed to her son Adrian and to his descendants, the Comtes de Lannoy-Clervaux who later became the princes von Rheina-Wolbeck (1840). Baronne Adelgonde de Lannoy died (April 14, 1731) aged twenty-eight from the effects of childbirth. Her children were,

• Adrien Florent de Lannoy (1725 – 1726). He died in infancy.
• Anne Louise Florence de Lannoy (born 1726). She became the wife of Florent Louis Emile, Comte d’Oultremont (died 1762).
• Adrienne Florence de Lannoy (1728 – 1812). She became a nun and was appointed as Abbess of Maubeuge.
• Adrien Jean Baptiste, Comte de Lannoy and Baron de Clervaux (1729 – 1797). She was married and left issue.
• Adrienne Francoise de Lannoy (1730 – 1790). She remained and became a canoness prior to be appointed as Abbess of Nivelles (1745).

Warne, Elizabeth – (c1515 – 1555)
English Protestant martyr
Elizabeth was related to the Catholic divine John Story, and became the wife of John Warne, of Walbrook, London. She was arrested as a heretic during the persecution initiated by Queen Mary I. She refused to accept the Catholic doctrine and was condemned to death. Elizabeth Warne was burnt alive (Aug, 1555) at Stratford-at-Bow, Essex.

Warner, Anna Bartlett – (1827 – 1915)
American author and hymnwriter
Anna Warner was born in New York, and was the younger sister of the popular novelist Susan Bogert Warner. Like her sister Anna was forced to turn to a career as an author in order to provide an income for her family. Anna Warner wrote popular stories for children under the pseudonym of Amy Lothrop which included My Brother’s Keeper (1855), and the six volume series Stories of Vinegar Hill (1892). She collaborated on several books with her sister, and composed several, now traditional, hymns for children such as ‘Jesus Loves Me, This I Know’ and ‘Jesus bids us Shine.’

Warner, Anne Richmond    see   French, Anne Warner

Warner, Elizabeth Brooke, Lady   see   Wyatt, Elizabeth Brooke, Lady

Warner, Luna E. – (fl. 1855 – 1881)
American settler and juvenile diarist
Luna Warner was born in Barre, Massachusetts, the daughter of Walter Warner and his wife Alice Cleveland. She left with her family (1871) to reside on a farm near Downs on the Solomon River in Kansas. As a young girl she kept a short diary (1871 – 1872) which began prior to her arrival in Kansas, which dealt with the experiences of her life in her new home. Extracts from which were later edited and published posthumously in the Kansas Historical Quarterly (1969) as ‘The Diary of Luna E. Warner: A Kansas Teenager in the 1870’s.’ Luna Warner was later married (1881) to a farmer, Frank Lewis, and bore him several children. They resided near her parents, though their own farm later became part of the Glen Elder reservoir area.

Warner, Susan Bogert – (1819 – 1885)
American novelist
Warner was born in New York, and became Elizabeth Wetherell by marriage. She adopted the pseudonym of ‘Susan Bogert Warner’ when she decided to support her family by writing. Susan Warner produced several overly sentimental novels such as The Wide, Wide World (1851), and Queechy (1852), which proved resoundingly successful, and she became one of the first best-selling authors in American literary history. She sometimes collaborated with her sister, Anna Bartlett Warner, and some of their private letters were printed in Letters and Memories of Susan and Anna Bartlett Warner (1925), which was edited by Olivia Eggleston Phelps.

Warner, Sylvia Townshend – (1893 – 1978)
British musicologist and writer
Sylvia Townshend Warner she was born at Harrow, and studied music from her earliest childhood. She never married and remained for many years involved in a relationship with the lesbian writer Valentine Ackland. Warner researched music from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and was one of the editors of the ten volume work Tudor Church Music (1923 – 1929). Always opposed to the rise of Fascism, her writing expresses her political ideals. Many of her short stories were published in the New Yorker and she wrote several volumes of poetry. Her novels included Lolly Willowes (1926), Mr Fortune’s Maggot (1927), After the Death of Don Juan (1938) and The Corner That Held Them (1948).

Warner, Trevor Hanmer, Lady – (1636 – 1670)
English Catholic nun
Trevor Hanmer was born in Hanmer, Wales, the daughter of Thomas Hanmer, who held appointments at the court of Charles I (1625 – 1649), and his wife Elizabeth Baker, who had been maid-of-honour to Queen Henrietta Maria. She was named Trevor after her godfather and was raised in the Anglican faith. With the rise of Oliver Cromwell, who persecuted the royalists and Anglicans, the Hanmers immigrated abroad to France, taking Trevor with them. With the family’s return to England (1659), Trevor’s father caused her to be married to Sir John Warner, of Parham, Suffolk. Prior to her marriage Trevor had been influenced by Catholic ideas, and her brother, who had abjured Anglicanism and fled abroad to Lisbon in Portugal, exhorted her to convert. She and her husband both converted to Roman Catholicism (1664) and decided to take religious vows after setting their affiars in order. Sir John became a Jesuit, whilst Lady Trevor joined the English Clares at Gravelines, where she took the religious name of Sister Clara of Jesus. Her niece Elizabeth Warner later joined her at Gravelines. Sister Clara died at her convent (Jan 26, 1670) aged thirty-three. The Franciscans honoured her (Jan 26) as venerable.

Warren, Eleanor Clark    see   Clark, Eleanor

Warren, Elinor Remick – (1900 – 1991)
American pianist and composer
Eleanor Warren was born (Feb 23, 1900) in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of musicians. She studied under Frank LaForge in New York and with Leopold Godowsky. Elinor Warren toured as an accompanying pianist to such famous performers as Florence Easton, Richard Crooks, and Lucrezia Bori. Her earlier published compositions included The Happy Weaver (1936) which was first performed in New York, and The Legend of King Arthur (1940), which established Warren as a leading international composer. Many of works were inspired by the natural beauties of nature such as The Crystal Lake (1940), Singing Earth (1950) and Along the Western Shore (1954). She later went to Paris when aged almost sixty to study privately under Nadia Boulanger. Warren was nominated as Woman of the Year in Music (1953) by the Los Angeles Times. She produced works for orchestra, chamber music, and choral works such as My Heart is Ready (1967) and White Iris (1979). Elinor Remick Warren died (April 27, 1991) aged ninety-one, in Los Angeles.

Warren, Eliza Spalding – (1837 – 1919)
American missionary amonst the Native Indians
Eliza Spalding was daughter to the Presbyterian minister and missionary, Henry Harmon Spalding (1803 – 1874) and his first wife Eliza Hart (1807 – 1851). Her stepmother was Rachel Smith Griffin Spalding. Eliza was present at the Whitman mission at Waiilatpu where Marcus, his wife Narcissa, and twelve others were killed by the Indians (1847), but she escaped unharmed. Eliza kept a personal diary of her religious and daily activities which she later had published as Memoirs of the West: The Spaldings (1916).

Warren, Elizabeth – (fl. 1646 – 1649) 
English religious pamphleteer
Elizabeth Warren was a native of Woodbridge, Suffolk and may have been the wife of a clergyman, John Warren, the headmaster of the school at Woodbridge. She published a defence of established clergy in The Old and Good Way Vindicated (1646) and the devotional work Spiritual Thrift (1647).  Her last publication was the pamphlet A Warning – Peece from Heaven against the Sins of the Times (1649).

Warren, Emily – (c1753 – 1782)
British courtesan
Emily Warren was painted many times by Sir Joshua Reynolds, ‘… who often declared every limb of hers perfect in symmetry and altogether he had never seen so faultless and finely formed a human figure.’ She died suddenly in India after quickly drinking several glasses of cold water and milk whilst sufferring from prickly heat.

Warren, Dame Josephine    see    Barnes, Dame Josephine

Warren, Katherine Urquhart – (1896 – 1976)
American preservationist
Katherine Urquhart was born in Oakland, California, and was married (1919) to George Henry Warren, a New York stockbroker, who was the director of the Metropolitan Opera. Katherine Warren founded the Preservation Society of Newport County (1945), to preserve pre-Revolutionary landmarks, and served as president for thirty years (1945 – 1975). She also helped to organize the preservation of famous mansions of the ninteenth and twentieth centuries such as the Vanderbilt mansion ‘The Breakers,’  which was the scene of the famous ten day celebrations (1955) held to honour the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the landing of General Comte de Rochambeau in Newport to meet George Washington. She held honorary degrees from Brown University and Salve Regina College in Newport.

Warren, Lavinia Mercy – (1842 – 1919)
American dwarf
Warren was born in Middlesborough, Massachusetts, of French ancestry. She worled for Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810 – 1891) as was billed as the ‘Fairy Queen’ as she was only thirty-two inches in height, and was known as Mercy Lavinia Bumpus. Lavinia Warren was married (1863) to fellow dwarf Charles Stratton Sherwood (1838 – 1883), who achieved international fame as ‘General Tom Thumb.’ After his death she remarried to Conte Primo Magri (died 1920), an Italian dwarf, with whom she appeared in the silent film The Liliputian’s Courtship (1914). Lavinia Warren died (Nov 25, 1919) aged seventy-seven.

Warren, Mercy Otis – (1728 – 1814)
American poet and historian
Mercy Otis was born (Sept 14, 1728) in Barnstaple, Massachusetts, the sister of the Revolutionary leader James Otis. Mercy became the wife of General James Warren, a member of the Massachusetts legislature. Mercy Warren published the plays, The Adulateur (1773) and, The Group (1775), and the collection of verse Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous (1790). She also wrote the histrocial work History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution (1805) in three volumes. She corresponded with famous contemporaries such as John and Abigail Adams and Martha Washington. Mercy Otis Warren died (Oct 19, 1814) aged eighty-six.

Warriner, Doreen – (1904 – 1972)
British economic historian
Dorothy Warriner was educated in Malvern and later attended St Hugh’s College, Oxford and then the University of London. She travelled extensively throughout Eastern Europe and published, Economics of Peasant Farming (1939). Warriner later worked with the British Council for Refugees in Czechoslavakia, where she bribed officials in order to save many Jewish people.
During WW II she was employed by the Ministry of Economic Warfare and with intelligence services in the Foreign Office. After the war she was appointed as lecturer and then professor at the School of Slavonic Studies at London University. Other publications included Land and Poverty in the Middle East (1950).

Warrington, Amanda Pirie – (1968 – 1997)
American equestrienne
Amanda Pirie was born (Aug 22, 1968) in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of a prominent banker. She attended Marlboro College in Vermont, and was married (1993) to horse trainer Daniel Warrington. Warrington represented the USA at the three-day dressage events held at Blenheim Castle in England (1996) and won the national championships at Fair Hill, Maryland, in the same year. She was the winner of the Essex dressage event held at Gladstone, New Jersey (1997). Amanda Warrington died (Dec 28, 1997) aged twenty-nine, in Newark, Delaware, from injuries received from a fall from her horse whilst competing in Maryland.

Warrington, Mary Oldbury, Countess of – (1684 – 1740)
British Hanoverian heiress
Mary Oldbury was the daughter of Sir John Oldbury of London, a wealthy merchant, and his wife Mary Boone. Mary became the wife (1702) of George Booth (1675 – 1758), second Earl of Warrington (1694 – 1758) to whom she bore an only daughter. She brought her husband a large dowry of forty thousand pounds, most of which he squandered, and the couple later quarrelled and lived seperately in the same house. A letter from Mrs Bradshaw which was printed in Letters to and from Henrietta, Countess of Suffolk, described the countess as ‘a limber dirty fool’ and her husband as ‘the stiffest of all stiff things.’ In consequence of this Lord Warrington published the pamphlet Considerations Upon the Institution of Marriage, with some thoughts concerning the force and obligation of the marriage contract, wherein in considered how far divorces may or may not be allowed By a Gentleman humbly submitted to the judgement of the impartial (1739), which was an argument in favour of divorce on the grounds of incompatability of temperament. Her only child Lady Mary Booth (1703 – 1772) became the wife (1736) of Henry Grey (1715 – 1768), fourth Earl of Stamford, and inherited estates in Cheshire and Lancashire. The earldom of Warrington was vested (1796) in their son, George Grey (1737 – 1819), the fifth Earl of Stamford (1768 – 1819). Lady Warrington died (April 3, 1740) aged fifty-five, at Dunham Massey.

Warrington-Fry, Norma – (1913 – 1996)
Australian musician and civic leader
Norma Warrington-Fry was born (May 2, 1913) in Sydney, New South Wales. She was educated at Randwick and Liverpool. She studied music and became a teacher in Guildford. Warrington-Fry was a teacher of various instruments such as the organ, piano, and violin, and performed as an accompanist. She was a supporter of the CWA (country Women’s Association) in the Illawarra region of Wollongong. Norma Warrington-Fry died (June 13, 1996) aged eighty-three.

Warsensopha – (c250 – c303 AD) 
Egyptian Christian martyr
Warsensopha was a native of the village of Denfa, and sufferred death during the persecutions of Diocletian, having refused to abjure her faith. She was put to death with her at the same time was her elderly mother, whose name remains unknown, and another lady named Sophia, with her two daughters Bistamona and Dibamona, all Christians. Warsensopha and her mother were commemorated togther (June 4) in the Acta Sanctorum.

Wartel, Therese – (1814 – 1865)
French vocal teacher, pianist, composer and teacher
Born Atale Theresa Annette Andrien (July 2, 1814) in Paris, she was educated at the Paris Conservatoire, studying under Louis Adam and Fromentel Halevy. Therese became the wife (1833) of the noted tenor Pierre Francois Wartel (1806 – 1882). Madame Wartel was particularly noted as an interpreter of the works of Ludwig von Beethoven. She was appointed as an accompanist at the Paris Conservatoire (1831 – 1838), and her works for the piano included Six etudes de salon op. 10 (1850) and Andante op. 11 (1851). The singer Emile Wartel was her son. Therese Wartel died (Nov 6, 1865) aged fifty-one, in Paris.

Warwick, Alice de Tosny, Countess of – (c1285 – 1325)
English feudal peeress (1308 – 1315)
Alice de Tosny was the daughter of Raoul VII, Sire de Tosny and his wife Mary. Her brother Robert de Tosny (1276 – 1309) was created Lord Tosny (1299) by King Edward I. Alice was married firstly to Sir Thomas de Leybourne by whom she left an only daughter Juliana de Leybourne. With his death Lady Alice de Leyburne then became the second wife (1308) of Guy de Beauchamp (c1269 – 1315), second Earl of Warwick (1298 – 1315), and bore him several children. Alice survived de Beauchamp as the Dowager Countess of Warwick (1315 – 1325) and remarried thirdly to William, Lord de La Zouche of Mortimer (died 1337). The children from her second marriage were,

• Lady Maud de Beauchamp (1309 – 1369). She became the wife of Geoffrey de Saye (c1305 – 1359), second Baron Saye.
• Lady Emma de Beauchamp (1310 – after 1325). She became the wife of Rowland Odingells.
• Lady Isabel de Beauchamp (1311 – after 1325). She became the wife of John Clinton.
• Lady Elizabeth de Beauchamp (1312 – after 1325). She was married to Sir Thomas Astley, and left issue.
• Lady Lucia de Beauchamp (1313 – after 1325). She became the wife of Robert de Napton.
• Thomas de Beauchamp (1314 – 1369). He succeeded his father as third Earl of Warwick, and left many descendants.
• John de Beauchamp (born 1315).

Warwick, Anne Russell, Countess of – (1548 – 1604)
English Tudor courtier
Lady Anne Russell was born (Dec, 1548) at Chenies, Buckinghamshire, the eldest daughter of Francis Russell, second Earl of Bedford, and his first wife Margaret, the daughter of Sir John St John, of Bletsoe, Bedfordshire. Lady Anne was married (1565) to Ambrose Dudley (1528 – 1590), third Earl of Warwick, as his third wife. The marriage took place in the queen’s prescence at the royal chapel in Whitehall Palace, London. Thus she was the sister-in-law to Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. There were no children. Lady Warwick was a much favouried attendant and friend to Queen Elizabeth, and had served her as maid, wife, and widow, and was present at the queen’s funeral as chief mourner (1603). Her niece Lady Anne Clifford recalled that “ .. she was much beloved and in great favour with the said Queen, than any other lady or woman in the kingdom, and in no less generally esteemed and honoured through the whole court.” Two portraits of her survive. Countess Anne died (Feb 9, 1604) at Northow, Hertfordshire, aged fifty-five. She was interred in the family vault at the Bedford chapel at Chenies, where her alabaster effigy remains upon an altar of black marble.

Warwick, Anne Seymour, Countess of – (1536 – 1587)
English Tudor courtier
Lady Anne Seymour was the eldest daughter of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, the lord Protector of England (1547 – 1550) under Edward VI, and his second wife Anne Stanhope. She was niece to Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, and first cousin to Edward VI. This lady and her two sisters, the ladies Margaret and Jane Seymour, were considered to be of some literary repute after they jointly penned some verses in honour of the death of Margeurite de Valois, Queen of Navarre (1549). Lady Anne was married at Richmond, Surrey (1551) to John Dudley (1526 – 1554), Viscount Lisle and first Earl of Warwick, the wedding being attended by Edward VI. The Duke of Northumberland had arranged the marriage in an attempt to connect himself with the Seymour family, and thus the throne. There were no children.
Lady Warwick was quickly remarried (1555) at Hatford, Berkshire, to Sir Edward Unton (c1522 – 1582), to whom she bore seven children, includinh Elizabeth Unton (c1565 – 1594) who became the first wife of Edward, third Baron Cromwell (1560 – 1607), the grandson of Thomas Cromwell, Lord Chancellor of Henry VIII. From 1566 her mind began to deteriorate and at the time of her death she was described as ‘a lunatic, enjoying lucid intervals.’ Lady Warwick died (Feb, 1587) aged fifty and was buried at Faringdon, Berkshire. Her funeral sermon survived and was published in London in the late Victorian era as Of a Sermon Preached at Faringdon, Berkshire, the seventeene daye of Februarie, 1587, at the buriall of Anne, countess of Warwick, widow of Sir Edward Vmpton (1891).

Warwick, Catharine de Mortimer, Countess of – (c1314 – 1369)
English Plantagenet courtier
Lady Catharine de Mortimer was one of the younger daughters of Roger Mortimer, first Earl of March, the infamous lover of Queen Isabella, the wife of Edward II, and of his rich French wife Joan (Jeanne), the daughter of Piers de Geneville (Joinville). Catharine was married (1325) to Thomas de Beauchamp (1314 – 1369), third Earl of Warwick, the union having been previously arranged during her earliest childhood (1319), and bore him many children. The countess was a prominent figure at the court of Edward III and his queen, Philippa of Hainault, and stood godmother to their granddaughter, Philippa of Clarence (1355). The countess left seventeen children including Thomas de Beauchamp (c1343 – 1401), who succeeded his father as fourth Earl of Warwick (1369 – 1401) and William de Beauchamp (1344 – 1411), first Baron Abergavenny, both of whom left many descendants. Her youngest daughter, Lady Catharine de Beauchamp, became a nun at the convent of Wroxhall in Warwickshire. Lady Warwick died (before Sept 6 in 1369) and was buried in the Church of St Mary, Warwick.

Warwick, Cecily Neville, Duchess of    see   Neville, Cecily (2)

Warwick, Daisy Maynard, Countess of – (1861 – 1938)
British socialist and author
Frances Evelyn Maynard was born (Dec 10, 1861) in Berkeley Square, London, the daughter of Colonel Charles Maynard, and his wife Blanche Adeliza Fitzroy (later Countess of Rosslyn). She inherited the vast estates of her paternal grandfather, Viscount Maynard, at the age of four (1865). She became a famous beauty, and refused the offer of marriage made her by Prince Leopold, the youngest son of Queen Victoria. Instead she was married (1881) to Francis Greville, Lord Brooke, the son and heir of the fourth earl of Warwick, whom he succeeded in 1893. She was long a popular member of the Marlborough House coterie that surrounded the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Daisy indulged in a laision with the prince of several years standing, though her gossiping and familiarity incurred the displeasure and dislike of Princess Alexandra, and she became popularly known as ‘the babbling Brooke.’
The countess incurred the criticism of the socialist newspaper The Clarion, after she gave an extravagant entertainment at Warwick Castle (1895). This censure led to her meeting the newspaper’s editor, Robert Blatchford, which in turn led the countess to embrace her own form of socialism. She established hostels to accommodate rural working women, and schools for children, and established a college at Studely Castle, in Warwickshire. She established and organised the Women’s Agricultural Times periodical (1899) and later joined the Social Democratic Federation (1904). She supported the 1912 dock strike, and performed Red Cross work during World War I (1914 – 1918). Becoming involved in Labour politics, the countess stood for Warwick and Leamington against her relative, Sir Anthony Eden (1923), but was defeated. Widowed the same year, Daisy lost much of her income and was forced to rely on her writing to survive. Her works included A Woman and the War (1916), two volumes of autobiography Life’s Ebb and Flow (1929) and Afterthought (1931), and the novel Branch Line (1932). She was also the author of the historical work Warwick Castle and its Earls (1903). Lady Warwick (July 26, 1938) died at Easton Lodge, aged seventy-six. She was portrayed by actress Carolyn Seymour in the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) series Edward VII (1975) with Timothy West in the title role.

Warwick, Elizabeth Tailboys, Countess of    see   Tailboys, Elizabeth

Warwick, Frances Hatton, Countess of – (1590 – 1623)
English Stuart peeress
Frances Hatton was the first wife of Robert, Lord Rich (1587 – 1658), to whom she bore five children.When Rich succeeded his father to the earldom of Warwick, as second Earl (1619 – 1658) Lady Frances became the Countess of Warwick (1619 – 1623). Her husband married twice more after her death, but these unions remained childless. Frances was the mother of all his children. They were,

• Lady Anne Rich (1607 – 1642). She became the second wife of Edward Montagu (1602 – 1671), second Earl of Manchester.
• Lady Elizabeth Rich (c1609 – after 1658). She became the wife of Sir Lancelot Lake (died 1680), of Canons, and left issue.
• Robert Rich (1611 – 1659). He briefly succeeded his father as third Earl of Warwick (1658 – 1659), but was survived by only three daughters.
• Lady Lucy Rich (1614 – before 1646). She became the first wife of John Robartes (1606 – 1685), second Baron Robartes of Truro, and left issue. He became first Earl of Radnor after her death.
• Charles Rich (1616 – 1673). He succeeded his brother Robert as fourth Earl of Warwick (1659 – 1673) but left no heir at his death. The earldom passed to his kinsman, Robert Rich, second Earl of Holland, who became fifth Earl of Warwick (1673 – 1675) and left descendants.

Warwick, Mary Boyle, Countess of – (1625 – 1678)
English autobiographer
Lady Mary Boyle was born (Nov 8, 1625) at Youghal, the seventh daughter of Richard Boyle (1566 – 1643), first Earl of Cork and his wife Catherine, the daughter of Sir Geoffrey Fenton. She was sister to Lady Katherine Jones and was married to Charles Rich, earl of Warwick.  Her father later took her to England (1638) where a proposed match with James Hamilton, viscount Clandeboyne fell through. She married Charles Rich (1616 – 1673) secretly at Shepparton (1641) in defiance of her father, who disdained Rich’s lack of fortune. Her father was later reconciled through the offices of friends and granted Mary a considerable dowry. The couple resided mainly at the Warwick seat of Leighs Priory, near Felsted, Essex, where Lady Mary endeared herself to her new family, and was visited by various Puritan divines and clergyman. Charles Rich later succeeded his brother as fourth Earl of Pembroke (1659). Their daughter Elizabeth Rich (1642 – 1643) died young, whilst their son Charles, Lord Rich (1643 – 1664) died childless before his father. His widow, Anne Cavendish (1644 – 1703) was remarried to John Cecil, fifth Earl of Exeter. Lady Pembroke received control of the entire family estate at her husband’s death (1673). She kept a diary (1666 – 1677) and wrote the devotional work Occasional Meditations. Both of these passed into the keeping of her chaplain and were later acquired by the British Museum (1866). The Dowager Countess of Warwick died (April 12, 1678) at Leighs Priory, aged fifty-two, and was buried at Felsted.

Waser, Anna – (1678 – 1703)
German painter
Anna Waser was born in Zurich, Switzerland, and was trained as an artist from an early age becoming a talented child prodigy. She produced her own self-portrait at the age of twelve (1691), and was a talented miniature painter, which gained her many commissions from the courts of Germany, Holland, and England. Anna Waser died aged twenty-four, as the result of an accident.

Waser, Maria – (1878 – 1939)
Swiss novelist
Maria Waser wrote in German, and produced both works of fiction and essays concerning the history of art. Her best known work was the historical novel Geschichte der Anna Waser (The Story of Anna Waser) (1913), concerning the life of the seventeenth century Swiss painter.

Washington, Amphyllis – (1601 – 1654)
English heiress and colonial ancestor
Amphyllis Twigden was baptized (Feb 2, 1601) at Spratton in Northampton, the daughter and coheiress of John Twigden of Little Creaton in Northampton and his wife Anne Dickens. With her father’s death her mother remarried to Andrew Knowling of Tring in Hertford. Amphyllis was married (1633) to the Reverend Lawrence Washington (1602 – 1653), Rector of Purleigh in Essex to whom she bore six children. When her husband was ejected from his living because of his association to the Royalist cause, he was granted that of Little Braxted near Maldon in Essex (1643). During this time Mrs Washington and her children remained resident at Tring, under the protection of her stepfather Andrew Knowling. Knowling bequeathed his property at Tring to Amphyllis’s second son Lawrence Washington, to whom he had been godfather. Widowed in 1653 Amphyllis did not long survive her husband. Through her eldest son Amphyllis was the direct ancestor of George Washington (1732 – 1799), the first President of the USA (1789 – 1797). Mrs Washington was buried (Jan 12, 1654) at Tring, aged fifty-two. Her children were,

• Colonel John Washington (1634 – 1677). He immigrated to America (1656) and was married twice and left issue.
• Lawrence Washington (1635 – 1677). He became a merchant in London and in Virginia. He married twice and left descendants in England and the USA.
• Elizabeth Washington (1636 – after 1697). She became Mrs Rumbold in England.
• Margaret Washington (c1639 – after 1697). She was married to George Talbot of st Giles-in-the-Fields, London.
• William Washington (1641 – after 1653). He was apprenticed as a weaver.
• Martha Washington (1642 – 1697). She was married to Samuel Hayward, the Clerk of Stafford County in Virginia.

Washington, Dinah – (1924 – 1963)  
American jazz vocalist and rhythmn and blues singer
Born Ruth Jones (Aug 29, 1924 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she joined the Sara Martin Gospel Singers, but was increasingly drawn to jazz, and joined the band organized by Lionel Hampton (1943), adopting the stage name Dinah Washington, making recordings under that name. Washington later battled with alcoholism. Dinah Washington died (Dec 14, 1963) in Detroit, Michigan, aged only thirty-eight.

Washington, Ella – (fl. 1864)
Southern American war diarist
Ella Washington was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner from Nanover County, Virginia. Ella kept a personal diary (May – June, 1864) of her experiences of the civil war, which was written whilst living at the family home. This was later edited and published posthumously in the Civil War Times Illustrated as ‘An Army of Devils : The Diary of Ella Washington (1978).

Washington, Margaret – (1865 – 1925)
Black American clubwoman and educator
Margaret Washington graduated from Fiske University (1889), and became a teacher at the Tuskeegee Institute. She married (1893) the institute’s president, Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856 – 1915) as his third wife. Margaret was the founder and first president of the Tuskeegee Women’s Club, and was also the founder of the National Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. It was largely due to her forceful and determined campaigning that this federation later merged with the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, at the inception of that organization (1896).

Washington, Martha Dandridge – (1731 – 1802)
First American presidential wife (1789 – 1797)
Martha Dandridge was married firstly to Colonel Daniel Parke Custis (1718 – 1757), to whom she bore four children. Martha was married secondly to the first American president, George Washington (1732 – 1799), whom she survived. Washington adopted her own children as his heirs, though they retained their father’s surname. Her correspondence survives. Martha Washington was the great-grandmother-in-law of the famous Confederate governor, Robert E. Lee (1807 – 1870).

Washington, Ora – (1898 – 1971)
Black American tennis player
Ora Washington was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and won nine singles championships and seven straight doubles titles in the all-black American Tennis Association. Her tennis skillwas such that Ora eventually retired, so as not to discourage younger, promising players, who did not wish to take her on. Despite her obvious tennis skills, Ora was also a skilful basket ball player, and was eighteen seasons with the Philadelphia Tribune team, which successfully toured America. Outstandingly talented in a time of racial discrimination, the low pay for professional sports at the time forced her to become a domestic servant in Washington to make ends meet. She died in Germantown, Pennsylvania, having provided tennis coaching to local talent.

Wasserstein, Wendy – (1950 – 2006)
American dramatist
Wendy Wasserstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was the younger sister to Sandra Wasserstein Meyer, the advertising executive. She was educated at Mount Holyoke College and at the Yale Drama School. Her early written work included stage plays such as Any Woman Can’t (1974), which dealt with the problems experienced by a modern career woman, and she adpted for the stage, the famous spoof on beauty contests entitled When Dinah Shore Ruled the Earth (1975), which had been written by Christopher Durang. Other works such as Uncommon Women and Others (1977) dealt with the lives of contemporary New York women. Wendy Wasserstein was awarded the Pulitzer Prize (1989) for her popular feminist play The Heidi Chronicles (1988) and also wrote the very popular Broadway hit The Sisters Rosensweig (1990).

Wasservas, Baronne de   see   Lannoy, Ferdinande Eleonore de

Wassiltchikova, Maria    see   Vassiltchikova, Marie Ilarionovna

Wassmandsdorf, Joyce see Lansing, Joi

Watanabe, Yoko – (1953 – 2004)
Japanese soprano
Yoko Watanabe was especially famous for her performances of Madame Butterfly throughout Europe. Watanabe accumulated a large and varied repertoire of operatic roles which included Margeurite in Theodore Gounod’s, Faust, and Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra. Yoko Watanabe died (July 15, 2004) in Milan, Lombardy, Italy, aged fifty-one.

Watanna, Onoko    see   Eaton, Winnifred

Waterfield, Lina – (1874 – 1964)
British journalist and author
Lina Duff-Gordon was the only child of Sir Maurice Duff Gordon, baronet, of Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, and his wife Frances Waterton. She was educated at the convent of the Sacred Heart at Brighton, and at the Sacre Coeur convent in Paris. Her later education was completed in Florence under the direction of her aunt. She became the wife of the artist Aubrey Waterfield. During World War I she organized the British Mission in the Tuscany region, and was elected a member of the Perugia Academy. Waterfield served as Italian correspondent for The Observer (1921 – 1935) and then as foreign correspondent for the Kemsley Presss (1946 – 1950). She was awarded the OBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Her written works included The Story of Perugia, which was co-written with Margaret Vaughan, The Story of Assisi, The Story of Rome, Home Life in Italy and her autobiography Castle in Italy. Lina Waterfield died (Nov 27, 1964) aged ninety, at Eastry, Kent.

Waterford, Louisa Stuart, Marchioness of – (1818 – 1891)
British painter
Louisa Stuart was born (April 14, 1818) at the British Embassy in Paris, the daughter of Charles Stuart, Lord Stuart de Rothesay, and his wife Lady Elizabeth Margaret Yorke, the daughter of Philip, third Earl of Hardwicke. Possessed of great beauty, Louisa was married (1842) at the Royal Chapel, Whitehall Palace, London, to Henry de La Poer Beresford (1811 – 1859), third marquess of Waterford. The marriage remained childless. Her husband died in a hunting accident, and by the terms of his will, Lady Waterford received Ford Castle in Northumberland, and other estates for life. She also inherited High Cliffe and other properties in Hampshire from her mother, Lady Stuart de Rothesay. Lord George Lyttelton tentatively suggested marriage in 1861, but was politely refused. An artist of some merit, details of Lady Waterford’s career in this field was provided in A. Hare’s work Two Noble Lives, a joint biography of Lady Waterford and her sister Charlotte, Lady Canning, the vicereine of India. She was painted by G.F. Watts prior to her marriage, whilst a three-quarter length portrait was produced by Sir George Hayter. Lady Waterford died (May 12, 1891) aged seventy-three, at Ford Castle.

Waters, Elizabeth Hannah – (1909 – 1993)
American dancer
Elizabeth Waters was born at Salem in Oregon, and was educated in Colorado. She studied dance under Ruth St Denis, becoming her maid, and then personal assistant. She continued her education under Hanya Holm at the American Wigman School in New York. Waters later became personal assistant to Holm at the Bennington School of Dance in Vermont, and later established her own dance company, Dancers en Route, with Alwin Nikolais (1940). After the war she became a teacher at the University of New Mexico (1946 – 1973) and founded the university’s dance program. Elizabeth Waters died (June 5, 1993) aged eighty-three, in Echo Canyon, New Mexico.

Waters, Ethel – (1896 – 1977)
Black American actress and vocalist
Born Ethel Howard in Chester, Pennsylvania, she began her early career as a vaudeville performer and nightclub singer, achieving fame for her renditions of ‘St Louis Blues,’ ‘Dinah’ and the famous ‘Stormy Weather.’ Ethel Waters made appearances on the Broadway stage in productions such as As Thousands Cheer (1933), At Home Abroad (1935), Cabin in the Sky (1940), The Member of the Wedding (1950). She received Oscar nominations for best supporting actress in the film Pinky (1949), and the film version of The Member of the Wedding (1952). Later in her career Waters became involved with the evangelistic crusades of Billy Graham and produced her autobiography His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1951). Ethel Waters died (Sept 1, 1977) aged eighty-one, at Chatsworth, near Los Angeles, California.

Waterston, Jane Elizabeth – (1843 – 1933) 
Scottish missionary, educator and physician
Jane Waterston was born in Inverness. She became a missionary with the Free Church of Scotland and was sent to South Africa, where she was appointed as headmistress of the girls’ school at Lovedale (1866 – 1873). When her first appointment was completed Waterston travelled to Europe and trained as a doctor. She was then appointed as assistant to Robert Laws at Livingstonia, and became popularly known as Noqataka (‘mother of activity’) but the two did not get on. Jane later established herself in private practive in Cape Town (1883). During the latter part of her life she became actively involved in politics. Her four decade personal correspondence with James Stewart, the principal of the Lovedale Institution in the Cape were edited and published posthumously in Cape Town as The Letters of Jane Elizabeth Waterston, 1866 – 1905 (1983).

Waterstreet, Mary   see   James, Bessie Rowland

Watkins, Ann Kirkham – (1813 – 1885)
British Quaker diarist
Ann Watkins became a minister within the Society of Friends. Her personal correspondence, and extracts from her private journal and unpublished autobiography were edited and published posthumously at Ipswich in Suffolk as Excerpts from the Memoranda and Letters of Ann Watkins, a Minister of the Society of Friends (1888)

Watkins, Margaret – (1884 – 1969)
Canadian photographer
Born Meta Gladys Watkins in Hamilton, Ontario, she was the daughter of Scottish emigrants. Margaret studied at the Clarence Whote School of Photography in New York, and later becama teacher there. She opened her own studio in New York, and she specialised in providing advertising campaigns for major New York companies. Watkins produced portraits and nude studies, and still-lifes of ordinary subjects such as Kitchen Sink and Domestic Symphony (1919). Margaret Watkins was appointed the resident Vice-President of the Pictorial Photographers of America (1926). She travelled to Scotland in 1928 to visit maternal relatives and remained in Glasgow till her death, though she continued to travel in Europe and Russia. Her work remained largely unappreciated during her lifetime and was rediscovered by the executor of her estate, Joseph Mulholland, who arranged several posthumous exhibitions.

Watson, Alexandra Mary Cadogan – (1872 – 1936)
British physician
Alexandra Watson was born (May 31, 1872) and remained unmarried. She was appointed to serve during the latter part of WW I (1917 – 1918) as the first WAAC (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps). For this service she was appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1917). Alexandra Watson died (Aug 7, 1936) aged sixty-four.

Watson, Angele – (1886 – 1980)
Belgian-American painter
Angele Watson’s paintings recevied praise from New York art critics throughout the1920’s and 1930’s, and her works were exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. American critic such as Edward Alden Jewell and Howard Devree were much taken with her still-life paintings. She moved to American permanently (1926) and married Benjamin Philip Watson, a professor of obsterics and gynaecology the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. During WW II Angele became closely involved with war relief activities in her homeland of Belgium, founding, organizing and administrating a forty-seven chapter relief organization. The Prince-Regent Charles, Count of Flanders, appointed her a Chevalier of the Order of King Leopold I (1946) Belgium’s highest decoration.

Watson, Henrietta – (1873 – 1964)
British actress
Henrietta Watson was born in Dundee, Scotland. After an early professional stage career, Watson later appearedin films, both silent and sound. Her first film appearance was in the role of Lady Crichton in Driven (1916), which was released in the USA as Desperation, and she continued to play aristocratic and ladylike roles throughout her career, including Aunt Priscilla in Bookworms (1920), the Countess of Knightbridge in Brown Sugar (1922), Lady Laverack in Miriam Rozella (1924), Lady Paget in Creeping Shadows (1931), which was released in the USA as The Limping Man, Lady Anne Rollestone in The Pointing Finger (1934), and Donna Claricia in The Cardinal (1936). Her last film appearance in The Four Just Men (1939) was uncredited. Henrietta Watson died (Sept 29, 1964) aged ninety-one, in London.

Watson, Janet Vida – (1923 – 1985)
Scottish geologist
Janet Watson was born in London the daughter of the noted palaeontologist, David Watson. She was educated at Reading University and then at the Imperial College in London, and immersed herself in the detailed study of crystalline basement rocks. After her marriage (1949) with fellow student John Sutton, the couple worked as a research team. The couple co-wrote an important classic paper concerning the Lewisian basement of north-west Scotland (1951). Watson was the first woman to be appointed as president of the Geological Society of London (1982 – 1984).

Watson, Lucile – (1879 – 1962)
Canadian-American stage and film actress
Watson was born (May 27, 1879) in Quebec, and was educated by nuns. She trained for the stage at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and became a leading stage actress on Broadway for many years before appearing in films. She was married to the dramatist Louis Shipman (died 1934). Her movie credits included What Every Woman Knows (1934), The Garden of Allah (1936), The Women (1939) as Mrs Moorehead, the mother of Mary Haines, played by Norma Shearer, Waterloo Bridge (1940) as Vivien Leigh’s prospective aristocratic mother-in-law and Watch on the Rhine (1943) in which she played the mother of Bette Davis, and for which performance she was nominated for an Academy Award. A highly talented character actress who usually appeared as imperious, but kindly and wise dowager or society matrons, her other movie credits included The Razor’s Edge (1946), Song of the South (1946), The Emperor’s Waltz (1948), Little Women (1949) and Harriet Craig (1950) with Joan Crawford, in which she played Celia Fenwick. Her last screen appearance was in My Forbidden Past (1951) after which she retired from films.

Watson, Natalie Brown – (1902 – 1976)
American educator and author
Natalie Brown was born in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, the daughter of J.E. Brown. She graduated from Blue Mountain College (1923) and was married to Wyatt Watson. Natalie later obtained her teaching degree in English from the George Peabody College (1948), and taught English and music for over twenty-five years at Blue Mountain and at Perkinston Junior College in Mississippi. She was the author of Blue and Gray Together: Stories, Short Sketches, and Poems (1954). Natalie Watson died (June 4, 1976) aged seventy-three.

Watson, Rheatha    see   La Marr, Barbara

Watson-Watt, Dame Katherine Jane Trefusis – (1899 – 1971)
British WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) director
Born Katherine Forbes (March 21, 1899) in Chile, South America, she was the daughter of an engineer, Edmund Batten Forbes (1847 – 1924), and his wife Charlotte Agnes Wauchop, the daughter of Major-General Robert Adam Wauchop. During WW I she served with the WVR (Women’s Volunteer Reserve) (1916 – 1918). Together with Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan and Lady Trenchard she co-founded the Emergency Service (1935) which undertook the training of officers for the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service). Katherine was then appointed as the first director of the WAAF (1939) and later Commandant (1943). She was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by King George VI (1944) in recognition of her valuable service. Dame Katherine retired in 1944 then served with the Control Commission in Germany after the war (1946 – 1948). Dame Katherine was later married (1966) to Sir Robert-Watson-Watt.

Watt, Elizabeth Mary – (1886 – 1954)
Scottish painter
Elizabeth Watt was born in Dundee and studied at the Glasgow Art School (1906 – 1917). Watt was best known for her portraits of children, and studies of flowers and landscapes, all executed in watercolours. She also achieved popular recognition with her painted wooden boxes, and her use of ceramic design, which utilized both abstract and children’s fairyland themes.

Watt, Dame Katherine Christie – (1885 – 1963)
Scottish nurse
Katherine Watt was born in Glasgow, the daughter of James Christie Watt, and was educated there. She received general nursing training at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, and trained in midwifery at the Middlesex Hospital, in London. Watt was a founding member of the College of Nursing, and served with military hospital duing World War I (1916 – 1919). After the war, Watt became a sister with Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nusring Service, later serving as matron (1922 – 1930) and matron-in-chief (1930 – 1938). Upon retirement she was appointed the Principal Matron of the ministry of Health (1939), and then Chief Nursing Officer (1941). Watt received the Royal Red Cross medal (1930), and was appointed CBE (1935), and then DBE (Dame Commande of the British Empire) by King George VI at the end of the war (1945), in recognition of her service. Dame Katherine Watt died (Nov 1, 1963) aged seventy-eight, in London.

Watt, Margaret Rose – (1868 – 1948) 
British Women’s Institute founder
Margaret Watt was born in Canada, the daughter of a judge. She was married to Alfred Tennyson Watt, a British medical officer, to whom she bore two sons. With her husband’s death (1913) she returned to England and established the first WI (Women’s Institute) (1915), which organization quickly spread throughout Britain. For this valuable voluntary work she was appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire) by King George V (1919). She later established the ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) (1930) and served as president of that organization until her retirement (1947).

Watts, Susanna – (1768 – 1842)
British writer
Susanna Watts was baptized (July 5, 1768) at Leicester. The death of her father when she was a child necessitated Susanna to become a translator of French and Italian in order to support the family. She remained unmarried. Her published works included Chinese Maxims, Translated from the Oeconomy of Human Life. Into Heroic Verse (1784), written by Robert Dodsley, and translations of verses by Torquato Tasso. She also published the collection of verse Original Poems, and Translations, Particularly Ambra. From Lorenzo de Medici (1802). Her travel guide entitled A Walk Through Leicester (1804) was published anonymously. Watts later taught school with Elizabeth Heyrick, and wrote the periodical against the evils of slavery The Humming Bird (1824 – 1825). Her collections of verse were Hymns and Poems (1842) and The Selector (1823), an anthology for children. Susanna Watts died (Feb 11, 1842) aged seventy-three, at Leicester.

Watts Russell, Elizabeth Rose Rebecca – (c1833 – 1905)
New Zealand civic leader and philanthropist
Born Elizabeth Bradshaw in Ireland, she was married in England (c1850) to John Charles Watts Russell, from a wealthy Staffordshire family. The marriage remained childless. The couple immigrated to Lyttelton, near Christchurch, aboard the Sir George Seymour (1850), and they were both very nearly drowned during their landing. They established their own farm at Lyttelton, where they moved freely in Canterbury society. After a return trip to England (1856 – 1858), the couple completely rebuilt their mansion, Ilam, in the English style, where Elizabeth entertained in some style. Mrs Watts Russell became involved in local philanthropic and charitable activities, and assisted with the establishment of the Christchurch Female Home, a hostel for servants (1863). With her husband’s death (1875) the estate of Ilam passed to her. She returned to England, where she remarried to her husband’s former station manager, Alfred Creyke. Elizabeth never returned to New Zealand. She was widowed a second time in 1893. Elizabeth Watts Russell died (Oct 7, 1905) at Horsham, Sussex.

Wavell, Eugenie Marie Quirk, Countess – (1887 – 1987)
British Vicereine of India
Eugenie Quirk was the daughter of a soldier, Colonel John Owen Quirk. She became the wife (1915) of Field Marshal Archibald Percy Wavell (1883 – 1950), who later became the first Earl Wavell, and to whom she bore three surviving daughters. Their only son, the second Earl Wavell, died childless (1953). Lady Wavell accompanied her husband to India when he served as viceroy (1943 – 1947) and met important Indian leaders such as Govinda Vallah Pant and Quaid-I-Azam with her husband at Simla. Lady Wavell also addressed meetings of the Simla district Muslim League and for her public service there she was the CI (Imperial Order of the Crown of India) by King George VI. After the death of her husband she was a patron of the International Sportsmen’s Club. Her correspondence with the author David H. Walker and with Sir Sydney Carlyle Cockerell (1935 – 1958) survives. She survived her husband for almost four decades as the Dowager Countess Wavell (1950 – 1987). Countess Wavell died (Oct 11, 1987) aged one hundred.

Waverley, Ava Bodley, Lady – (1896 – 1974)
British ballet patron
Ava Bodley was born (Dec, 1896), and received her education abroad in France. She became the wife (1925) of the noted diplomat, Ralph Follett Wigram, and with his death (1936) she remarried (1941) to Sir John Anderson (1882 – 1958) as his second wife. He was created Viscount Waverley of Westdean by King George VI (1957). Ava Waverley became a member of the governing council of the Dockland Settlement in London, and was a trustee of the Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund. She was also one of the official ‘Friends of Covent Garden’organization. Lady Waverley died (Dec 22, 1974).

Way, Christine Stella – (1895 – 1975)
British Girl Guide activist
Born Christine Humphrey (July 26, 1895) into a prominent Montgomeryshire family, she was educated at Chislehurst and then became the wife (1932) of Captain Bromley Way (died 1968), to whom she bore two children. Christine way served as secretary for the Girl guides in Montgomeryshire before serving almost two decades as county commissioner (1930 – 1947). She was appointed as the high sheriff of Montgomeryshire (1943), and served with the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) as a nurse during WW II. Christine Way died (Jan 27, 1975) aged seventy-nine.

Wayman, Eunice Kathleen    see   Simone, Nina

Wazela    see   Azzela of Lorraine

Wearing, Catherine – (1966 – 2007)
British television drama producer
Wearing was born (Jan 9, 1967), the daughter of a BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) official, Michael Wearing, and worked as a drama producer for the BBC. She was later employed (2007) with the independent television company, Leopardrama. Wearing was best known for the television adaption of Our Mutual Friend (1999) by Charles Dickens, which received a Bafta award for best serial drama. Catherine Wearing died (Dec 31, 2007) aged forty-one, in Grenada, Spain.

Weaver, Edith Haith – (1911 – 1991)
Black American speech therapist
Edith Haith graduated from Carnegie Tech (1932) and taught in the speech departments of Roosevelt College, in Chicago, Howard University in Washington, and Brooklyn College. Edith Haith gained her degree her in speech correction, audiology and lingustics from Northwestern University (1949), becoming the first black woman to earn her doctorate in that field. She married Robert C. Weaver, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and served a consultant to the Women’s Job Corps, the National Advisory Research Council of the Institute of Dental Research and the Children’s Hearing and Speech Center.  Edith Haith Weaver died died (Aug 10, 1991) of emphysema in Manhattan, New York, aged eighty.

Weaver, Gertrude – (1857 – 1926)
British novelist
Gertrude Dunn was the daughter of John Thomas Renton, of Bradstone Brook. She was educated at a private school in Frankfurt-am-Main, in Germany, and she later taught in private schools in Paris and London. She married firstly Henry Colmore Dunn, a barrister and fencing author, and secondly, Harold Baillie Weaver, another barrister. Weaver was the author of several novels, stories, and biographical works, sometimes using the pseudonym ‘Gertrude Colmore.’ Her works included Concerning Oliver Knox (1888), A Valley of Shadows (1892), The Strange Story of Hester Wynne (1899), Priests of Progress (1908), Suffragette Sally (1911), The Life of Emily Davison: an Outline (1913) and The Thunderbolt (1919), amongst many others. She also published a collection of verse entitled Poems of Love and Life (1896). Gertrude Weaver died (Nov 26, 1926) at Wimbledon, London.

Webb, Aileen Osborn – (1892 – 1979)
American organization official
Born (June 25, 1892), Aileen Osborn was the founder (1943) and chairman (1958 – 1976) of the American Craftsmen’s Council, and assisted with the establishment of Craft Horizons magazine (1941). Aileen Webb worked to establish the School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, New york (1945) and the World Crafts Council (1964). Aileen Webb died (Aug 15, 1979) aged eighty-seven, in Garrison, New York.

Webb, Beatrice – (1858 – 1943)
British socialist and reformer
Martha Beatrice Potter was born at Standish House in Gloucester, the daughter of the railway magnate Richard Potter. Privately educated, her early expectation of marrying the Liberal statesman Joseph Chamberlain did not materialize (1883), and Beatrice turned her attention and energy to social work and reform in London. She carefully researched the life of the working class in London, becoming a visitor with the Charity Organization Society and became familiarized with their way of life, their organizations and trade unions. She worked with reformer Charles Booth, who sent Beatrice to the East Ends docks to observe working conditions there. Realizing that the real causes of poverty could only be addressed through information and education, she did extensive research into the economic conditions of the working class and their labour unions. Beatrice was the author of The Co-operative Movement in Great Britain (1891) and Factory Acts (1901). She married (1892) Sidney James Webb (1859 – 1941) (later Lord Passfield), an early member of the Fabian Society, and the two became a dedicated working partnership, advocating a radical approach to social reform. They co-wrote the History of Trade Unionism (1894), Industrial Democracy (1897), the nine volume series English Local Government (1906 – 1929) and Decay of Capitalist Civilisation (1923). Beatrice and Sidney established the London School of Economics and Political Science (1895) and were able to influence every level of society. Between them they investigated social conditions, produced over one hundred books, pamphlets and articles, campaigned for improved labour conditions, health regulations, and the right of trade unions to organize and protect the interests of their members. They actively supported the Labour Party from 1914, and Sidney ultimately became an MP (1922). Much impressed by the re-organization of Russian society after a visit to the country the couple wrote Soviet Communism: A New Civilization? (1935).

Webb, Catherine – (1859 – 1947) 
British co-operative leader
Catherine Webb founded the Battersea branch of the Women’s Co-Operative Guild in London (1886) and served on the board of the Central Board of the Co-Operative Union. Webb was the editor of the co-operative publication Industrial Co-operation (1904) and wrote a history of the Guild entitled Women with a Basket (1927).

Webb, Mary Gladys – (1881 – 1927)
British novelist
Mary Meredith was born at Leighton Cressage, near the Wrekin in Shropshire, the daughter of George Meredith, a schoolmaster, and was, through her mother, Sarah Alice Scott of Edinburgh, a relative of Sir Walter Scott. Educated at home and at Southport, she married (1912) Henry Bertram Law Webb, himself a schoolmaster, and spent most of her life resident in Shropshire, spending her time writing and market gardening. Her best known works are the novels The Golden Arrow (1916) and Precious Bane (1924), for which she was awarded the Femina Vie-Heureuse Prize, and revealed her close and emotional observations of the concept of the ‘continuity’ of rural life, which has caused her work to be compared with that of novelist Thomas Hardy (1840 – 1928). Webb contributed articles to several newspapers and periodicals, and reviewed books for The Spectator, The English Review and The Statesman. Other works by Webb include a collection of nature essays The Spring of Joy (1917), and the novels Gone to Earth (1917), The House in Dormer Forest (1920) and Seven for a Secret (1922). Her melodramatic style was later parodied by Stella Gibbons in her Cold Comfort Farm (1932). Mary Webb died aged forty-six (Oct 8, 1927).

Webb, Millicent Vere – (1878 – 1969)
British physician and medical officer
Millicent Webb was born (Sept 15, 1878) at Coleshill, Warwickshire, the daughter of a physician, and was educated at the London School of Medicine for Women. She went to India as a missionary (1910), and was one of the original officers of the Women’s Medical service in India at its inception (1914). Millicent Webb served for seven years at the Dufferin Hospital in Calcutta (1914 – 1921) and then a further decade at the Principal Women’s Medical School in Agra (1921 – 1932) before being appointed as chief medical officer of the Women’s Medical Service. The last two years before her retirement (1938) were spent as superintendent of the Victoria Zenana Hospital, in Hyderabad. She was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind medal (1916) and the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1935) for her services to medicine. She remained unmarried. Millicent Vere Webb died at Maldon, Essex, aged ninety-one (Oct 3, 1969).

Weber, Aloysia – (1761 – 1839)
German soprano
Aloysia Weber was born at Zell, near Mannheim, the daughter of the musician Fridolin Weber and his wife Caecilia Stumm, and was the sister of Aloysia Weber, Sophie Weber, and of Constanze Mozart. She was the first cousin of the composer Karl Maria von Weber (1786 – 1826). The composer Mozart admired Aloysia but after her rejection of his suit he married her sister instead.
Her wrote several arias in her honour and created the role of Madame Herz in his Der Schauspieldirektor especially for her. Aloysia sang opera in Vienna (1779 – 1792) and later toured in concert. Her husband was the noted portraitist Joseph Lange. Aloysia Weber died (June 8, 1839) in Salzburg, Austria

Weber, Cecilia – (1727 – 1793) 
German pianist
Born Cecilia Stumm, she became the wife of the musician Fridolin Weber (1733 – 1779) whom she survived. She was the mother of several famous children, including the sopranos Aloysia and Josepha Weber, the pianist Sophie Weber, and of Constanze, the wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Weber, Constanze     see    Mozart, Constanze

Weber, Erna    see    Sack, Erna

Weber, Helene – (1881 – 1962)
German politician and feminist
Helene Weber was born at Eberfeld in the Rhineland region of Westphalia. She was studied and trained to be a schoolteacher, and was then employed for five years in a state school before leaving to continue her studies in Bonn  and at Grenoble in France. Weber was a member of the German Catholic Women’s Federation, and took over as director (1917) of their welfare school for women in Cologne the Soziale Frauenschule. Becoming involved in politics, Weber joined the ministry of Social Welfare in Prussia and was elected to represent the Zentrum Party in the National Assembly (1919 – 1933). She joined the Christian Democratic Party after the end of World War II, and her contributions were later publicly recognized when the government awarded her their highest civilian honour the Grosse Bundeverdiendstyren. Helene Weber died in Bonn.

Weber, Josepha – (1758 – 1820)
German soprano
Maria Josepha Weber was born (Sept 25, 1758) at Zell, near Mannheim, the daughter of Fridolin Weber and his wife Caecilia Stumm. She was the sister to Aloysia Weber, Sophie Weber, and to Constanze, the wife of Mozart, and studied under Rhigini before joining the opera in Vienna (1790). Wolfgang Mozart created the role of The Queen of the Night in his The Magic Flute especially for her, as well as the aria Schon lacht der holde Fruhling (1789). Both of her husbands were musicians, the first being the violinist Hofer, and the second the bass vocalist Sabastian Meyer. Josepha Weber died (Jan 30, 1820) in Vienna, aged sixty-one.

Weber, Lois – (1882 – 1939) 
American actress and film director
Lois Weber wrote and directed several silent films with her actor husband, Phillips Smalley before they established their own film company. She directed the film The Career of Waterloo Peterson (1913), a comedy which dealt with life in movie studios which was followed by the film Hypocrites (1915), which created a sensation because of the female nudity included. She made several films with the silent star Billie Dove (1901 – 1997) and her last directed work was the sound film White Heat (1934). Lois Weber died in Hollywood, California.

Weber, Sophie – (1764 – 1843)
German pianist
Sophie Weber was the youngest daughter of the violinist Fridolin Weber, and his wife Caecilia Stumm. She was the sister of Josepha and Aloysia Weber, and of Constanze, the wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She was cousin to Karl Maria Weber (1786 – 1826), the founder of the German national opera. She was married to the tenor Haibl. Sophie Weber died in Salzburg.

Webster, Amy Marjorie – (1901 – 1967)
British academic and scholar
Born Amy Dale, she was educated at Sheffield, and at Somerville College, Oxford. Employed as tutor at Lady Margaret Hall, with the outbreak of World War II, was seconded to the Foreign Office and later married Thomas Webster (1944). Webster was appointed reader in classics at Birkbeck College at the University of London (1952 – 1959), and was later appointed professor emeritus of Greek (1963 – 1967). She was the author of several classical publications such as The Lyric Metres of Greek Drama (1948), Euripides’ Alcestis (1954) and Euripides’ Helena (1967). Amy Webster died in London aged sixty-six (Feb 4, 1967).

Webster, Clara Vestris – (1821 – 1844) 
British dancer
Clara Webster was born in Bath, Somerset and was educated at home. She made her first stage appearance with her brother as a child (1830) and later appeared in theatres such as the Haymarket in London, and toured the counties and Dublin. Whilst performing on stage in The Revolt of the Harem (1844) she was accidentally burnt when her costume caught alight, and she died several days afterwards.

Webster, Dorothy Julia    see   Tester, Doll

Webster, Margaret – (1905 – 1972) 
British actress and theatre director
Margaret (Peggy) Webster was born into an acting family in New York. She made her first stage appearance at the age of twelve (1917) and later appeared as a member of the chorus in classical Greek dramas (1924). Margaret Webster travelled to England and worked in London, where she soon attracted critical attention. She later returned to the USA (1936), where she experimented with stage directing. She achieved great success when she cast the black actor Paul Robeson in the title role of Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway (1943), and then co-founded the American Repertory Company (1946) with Eva Le Gallienne and Cheryl Crawford. Margaret Webster was the first woman to ever direct an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

Webster, Mary Louise    see    Whitty, Dame May

Wedeen, Shirley Ullman – (1924 – 1992)
American academic and professor
Shirley Wedeen was born in New York and attended Brooklyn College and New York University, where she obtained a doctorate in psychology (1951). Shirley Wedeen taught classes at Brooklyn College and was later appointed as assistant to the dean of students (1966 – 1968). She established remedial reading classes at the City University (1961 – 1964) and was the author of several educational texts College Remedial Reader (1958) and Advanced College Reader (1963). Shirley Ullman Wedeen died (March 12, 1992) aged sixty-five, in Brooklyn.

Wedega, Dame Alice – (1905 – 1987)
Papuan politician and educator
Alice Wedega was born (Aug 20, 1905) at Ahioma, Milne Bay, in Papua New Guinea, and was raised in Kwato. She was educated by a British missionary, who had established a school in Kwato. Wedega abhorred the violence and practices such as head-hunting which survived amongst her people, and became determined to help eradicate them, by pursuing a policy of peaceful diplomacy and education. She entered politics and became the first female member of the House of Assembly of Papual and New Guineas (1961). In recognition of this service to her country she was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1982). Dame Alice Wedega died (Dec 3, 1987) aged eighty-two.

Wedel, Elisabeth Berard, Countess von – (1849 – after 1905)
German courtier
Elisabeth Berard was the wife of Count Hermann von Wedel, the Prussian governor of Alsace-Lorraine under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Seperating from her husband, Elisabeth took up a notorious career as a courtesan, and eventually became the mistress of the Kaiser, whp was ten years her junior (1885). When she was residing in Potsdam, the emperor presented her with a valuable diamond necklace as a token of his affections. Later she was installed in an apartment at Charlottenburg Castle. The affair lasted little over a year, after which the countess then successfully blackmailed her former lover, and published memoirs which publicized details of their liasion. Eventually she became mentally unbalanced and died a hopeless lunatic.

Wedgwood, Fanny – (1800 – 1889)
British letter writer and social reform supporter
Fanny Wedgwood was of the family of the noted painter, Sir Josiah Wedgwood. Over a period of some time she was close friend of fellow reformer and social philanthropist, Harriet Martineau. More than one hundred and twenty letters, addressed to Fanny from Harriet, and described as ‘meant for burning’ have survived, and were later edited and published as Harriet Martineau’s Letters to Fanny Wedgwood (1983).

Wedgwood, Dame Ivy Evelyn – (1896 – 1975)
Australian politician and senator
Ivy was born (Oct 18, 1896) in Victoria, and became the wife of Jack Kearns Wedgwood. Wedgwood was the first ever female senator appointed to serve the state of Victoria (1950 – 1971) during which time she also became the first woman to chair a Senate Committee (1968). She was appointed to head the Australian delegation to the Commonwealth Party Association Conference in New Delhi (1957) and served with the Joint Select Committee on New and Permanent Parliament House (1965 – 1971). Wedgwood was a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Health and Social Welfare (1970 – 1971). Dame Ivy Wedgwood died (July 24, 1975) aged seventy-eight.

Wedgwood, Julia – (1833 – 1913)
British writer
Julia Wedgwood was the daughter of Hensleigh Wedgwood, and was the niece of Charles Darwin. Her published works included An Old Debt, which was published under the pseudonym ‘Florence Dawson.’ Under her own name she published Life of John Wesley (1870), The Moral Ideal (1888), The Message of Israel (1894) and Nineteenth Century Teacher (1909). Julia remained unmarried. Julia Wedgwood died (Nov 26, 1913) aged eighty.

Wedgwood, Dame Veronica – (1910 – 1997)
British narrative historian and biographer
Cicely Veronica Wedgwood was born (July 20, 1910) at Stocksfield in Northumberland, the daughter of a railway manager, and was educated at Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University.  A highly regarded historian considered a specialist in seventeenth century history, particularly concerning Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Her contributions to history were publicly acknowledged when she was created DBE (Dame of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1968). She then became only the third woman to be appointed to the Order of Merit (1969). Veronica Wedgwood’s works included The Thirty Years War (1938), Oliver Cromwell (1939), William the Silent (1944) for which she was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial prize (1944), The Trial of Charles I (1964) and Milton and his World (1969). She also produced biographies of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford (1935) and the Marquess of Montrose (1955). Her last work was the first volume of The Spoils of Time:A World History From the Dawn of Civlization Through the Early Renaissance (1985), which remained uncompleted at her death. Dame Veronica Wedgwood died (March 9, 1997) in London, aged eighty-six.

Wedjebten     see     Udjebten

Weeda – (c658 – c740)
Anglo-Saxon nun and saint
Weeda was the daughter of Alchfrith of Northumbria, King of Deira, and his wife Cyneburga, the daughter of Penda, King of Mercia (626 – 654). Her two elder sisters served as successive abbesses of St Peter at Gloucester, and Weeda lived under their rule as a nun. She served as abbess during the last years of her life (735 – c740). Weeda was venerated as a saint (Dec 23 or 30).

Weede, Eberhardine von – (1682 – 1724)
German courtier
Baroness Eberhardine von Weede was born (Aug 9, 1682) at Grave, the daughter of Baron Johann George von Weede and his wife Agnes Margaretha von Middachten. Young and beautiful she attracted the attention of the widowed Prince Lepert of Anhalt-Bernburg-Shcaumburg-Hoym (1669 – 1727) who married her at Grave (1702). The marriage was not recognized by the Anhalt-Bernburg family and was considered to be morganatic. Known at the court as Madame von Weede Eberhardine died (Feb 13, 1724) aged forty-one, at Grave. Her children were considered legitimate and were granted the princely titles. Two of her children died in infancy. The surviving four were,

• Princess Charlotte Wilhelmina of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg (1704 – 1766). She became the Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse-Philipsthaal-Barchfeld (1692 – 1761).
• Prince Karl Joseph of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg (1706 – 1737). He remained unmarried.
• Princess Eberhardine Sophia of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg (1710 – 1784). She became the wife of Prince Christian of Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen (1700 – 1749).
• Prince Victor Lepert of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg (1711 – 1737). He remained unmarried.

Wegener, Einar     see   Elbe, Lili

Wei – (c155 – 91 BC)
Chinese empress
Wei was a member of a powerful clan, and became the second wife of the Emperor Wudi (ruled 141 – 87 BC). Her baneful influence over court politics lasted nearly fifty years, and the empress and her family became extremely unpopular because of their extravagances. The rivalry over the succession, which prevented Wudi from nominating an Imperial heir, erupted into open warfare (91 BC), when the powerful Li family attacked both the empress and her position. A five day battle ensued during which most of the empress’s family were annihilated, and she herself then committed suicide. Her eldest son Prince Liu Ju also committed suicide, and his son was to become the emperor Xuandi (91 – 49 BC).

Wei Fu-jen – (c272 – 350 AD) 
Chinese poet
Wei Fu-jen was the wife of Li Chun, governor of the province of Anhui. A talented calligrapher, she became highly honoured because of her craft, though most of her own work was lost during the period of anarchy which followed the demise of the Jin Dynasty (419 AD). She was the teacher of the greatest of the Chinese calligraphers Wang Hsi-Chih, and her personal fame in this field is celebrated in the Book of One Hundred Beauties.

Weigall, Rose Sophia Mary Fane, Lady – (1834 – 1921)
British publisher
Lady Rose Fane was second daughter of John Fane (1784 – 1859), the eleventh Earl of Westmorland, and his wife Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole, the daughter of William, Wellesley-Pole (1763 – 1845), third earl of Mornington. Lady Rose was married (1866) Henry Weigall (died 1925), of Southwood St Lawrence, the Isle of Thanet, to whom she bore seven children including Colonel Sir William Weigall, the Governor of South Australia. Lady Rose compiled, edited, and published the surviving correspondence of her mother, which was published as the Letters of Lady Burghersh, 1813 – 1814 (1893). Lady Burghersh (as she then was) wrote many letters to her uncle, the famous Duke of Wellington, and these were also published by Lady Weigall as Correspondence of Priscilla, Countess of Westmorland 1813 - 1870 (1909). Lady Weigall died (Feb 14, 1921) aged eighty-six, at Ramsgate.

Weigalls, Joan    see   Lindsay, Joan a’Beckett, Lady

Weigel, Helene – (1900 – 1972) 
Austrian actress and theatre manager
Helene Weigel made her stage debut in Frankfurt-am-Main and later travelled to Berlin in Prussia, in order to consolidate her acting career. There she met and married (1929) the author and dramatist Bertolt Brecht (1898 – 1956), achieving acclaim in the title role of his adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s famous play The Mother (1932). Weigel accompanied her husband into exile after the rise of the Nazi Reich (1933) and they remained in exile until after World War II, only returning in 1948. With her husband she co-founded and organized the Berliner Ensemble Theatre, which went on to achieve world wide fame. Weigel was best remembered for her role as Mother Courage in Mother Courage and her Children (1949) and continued to manage the theatre successfully after her husband’s death.

Weik, Mary Hays – (1898 – 1979)
American anti-nuclear activist, novelist and dramatist
Mary Weik was born in Greencastle, Indiana, the daughter of biographer Jesse W. Weik, and graduated from De Pauw University in Greencastle (1918). She was married (1925) to Joseph Grifalconi, from whom she was later divorced (1934). Having produced short stories and radio scripts, Mary edited a history of the New York City Fire Department. After the end of World War II, and the horrors of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Mary founded the American Fellowship of World Citizens, which campaigned to promote peace throughout international citizenship. In 1960 she organized the Committee to End Radiological Hazards, and for more than thirty-five years she published the Window on the World anti-nuclear newsletter. Mary wrote two novels, The Jazzman (1966) which was illustrated by her daughter Ann Grifalconi, and The House on Liberty Street (1973). She also produced a series of plays which traced the development of the American theater entitled The Scarlet Thread (1970). Mary Weik died in Manhattan, New York.

Weil, Simone – (1909 – 1943)
French social philosopher and mystic
Simone Weil was born (Feb 3, 1909) in Paris, the daughter of a wealthy Jewish physician. Well educated in philosophy, literature, and science, Weil taught at several rural academies, and wrote articles for socialist journals, whilst being employed in a car factory and as a cook for a Spanish anarchist group during the Civil War. Injured in a fire in Spain, she also contracted tuberculosis, and became heavily involved with the Catholic religion, having a series of mystical experiences, though she did not actually convert. Eventually she returned to Marseilles, in France, and then resettled in England, where she starved herself to death in Ashford, Kent (Aug 24, 1943), aged only thirty-four. Simone Weil’s written works were L’Attente de Dieu (Waiting for God) (1949), L’Enracinement (The Need for Roots) (1950), the two volume Cahiers (Notebooks) (1956) and Seventy Letters (1965), all published posthumously. Her prose style is notable for its lack of pretension and clarity of expression and meaning.

Weimar, Margeurite Josephine    see     George, Mlle

Weinberg, Carole Mills – (1954 – 1992)
American modeling agent
Carole Mills Boyce was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved to the USA with her family as a child. She attended the Northwestern University and worked as a model in Chicago, Illinois. Mills was married to William P. Weinberg. She then worked for a modeling agency in New York and became became the director of the casting department at the advertising company of Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn, where she specialized in casting for television commercials. With her husband Mrs Weinberg was part-owner and then consultant with the modeling company Wilhelmina International Limited. Carole Weinberg died (June 4, 1992) aged forty-nine, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Weindorfer, Kate Julia – (1863 – 1916)
British botanist and conservationist
Born Kate Cowe (July 19, 1863) at Cullenswood, Fingal, Tasmania, she was the daughter of an ironmonger and a schoolteacher. Her mother died (1890) and with the death of her father (1901) Kate removed to reside in Melbourne, Victoria. A devoted naturalist and collector of specimens, Kate was later married at the age of forty-two (1906) to the Austrian born Gustav Weindorfer (1874 – 1932), a decade her junior. They spent their five week honeymoon encamped at Mount Roland, near Sheffield, Tasmania, where they catalogued flora and fauna, and collected botanical and animal specimens. With her husband she made a trip to Cradle Mountain, where Kate purchased eighty hectares of land (1911). The couple built a private chalet named Waldheim on this land, and Kate managed the attached farm, the place being promoted for tourism by the Northern Tasmania Tourist Association (1913). Kate Weindorfer died (April 27, 1916) of heart disease. The chalet was later destroyed by fire (1976) but a replica was rebuilt and opened to the public.

Weiner, Annette Barbara – (1933 – 1997)
American anthropologist and author
Annette Cohen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Pennsylvania and Bryn Mawr College. She became a professor of anthropology at the New York University faculty (1981). She researched the pioneering studies concerning the place of women made by Bronislav Malinovski in the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea, and was the author of Women of Value, Men of Renown: New Perspectives in Trobriand Exchange (1976) and received the Distinguished Service Award of the American Anthropological Society (1997). Professor Weiner was a foundation member and president of the Societyu for Cultural Anthropology. Annette Weiner died (Dec 7, 1997) aged sixty-four, in Greewich Village, New York.

Weinstein, Hannah – (1911 – 1984)
American film and television producer and activist
Born Hannah Dormer in New York, she trained as a journalist and was attached to the New York Herald Tribune newspaper for almost two decades (1918 – 1937). Hannah was married (1938) to the reporter Peter Weinstein. She worked in Paris and London and produced a total of over four hundred films including the popular Robin Hood series. Weinstein later founded the Third World Cinema (1971) and produced such movies as Greased Lightning (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980). She was the recipient of the Women in Film Lifetime Award (1982).

Weintraub, Ruth – (1905 – 1997)
American educator
Ruth Weintraub was a pioneer supporter of graduate education for women. Weintraub was appointed a professor of political science at Hunter College, New York (1951 – 1972), and was the executive vice-president of the Academy for Educational Development in Manhattan (1978 – 1988).

Weir, Helen Stuart – (c1890 – 1969)
British sculpture and aritst
Exhibitions of Helen Weir's work were held at the Royal Academy, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the Royal Scottish Academy, and in Canada and Auckland in New Zealand. She received the gold medal for sculpture and had served as the acting president of the Society of Women Artists. She remained unmarried. Helen Weir died (Oct 15, 1969).

Weir, Molly – (1910 – 2004)
Scottish actress and writer
Mary Weir was born (March 17, 1910) in Glasgow, the sister of radio broadcadter Tom Weir. Molly studied shorthand in college before following her own desire to enter the the film industry, making her first movie appearance in 2000 Women (1944). Weir went on to appear in such famous films as Flesh and Blood (1951) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) but was best remembered for her character roles in such popular radio programs as ITMA (It’s Than Man Again) (1939 – 1949), Life with the Lyons in which she played the housekeeper, and as Hazel McWitch in the popular BBC children’s television series Rentaghost. Molly Weir was the author of several autobiographical works such as Shoes Were for Sunday (1970) and Best Foot Forward (1972). Molly Weir died (Nov 28, 2004) aged ninety-four.

Weisenfeld, Mildred Mosler – (1921 – 1997)
American activist for the blind
Weisenfeld was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Brooklyn College. At the age of fifteen (1936) Mildred was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease which would gradually worsen. Completely blind by 1946 she initially established the National Council to Combat Blindness which was name was soon changed to the Fight for Sight Inc. Receiving grants of over ten million dollars she became the chief organizer and executive director of Fight for Sight for five decades. Miss Weisenfeld raised funds to assist five eye clinics for children in New York and Pittsburgh and several other cities. During later years the organization sponsored research into modern advances in ocular science such as treatments for glaucoma, donated eye organs and lens implants. It was due to her campaigning that Congress created the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Blindness. Mildred Weisenfeld died (Dec 6, 1997) aged seventy-six, in Manhattan.

Weiss, Aline Pollitzer – (1896 – 1991)
American child welfare reformer
Aline Pollitzer was the daughter of Alice Kohn Pollitzer, a member of the first graduating class of Barnard College, and the sister of Margaret Pollitzer Hoben, co-founder of the Walden School. Aline was married to Louis Weiss, and served for many years as chairwoman of the Wiltwyck School for Boys and served on the board of the Northside Center for Child Development and the Encampment for Citizenship, a youth leadership development program. Together with her mother she fought hard to make the Federal Government concede that the oath of loyalty required to be signed by Medicare patients was unconstitutional (1967). Aline Weiss died (Aug 4, 1991) died in Stephentown, New York aged ninety-five.

Weiss, Louise – (1893 – 1983)
French feminist, pacifist, journalist and woman of letters
Louise Weiss was born in Arras and attended the Sorbonne in Paris and Oxford University in England. She organized a military hospital during WW I and then founded the popular political periodical L’Europe Nouvelle. She became a prominent campaigner for the female suffrage movement, and attracted much media attention. During WW II Weiss worked for the Resistance Movement. Louise Weiss published the novel La Marsellaise which was awarded the Literature Prize from the Academie Francais (1947), and also published several popular travel-logues. She protested against the exclusion of women from the French Academy (1974) and later served as a delegate to UNESCO (1979). Her personal reminiscences included the six volume work Memoires d’une Europeenne (1970 – 1976). Louise Weiss died in Paris.

Weiss, Margaret – (1922 – 1992)
American writer
Margaret Weiss attended Barnard College, and then became the associate editor of the American Mercury magazine. She was later employed as the editor of photography of the Saturday Review of Literature (1960 – 1979). She assisted with the organization of a series of photographic exhibitions of the work of Ivan Dmitri and was the author of several works concerning photography including Ben Shahn: Photographer (1973). Margaret Weiss died (March 23, 1992) aged sixty-nine, in New York.

Weiss, Maria del Rosario – (1814 – 1843)
Spanish painter
Her mother Leocadia Zorilla de Weiss was probably the mistress of artist Francisco Goya who was in all probability Rosario’s real father. From 1824 mother and daughter resided with Goya in Bordeaux, France, and he acted as Rosario’s legal guardian. Goya himself taught Rosario to draw, and she also studied under Lacour, whose works she studied. With Goya’s death however, her career took a dark turn and she experienced a short career as a talented forger. Later her talents were publicly recognized by the Academia de San Fernando which made her a member (1841). Shortly before her early death she was appointed (1842) drawing teacher to the child queen Isabella II.

Weissburg, Julia Lazarevna    see   Veysberg, Yuliya Lazarevna

Weissenburg, Marie von    see   Felseneck, Marie von

Welby, Rose Ellen – (fl. c1870 – c1925)
British Victorian painter
Rose Welby was a native of London and specialized in flower paintings. Her work was exhibited with the Royal Academy, the New Water Colour Society, the Grosvenor Gallery and the New Gallery.

Welby-Gregory, Victoria Alexandrina Maria Louisa Stuart-Wortley, Lady – (1837 – 1912)
British language philosopher, traveller, diarist, dramatist and author
Victoria Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie was the daughter of the Hon. (Honourable) Charles Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie, and his wife Lady Emmeline Manners, the second daughter of the Duke of Rutland. She was the godchild of Queen Victoria. During her youth she travelled much with her parents, particularly touring the northern and southern parts of the American continent. She survived sunstroke and dysentery, and she published her account of the trip A Young Traveller’s Journal of a Tour in North and South America During the Year 1850. (1852). Victoria was married (1863) to Sir William Earle Welby-Gregory (1829 – 1898), fourth Baronet (1875 – 1898), of Denton Manor, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, the noted Victorian statesman. Their daughter was the sculptor and writer, Nina Cust (1867 – 1955).
Possessed of an avid interest in philosophy and linguistics, she established the theory of meaning which she styled ‘Significs,’ and was the author of such works as What Is Meaning? Studies in the Development of Significance (1903) and Time As Derivative (1907). She wrote verse and plays, and established the Sociological Society of Great Britain, and the Decorative Needlework Society. Her correspondence was considerable, and she exchanged letters with Charles Sanders Peirce (1839 – 1914), the founder of the American pragmatism theory, which letters assisted with the introduction of his ideas and theories to the British intelligentsia. Lady Victoria also corresponded with Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970), William James (1842 – 1910), the American philosopher and psychologist, brother to the novelist Henry James, and the two Italian pragmatists, Mario Calderoni and Giovanni Vailati. Victoria survived her husband as the Dowager Lady Welby-Gregory (1898 – 1912). Lady Welby-Gregory died (March 29, 1912).

Welch, Betty – (1913 – 1985)
American aeronautical engineer
Betty Welch graduated from Cornell University (1936), being one of the few women to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering. For three decades she was employed as an aeronautical engineer in Connecticut, firstly with the United Aircraft Corporation, and later at Kaman Aircraft. After earning her master’s degree in physics from Trinity College, Hartford, then aged over fifty, her life took a change of career. Betty joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut, where she soent an impressive fifteen year career teaching physics (1964 – 1978). She was awarded the Centennial Medallion (1980) by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of her contributions to the field.

Welcher, Amy Ogden – (1887 – 1992)
American churchwoman
Amy Welcher was the founder and first national president (1941) of Church Women United, a national ecumenical organization that advocated peace and national unity, freedom from racial and political bigotry. She was closely involved with mission work in China, Japan, India, and Lebanon, through the foreign Mission Board of the Congregational Church. Amy Ogden Welcher died at Avery Heights, Connecticut, aged one hundred and four (Feb 21, 1992).

Welle, Dame Joan de   see   Engaine, Joan

Welles, Gwen – (1951 – 1993)
American actress
Gwen Goldberg was born at Chattanooga, Tennessee, the daughter of Barton L. Goldberg, and attended Vassar College in New York. She married fellow actor Harris Yulin (born 1937). As Gwen Welles her film career began in 1971 when she appeared on A Safe Place, directed by Henry Jaglom. She also appeared in Hit (1973) and California Split (1974), but her best rememebered performance was in the role of the aspiring country singer LouAnn in, Nashville(1975), directed by Robert Altman. Her later films included Between the Lines (1977), Nobody’s Fool (1986) and New Year’s Day (1990). Gwen Welles died of cancer at Santa Monica, California.

Wellesley, Marianne Caton, Marchioness – (1790 – 1853)
American-Anglo courtier and peeress
Marianne Caton was born in Maryland, Baltimore, the daughter of Richard Caton, a wealthy merchant, and his wife Mary Caroll of Carrollstown, Maryland. Marianne was married firstly to Robert Paterson the brother-in-law of Jerome Bonaparte, King of Westphalia. With his death Mrs Paterson became the second wife (1825) in Dublin of Richard Wellesley (1760 – 1842), Marquess Wellesley of Norragh and second Earl of Mornington, and became the Marchioness Wellesley (1825 – 1842) and sister-in-law to the famous Iron Duke of Wellington. Lady Wellesley’s second marriage remained childless. Lady Wellesley was admired at the court for her beauty and her elegant manners, and she was appointed to serve as Lady of the Bedchamber (1830 – 1837) to Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV. She survived her husband as the Dowager Marchioness Wellesley (1842 – 1853) and retained apartments at Hampton Court Palace where she died (Dec 17, 1853) aged sixty-three. Her portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence was painted for the Duke of Wellington. Lady Wellesley was buried at Costessey in Norfolk.

Wellington, Dorothy Violet Ashton, Duchess of – (1889 – 1965)
British poet
Dorothy Ashton was the daughter of Robert Ashton, of Croughton, Cheshire. She was married (1914) to Gerald Wellesley (1885 – 1972), seventh Duke of Wellington (1943 – 1972), and was the mother of several children, including Arthur Valerian Wellesley (born 1915), who succeeded his father as eighth Duke of Wellington. The duchess was a member of the literary and artistic circles of fashionable London, and she and her husband were friends of Harold Nicolson and his wife Vita Sackville-West. A distinguished poet herself, she wrote several volumes of verse, and her work was admired by W.B. Yeats. Her published works included Sir George Goldie, Founder of Nigeria (1934), Far Have I Travelled (1952), A Broadcast Anthology of Modern Poetry (1930) and Letters on Poetry from W.B. Yeats to Dorothy Wellesley (1940). She was the joint-editor of Britain in Pictures, which began circulation in 1941.The Duchess of Wellington died (July 11, 1956).

Wellington, Elizabeth Hay, Duchess of – (1820 – 1904)
British peeress and courtier
Lady Elizabeth Hay was the fourth daughter of George Hay (1787 – 1876), the eighth Marquess of Tweeddale and his wife Lady Susan Montagu, the daughter of William Montagu (1771 – 1843), fifth Duke of Manchester. She was married (1839) to Arthur Richard Wellesley (1807 – 1884), Marquess of Douro, the heir of the Iron-Duke of Wellington and became the Marchioness of Douro. When her husband succeeded as second Duke of Wellington (1852) Lady Douro became the Duchess of Wellington (1852 – 1884). As Lady Douro and then as Duchess of Wellington Elizabeth served at court as Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria (1843 – 1858). The duchess was later appointed as Mistress of the Robes (1861 – 1868) and again in 1874. Elizabeth bore her husband no children and survived him as the Dowager Duchess of Wellington (1884 – 1904) attending the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (1902). The duchess died (Aug 13, 1904).

Wells, Ada – (1863 – 1933)
New Zealand educator and feminist
Ada Pike was born (April 23, 1863) at Shepherd’s Green, near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, the daughter of William Henry Pike. She trained as a schoolteacher and became the wife of the organist Harry Wells (died 1918). Ada was the first woman to be elected to the Christchurch city Council and founded the Canterbury Women’s Institute in Christchurch. Mrs Wells died (March 22, 1933) aged seventy, in Christchurch.

Wells-Barnett, Ida Bell – (1862 – 1931) 
Black American journalist, educator and anti-lynching campaigner
Ida Wells was born at Holly Springs in Mississippi, the daughter of former slaves. She was trained as a schoolteacher and later worked as a journalist for a black owned newspaper, using the pseudonym ‘Iola.’ Ida was married (1895) to Ferdinand Lee Barnett, the editor of the Chicago Observer in Illinois, and was the author of the pamphlet Southern Horrors (1892), which dealt with accounts of lynching in the south. She co-founded the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and founded in Chicago the first suffrage organization for black women, the Alpha Suffrage Club.

Welsburg, Natalie von Friesenhof, Countess von    see   Friesenhof, Natalie von

Welsch, Exie – (1908 – 1980)
American child psychiatrist
Born Exaline Fowler in Indiana, she attended the Indiana University School of Medicine. Exie trained under Adolph Meyer at the Phipps Psychiatric Clinic at John Hopkins University. Welsch stressed the need for psychiatry and medicine to comprehend the multiple facets which affected a person’s daily life. She became a lecturer at the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, and was the first woman to be elected president of the American Orthopsychiatric Association (AOA). Exie Welsch died (Oct 28, 1980) aged seventy-two, in New York.

Welsh, Mary Jane – (1823 – c1908)
American author and editor
Mary Jane Welsh was born in St Stephens, Alabama, and educated in Mississippi. She was employed as a school teacher and edited the Orphans’ Home Banner for the Baptist Orphans’ Home at Lauderdale, in Mississippi. Mary Welsh was later employed by the Baptist Publishing House of Memphis (1873 – 1877), and worked on the staff of the periodicals the Baptist Reflector and, Happy Home. Welsh published the work Common Objectives to the Baptist Denomination: Considered and Replied To (1860). Mary Jane Welsh died at Shuqualah, Mississippi.

Welty, Eudora Alice – (1909 – 2001)
American novelist and photographer
Eudora Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from the Mississippi State College for Women. She went on to further studies at the University of Wisconsin and the Columbia University School of advertising in New York. Welty worked firstly as a publicity agent with the Works Progress Administration in her home state and produced the photographic work One Time, One Place: Mississippi in the Depression: A Snapshot Album (1971). During World War II Welty joined the staff of the New York Review of Books, and published several collections of short stories (1941 – 1954). Welty wrote five novels which were set in the state of Mississippi including The Robber Bridegroom (1942), Delta Wedding (1946), Losing Battles and The Optimist’s Daughter, for which she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize (1973). Her contribution to literature was publicly recognized when she was granted the National Medal for Literature and she was the recipient of three O Henry awards. Her other works included The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty (1980), Eudora’s Welty Photographs (1989) and her autobiography One Writer’s Beginnings (1984).

Wemlinger, Claire    see   Trevor, Claire

Wemyss, Margaret – (1659 – 1705)
Scottish peeress and heiress
Lady Margaret Wemyss was born (Jan 1, 1659) the only child and heiress of David, second Earl of Wemyss (1610 – 1679) and his third wife Lady Margaret Leslie, the widow of Lord Balgonie, and later wife of Francis Scott, second Earl of Buccleuch, the daughter of the sixth Earl of Rothes. Lord Wemyss resigned his original peerage to the crown in exchange for a new patent (1672) which acknowledged his daughter Margaret as his legal successor to both his estates and his peerage. Lady Margaret succeeded her father as third Countess of Wemyss (1679 – 1705), and at her death the title passed to her eldest son David. Countess Margaret was married firstly (1672) to Sir James Wemyss (died 1682), a kinsman, who was created Lord Burntisland. He died in 1682, and two decades later Margaret remarried (1700) to Sir George Mackenzie (1630 – 1714) who was created first Earl of Cromartie. They produced an only daughter who remained unmarried. Countess Margaret died (March 11, 1705) aged forty-six. Her children by her first husband were,

• Lady Anne Wemyss (1675 – 1702). She became the first wife of David Leslie (1660 – 1728), fifth Earl of Leven and Melville, and left issue.
• Lady Margaret Wemyss (1677 – 1763). She became the wife of David Carnegie (c1671 – 1729), fourth Earl of Northesk, and left issue.
• David Wemyss, Viscount Elcho (1678 – 1720). He succeeded his mother as fourth Earl of Wemyss (1705 – 1720), and was married three times, leaving issue.
• John Wemyss (born 1680). He died in infancy.
• Lady Catherine Wemyss (born 1682). She died in infancy.

Wemyss, Mary Wyndham, Countess of see Elcho, Mary Constance Wyndham, Lady

Wencheng – (c630 – 680) 
Tibetan queen
Wencheng was related to the Chinese emperor Gaozong, and was adopted by his successor emperor Taizong. Her marriage with the Tibetan ruler Songstan Gampo (Tsan P’u) (c605 – 650) of the Yarlung dynasty (641) had been negotiated as a means of protecting Chinese borders from Tibetan raids. She brought gold as her dowry and the Tibetans called her ‘Gyasa’ though her official name was Mung-chang Kungco. This marriage with an Imperial Chinese princess was a diplomatic coup for the T’ang, and when the new queen objected to the Tibetan custom of painting their faces with red ochre, the king ordered the custom abolished. Queen Wencheng exerted great influence over her husband and the Tibetan court in matters cultural, and the introduction of Chinese literature led to Tibetan princes being sent to Ch’ang An in China for their education. She and the king’s other wife Bhrikuti Devi, are said to have been responsible for the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet, and together they established the Jokhang Temple, near Lhasa. Widowed in 679, the queen continued to be a significant force for peace between China and Tibet until her death. An embroidered garment, made by Queen Wencheng was preserved in one of the chapels of the Changzhung monastery in Nedong. Queen Wencheng died aged about fifty.

Wenck, Alison Florence – (1941 – 1999)
Australian publisher
Born Alison Ryan, at Barringha, near Woodstock, south-east of Townsville, Queensland, she was the daughter of a potato farmer. Alison Wenck spent the first fifty years of her life as a mother and a self employed financial adviser in Queensland. With the breakup of her marriage she settled in Hong Kong. There she formed the publishing company, Right Direction Publications (1994), which took over The Australian Entrepeneur magazine. By means of clever advertising, which caused a substantial rise in the magazine’s circulation, Alison turned it into a commercially viable business magazine. She established the annual Australian Business Awards in Townsville (1991). Alison Wenck died in Brisbane.

Wendreda – (c850 – c915)
Anglo-Saxon virgin saint
Wendreda was the founder and first abbess of the church of St Wendreda at March, in Cambridgeshire, and of the convent of nuns attached to it. She was probably related to Pandonia, who resided as a nun at Eltisley. Patroness of the town of March, Wendreda’s relics were long preserved at Eltisley, and were still there at the beginning of the twentieth century (1904). King Canute captured her relics in battle (1016), but returned them to Canterbury. Her feast date remains unknown.

Wendt de Kerlor, Comtesse de    see   Schiaparelli, Elsa

Wenham, Jane – (c1665 – 1730)
English witchtrial victim
Wenham was a native of Walkern, Hertfordshire, who was accused of practising sorcery by her neighbours, whose daughter fell ill, after they won a court case from Wenham, who was said to have vowed some vague revenge. The trial (1712) caused a sensation in London. The jury found Wenham guilty of the charge, but the judge intervened and suspended the death penalty. Through Lord Cowper, she was secretly removed to a cottage on his own estate, where she lived the remainder of her life. Wenham was later secured a royal pardon (1730) from King George II shortly before her death. The case was covered at the time by the pamphlet A full and impartial account of the discovery of sorcery and withcraft practis’d by Jane Wenham of Walkerne in Hertfordshire (1712) which was written by F. Bragge. Jane Wenham was the last woman in Britain to be condemned on a charge of witchcraft.

Wenlock, Agnes Danvers, Lady – (c1406 – 1478)
English Yorkist courtier
Agnes Danvers was the only daughter of John Danvers of Epwell and Calthorpe in Oxfordshire and his first wife Alice Byfield of Northamptonshire. Agnes was married firstly to Thomas Baldington (died 1435) of Albany in Oxfordshire to whom she bore three daughters. She remarried secondly to Sir John Fray, the chief baron of the exchequer. With his death (1461) Lady Fray took a third husband (1467) in Sir John, first and last Baron Wenlock (1400 – 1471) becoming his second wife and Baroness Wenlock (1467 – 1471). Lord and Lady Wenlock were prominent figures at the court of Edward IV. Lord Wenlock died (May 4, 1471) and was buried in the Wenlock chapel at Luton. With his death Lady Wenlock took a fourth and last husband Sir John Say of Braxbourne in Hertfordshire. Lady Wenlock died (June, 1478) and was interred beside her second husband Sir John Fray in the Church of St Bartholomew the Less at Smithfield in London, where their daughter Lady Margaret Leynham founded a chantry dedicated to the Virgin Mary for the benefit of their souls (1482). Agnes and two of her daughters were portrayed in the fifteenth century stained glass in the west window of the south aisle of the Church of Long Melford in Surrey.

Wenlock, Constance Mary Lascelles, Lady – (1852 – 1932)
British landscape artist
Lady Constance Lascelles was born (May 27, 1852) the eldest daughter of Henry Thynne Lascelles, fourth Earl of Harewood, and his wife Elizabeth Joanna, the daughter of Ulick John de Burgh, first Marquess of Clanricarde. Lady Constance was married (1872) at St George’s, Hanover Square in London, to Beilby Lawley (1849 – 1912), third Baron Wenlock. She travelled throughout India whilst her husband served as governor of Madras, and later visisted Italy. Lady Wenlock was much admired for her beauty, and devoted herself to writing poetry and painting, her works being exhibited at the Royal Amateur Society and the New Gallery in Regent Street. Alfred Liddell recorded his own observations of Lady Wenlock in his Notes from the Life of an Ordinary Mortal (c1876) that “ … she was slightly but not well built … Her colour and complexion were delicate, and there was a far away look in her face as if she belonged to another world. She was quite uninfluenced by authority and convention but had a genuine reverence for beauty …. Gifted with a vivid imagination, she lived in an ideal world.” The couple entertained their literary friends and acquaintances at their estate of Escrick in Yorkshire. With her husband’s death (1912) the Dowagere Lady Wenlock retired to Combe Grave, at Monkton Combe, near Bath, Somerset. Her daughter Irene Constance Lawley (1889 – 1976) became the wife of Colin Gurdon Forbes Adam (1889 – 1982). Lady Wenlock died (Aug 23, 1932) aged eighty, at Combe Grove. She was buried at Escrick.

Wenman, Agnes Fermor, Lady – (c1574 – 1617)
English Catholic activist
Agnes Fermor was the daughter of Sir George Fermor, of Easton Neston, Northamptonshire, and his wife Mary Curzon. She became the first wife of Sir Richard Wenman (1573 – 1640) (later viscount Wenman of Tuam). An ardent Catholic, Agnes became loosely implicated in the Gunpowder Plot (1605) because of her correspondence with her sister-in-law Anne Vaux, and both she and Sir Richard were examined. She was released after a short period of imprisonment. She translated the works of Johannes Zonoras The Historyes and Chronicles of the World, from the French of Jan de Maumont, the manuscript being preserved in the Cambridge University Library. Her children were,

• Sir Thomas Wenman (1596 – 1665). He succeeded his father as second Viscount Wenman of Tuam (1640 – 1665) and left no surviving son.
• Edward Wenman.
• Charles Wenman.
• Philip Wenman (1610 – 1686). He succeeded his brother Thomas as third Viscount Wenman of Tuam (1665 – 1686) and left issue.
• Penelope Wenman. She was married to Sir John Dynham, of Boarstall.
• Jane Wenman. She was married to John Goodwin, of Winchendon.
• Mary Wenman. She was married to Sir Martin Lister, of Thorpe Arnold, Leicestershire.

Wenman, Barbara    see   Suffolk, Barbara Villiers, Countess of

Wenman of Thame, Baroness    see   Wykeham, Sophia Elizabeth

Wenming     see   Feng

Wenna – (c490 AD – 544)
Welsh saint
Born Gwen ferch Cynyr, she was the daughter of Cynyr Ceinfarfog, Lord of Caer Loch, in Pembrokeshire . Her sister Nonna was the mother of St David of Wales. Wenna married Selyf (Salomon), king of Cornwall, by whom she became the mother of St Cybi (c510 – 566), the founder of Holyhead monastery in Anglesey. Queen Wenna founded a church, named St Wenna’s in her honour in Cornwall and Morval, and other churches in Devon and Cornwall may have been dedicated to her. She may have become a nun before her death. Her feast was celebrated (Oct 18).

Wentworth, Ada Mary Milbanke, Lady – (1871 – 1917)
British peeress
Ada Milbanke was born (Feb 26, 1871) the only daughter of Ralph Gordon Milbanke (formerly Noel-King) (1839 – 1906), third Earl of Lovelace and his first wife Fanny Heriot. Through her father she was a legitimate descendant of the poet Lord Byron (1788 – 1824). Ada remained unmarried and later succeeded her father as the thirteenth Baroness Wentworth (1906 – 1917). Lady Wentworth died (June 18, 1917) aged forty-six.

Wentworth, Anne – (fl. 1677 – 1679) 
English prophetess
Anne Wentowrth and her husband were members of the Non-Conformist congregation in London led by Nehemiah Cocks and Hanserd Knollys. Anne claimed to have experienced mystical visions, which convinced her to campaign against spiritual apathy and dilatoriness. However her husband and friends denounced these as delusions, and when she refused to recant them, he had her forcibly removed from their house (1677). She published two pamphlets A Vindication of Anne Wentworth (1677) and The Revelation of Jesus Christ (1679).

Wentworth, Anne Hopton, Lady    see   Pope, Anne Hopton, Lady

Wentworth, Judith Anne Dorothea Blunt-Lytton, Lady – (1873 – 1957)
British poet, author and horsebreeder
Judith Blunt was the only surviving child of Wilfred Scawn Blunt, and his wife Lady Anne Isabella King, the daughter of William King, Earl of Lovelace. She was married (1899) to Neville Stephen Lytton (1879 – 1951), heir to the earldom of Lytton and assumed the surname Blunt-Lytton (1904). The union proved unhappy and ended in divorce (1923). With her mother’s death (1917) Judith succeeded her as sixteenth holder of the barony of Wentworth, and the barony of le Despenser. Her son Noel Anthony Scawen Blunt-Lytton (1900 – 1985) succeeded his father (1951) as earl of Lytton, and Lady Wentworth was holder of the two baronies of Wentworth and le Despenser. Like her parents, Lady Wentworth was a noted Arab horse breeder and exhibited, being the owner of the prestigious Crabbet Arabian Stud, the Burton Park Thoroughbred Stud, and the White Mountain Pony Stud. Lady Wentworth was also the author of various works Toy Dogs and their Ancestors (1911), Love in a Mist (1913) a collection of sonnets, Flame of Life (1930), a collection of poems, Thoroughbred Racing Stock and its’ Ancestors (1937), British Horses and Ponies (1944), The Authentic Arabian Horse and his Descendants (1945), Arab Horse Nonsense (1950) a collection of humorous drawings Drift of the Storm (1951), poems Horses in the Making (1951) and Passing Hours (1952), more poems.

Wentworth, Margery    see   Seymour, Margaret Wentworth, Lady

Wenxian – (c544 – 602) 
Chinese empress
Wenxian the wife of the Emperor Wendi (541 – 604) (known as Yang Jian before his accession in 581), she was a member of the powerful northern Dugu family, and her sister became the wife of Li Bing, and mother of the emperor Gaozu (566 – 626). Married in c564, Wenxian was the mother of five sons, including the future emperor Yangdi (569 – 617) and a daughter, who became the wife of the heir apparent of the Northern Zhou emperor. Empress Wenxian, a woman of strong character, is said to have insisted upon her husband’s monogamy, and when his eye did stray in the direction of a younger woman, the empress promptly had the girl murdered.

Werburga – (c695 – 783)
Anglo-Saxon queen
Her parentage was not recorded, but Werburga was of royal birth. She became the wife (c710) of Ceolred (c677 – 716), King of Mercia. Her husband proved to be of a dissolute nature and the marriage remained childless. After the king’s death Queen Werburga retired (718) to the Abbey of Bardney in Lincolnshire, where she became a nun, and remained there for sixty-five years until her death, which was recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The church revered Werburga as a saint (Feb 3).

Werburga of Mercia – (c662 – 700) 
Anglo-Saxon nun and saint
Princess Werburga was the daughter of Wulfhere, king of Mercia and his second wife Ermehilda, the daughter of Earkonbert, king of Kent. She refused several offers of marriage and entered the convent of Sheppey, Kent, which had been founded by her maternal grandmother, Queen Sexburga. Sources which state that she succeeded her mother as abbess of Ely are incorrect, she was never abbess. Werburga founded several nunneries including Trickingham in Mercia, Weedon in Northamptonshire, and Repton in Derbyshire. Werburga died at Trickingham and was revered as a saint (June 21). During the Viking invasions her remains were transferred to Chester for safety, where her shrine attracted large numbers of pilgrims.

Werburga of Surrey – (c840 – after 871)
Anglo-Saoxn patron
Werburga’s parentage remains unknown but she was the wife (c857) of Alfred (c835 – before 889) who served as Governor of Surrey during the reigns of Aethelbert, Aethelred I and Alfred, successive kings of Wessex. She was the mother of a son Aethelwold and a daughter Ealthryth. Werburga and Alfred obtained from the Vikings an illuminated book which had been plundered during a monastery raid, and the couple presented this valuable manuscript to the church at Canterbury. It is now known as the Stockholm Golden gospels, and is preserved in the n ational library in Sweden. Werburga and her children survived Alfred and are mentioned in his will, and she received a bequest of six estates in Surrey and Kent for her maintenance during her widowhood.

Werdenberg, Adelaide von – (c1300 – 1387)
German late mediaeval heiress
Adelaide von Werdenberg was the daughter of Ulrich von Werdenberg, Landgrave of Alsace and his wife Susanna von Lichtenberg. She was the ultimate heiress of Sigebert III von Werdenberg, who was landgrave of Lower Alsace in 1192. Adelaide was married (c1316) to Count Friedrich II of Oettingen, and as her only brother Johann was mentally unsound, Landgrave Ulrich designated her husband, and his brother Louis von Oettingen, as his successors in Frankenburg and Werdenberg to which they succeeded at his death (1344). With the death of her husband, Adelaide’s brother-in-law Louis, and her own son Louis XI von Oettingen (c1319 – 1370), sold Werd, Frankenburg and the landgraviate of Lower Alsace to Johann von Lichtenberg, Bishop of Strasbourg (1358). Her deranged brother Johann II consented to this sale (1359), as died the Holy Roman emperor Charles IV (1362).

Werenro – (fl. c1270 – c1240 BC)
Egyptian princess
A member of the XIXth Dynasty, Werenro was one of the younger daughters of King Ramesses II the Great perhaps by his second chief queen Isetneferet I. She is depicted, together with her elder sister and half-sister, in a royal procession of the daughters of King Ramesses, which decorates the façade of the Great Temple at Abu-Simbel, where she is styled ‘King’s Daughter of his Body.’ No other details concerning this princess have been discovered.

Werfel, Alma    see   Mahler, Alma Maria

Werner, Alice – (1859 – 1935)
British linguist, traveller and author
Alice Werner was born (June 26, 1859) in Trieste, Italy, the daughter of a language instructor and showed an amazing facility for difficult and unusual languages from childhood. She travelled throughout Europe, the USA and New Zealand prior to settling with her family permanently in England (1874). Alice studied at Newnham College at Cambridge and then travelled to Nyasaland and Natal where she learnt the Zulu and Afrikaans languages. Wernher became a pioneer in the teaching of Swahili and other Bantu languages and they were recognized by the University of London (1910) which became the first British university to promote the teaching of the Bantu language. She was later appointed as lecturer and reader at the School of Oriental Studies and established the school’s diploma in Swahili studies (1924). In recognition of her unflagging efforts in this field Alice Werner was appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1930) and was awarded the silver medal of the African Society. As well as the Swahili poem The Advice of Mwana Kupona (1934) she published Myths and Legends of the Bantu (1933). Alice Werner died (June 9, 1935) aged seventy-five, in Weywyn Garden City.

Wernher, Lady Alice   see   Ludlow, Alice Sedgwick Mankiewicz, Lady

Wernero – (fl. c1326 – c1295 BC)
Egyptian litigant
Wernero was revealed by surviving records as an elderly woman who becaqme involved in a protracted court case concerning ownership of family estates. Wernero challenged the appointment of one Khay, who had been appointed as trustee of these estates by King Horemheb. Finally, the court confirmed Wernero herself as trustee for her family. However, this action was in turn contested by her sister Takharu, and the lands were divided into six equal portions. Wernero, her grandson Mose, and his father Huy appealed against this judgement. The case dragged on for about a decade before it was finally disposed in the favour of Mose.

Weslake, Charlotte – (fl. 1836 – 1870)
British Victorian painter
Charlotte Weslake was a native of London and specialized in the painting of fruit and still-lifes. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and with the Briitsh Institution.

Wesley, Mary – (1912 – 2002) 
British novelist and children’s author
Born Mary Aline Mynors Farmar (June 24, 1912) in Englefield Green, Surrey, she was the daughter of a soldier, Colonel Harold Farmar, and his wife Violet Mynors. She was educated at the London School of Economics. Her first marriage (1937 – 1945) with Charles Swinfen Eady (1902 – 1977), second Baron Swinfen (1919 – 1977), did not work out and ended in divorce, the couple having had two children. Mary then lived with the journalist Eric Siepmann (died 1970) taking his surname. Using the pseudonym ‘Mary Wesley’ she published several books for children such as Speaking Terms (1969), The Sixth Seal (1969) and Haphazard House (1984). She also wrote adult novels such as Jumping the Queue (1982), The Camomile Lawn (1984), A Sensible Life (1990), An Imaginative Experience (1994), Part of the Furniture (1997) and her autobiography Part of the Scenery (2001). Wesley was later appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1995) in recognition of her contribution to literature. She was the mother of Roger Mynors Swinfen Eady (born 1938), who succeeded his father as third Baron Swinfen (1977). He was married and left four children. Mary Wesley died (Dec 30, 2002) aged ninety, at Totnes, Devon.

Wesley, Susanna – (1669 – 1742) 
British religious matriarch
Born Susanna Annesley in London, she was the daughter of a dissenting minister. She was married (1688) to Samuel Wesley, the rector of Epworth in Lincolnshire. Wideley educated in theological matters, she retained her Puritan outlook despite her Anglicanism, kept a spiritual journal, and conducted well attended devotional meetings in her kitchen on a weekly basis. Susanna Wesley bore her husband an extremely large family of nineteen children, of whom John Wesley (1703 – 1791) was the founder of modern Methodism, whilst Charles Wesley (1707 – 1788) composed more than six thousand hymns.

Wessex, Gytha, Countess of    see   Gytha Thorkilsdotter

West, Barbara    see    Dainton, Barbara Joyce

West, Dottie – (1932 – 1991)
American country vocalist
Dottie West was born at McMinnville, Tennessee, the daughter of a poor farmer. She was married and divorced three times and had four children. West began her songwriting career in 1961, and remained best known for the hit song ‘Country Sunshine,’and for the duets she performed with Kenny Rogers, which included the songs ‘Every Time Two Fools Collide’ and ‘What Are We Soin’ in Love.’ West became the first female vocalist to win a Grammy Award for her hit song ‘Here Comes My Baby’ (1964). West was later harassed by financial problems, and was forced to file for bankruptcy (1990) her belongings being publicly auctioned only months before her death. She was the mother of country vocalist Shelly West. Dottie West died (Sept 4, 1991) at Nashville.

West, Elizabeth Howard – (1873 – 1948)
American librarian and author
Elizabeth West was born in Pontotoc County, Missisippi, the daughter of James Durham West, and graduated from the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College (1892) and the University of Texas (1901), where she trained as a librarian. West served as assistant librarian at the Library of Congress, and she compiled the papers of President Martin Van Buren (1837 – 1841) as the Calendar of the Papers of Martin Van Buren: Prepared from the Original Manuscripts in the Library of Congress (1910). Other of her works were Texas History (1905) and the Texas Library Manual (1924). West worked as archivist at the Texas State Library (1911 – 1915) and as a librarian in San Antonio, before being appointed as State Librarian for texas (1918 – 1925), the first woman ever to serve as head of a department in that state. West spent nearly two decades as librarian for the Texas Technological College (1925 – 1942). Elizabeth Howard West died aged seventy-four (Jan 3, 1948).

West, Joan de La Warr, Lady    see    La Warr, Joan de

West, Lucretia Georgiana ffolkes, Lady – (c1793 – 1828)
Anglo-Indian letter writer
Lucretia ffolkes was born at Hillingdon, Norfolk, the youngest daughter of Sir Martin Brown ffolkes, and his wife Fanny Turner. She married (1822) Sir Edward Alexander West (1782 – 1828), chief justice of Bombay. Lady West’s letters, written home to relatives in England, reveal many details of English daily life in India at this period. Lady West, who only briefly survived her husband, died in Bombay (Mombai) during the monsoon season (Oct 15, 1828).

West, Mae – (1892 – 1980)
American actress
Mae West was born (Aug 17, 1892) in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of a boxer. She began her early career in vaudeville before progessing to films. She specialised in glamorous, but witty, and earthy sexual roles, and was noted for her voluptuous proportions. The ‘Mae West’ naval life jacket was son called because, when inflated, it produced a similar effect. Vulgar and endearing, she wrote most of her own stage plays and filmscripts, which were full of double entendre. One of her most famous lines was ‘It’s not the men in my life, it’s the life in my men that counts’ and ‘Beulah, peel me a grape.’ West left two volumes of autobiography Goodness Had Norhing to Do with It (1959) and Life, Sex, and ESP (1975), and was portrayed by actress Ann Jillian in the film Mae West (1984). Famous film credits include She Done Him Wrong (1933), I’m No Angel (1933), Belle of the Nineties (1934), Klondike Annie (1936) and with W.C. Fields in My Little Chickadee (1939). Film appearances in later years included Myra Breckenridge (1970) with Raquel Welch and Sextet (1977) when she was almost eighty-five.

West, Dame Rebecca – (1892 – 1983)
Irish novelist, biographer, journalist and literary critic
Born Cicely Isabel Fairfield (Dec 25, 1892) in County Kerry, Ireland, she was educated at George Watson’s Ladies College in Edinburgh, Scotland. She originally trained as an actress, later adopting her penname of Rebecca West (1912) from the character in Henrik Ibsen’s play, Romersholm (1886). West was involved with the women’s suffrage movement from early youth, and she joined the staff of the Freewoman feminist paper (1911) before becoming a political commentator with the socialist publication The Clarion (1912). She wrote a long series of original and very penetrating books, which included biographical studies of Henry James (1916), D.H. Lawrence (1930) and St Augustine (1933).
Rebecca West produced a masterful study of the Balkans in two volumes, which provided a detailed analysis of the origins of World War II entitled Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (1942), and organized BBC broadcasts to Yugoslavia during World War II. She also wrote detailed coverages of famous contemporary trials, including the Nuremburg War Trials. These formed the basis of her later works The Meaning of Treason (1949) and A Train of Powder (1955). West was the mistress to the writer, H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) for a decade, and by him she became the mother of writer Anthony West (1914). After this relationship finally ended, West travelled to the USA, where she went on the lecture circuit and worked for the New York Herald-Tribune. Rebecca West was later involved in a liasion with the famous newspaper publisher Max Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook (1879 – 1964) but was eventually married to the banker Henry Maxwell Adams for almost forty years (1930 – 1968). Other works include The Judge (1922), Harriet Hume (1929), The Thinking Reed (1936) and the autobiographical The Fountain Overflows (1957). Dame Rebecca West died (March 15, 1983) aged ninety.

Westarp, Heila von – (1886 – 1919)
Bavarian revolutionary victim
Countess Heila von Westarp was born (Jan 11, 1886) at Partenkirchen, the eldest daughter of Count Adolf von Westarp (1851 – 1915) and his second wife Godela von Oven (1863 – 1949), the daughter of Karl von Oven. Her father was a descendant of Prince Friedrich Franz of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg (died 1807) and his morganatic wife Countess Caroline von Westarp. Heila remained unmarried and became a member of the Thule Society (1918), the German folklore and occultist society in Munich, which dealt with the origins of the Aryan race, and which held its meetings at the Vier Jahreszeiten Hotel. This society was also involved in negating the rise of the revolutionary groups within Bavaria. The countess was taken hostage by revolutionaries in the town hall of Munich, together with several other persons from the Thule Society and was murdered by them (April 30, 1919).

Westbury, Marjorie – (1905 – 1989)
British actress and vocalist
Rose Marjorie Westbury was born (June 18, 1905) and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. She made her stage debut as an operatic performer under lilian Bayliss at the Old Vic Theatre (1932). Westbury soon joined the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Drama Repertory (1933) and performed in broadcast such roles as Solveig in Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg, Nora in Henrik Ibsen’s The Doll’s House, and Susan Grantley in the Barchester Chronicles. Marjorie Westbury died (Dec 16, 1989) aged eighty-four.

Westmacott, Mary     see   Christie, Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa

Westman, Nydia – (1902 – 1970)
American film actress
Nydia Westman was born (Feb 19, 1902) in New York, the daughter of the actor and composer Theodore Westman and his wife the actress Lily Wren. She appeared in vaudeville as a child and then made her appearance on the Broadway stage (1919). Westman made her film debut in Strange Justice (1932) and appeared in dozens of films until the late 1940’s such as Little Women (1933), Sweet Adeline (1935), The Gorgeous Hussy (1936), Craig’s Wife (1936), When Tomorrow Comes (1939), They All Kissed the Bride (1942), Princess O’Rourke (1943) and The Velvet Touch (1948). Her career declined after this and Westman made only sporadic appearances in movies such as The Swinger (1966), The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit (1968) and Rabbit Run (1970).

Westminster, Elizabeth Mary Leveson-Gower, Marchioness of – (1797 – 1891)
British traveller and author
Lady Elizabeth Leveson-Gower was the daughter of Sir George Leveson-Gower, Duke of Sutherland, and his wife Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland. She was married (1819) to Richard Grosvenor, marquess of Westminster, to whom she bore eleven children. Lady Westminster travelled extensively by ship in the grand style, with many servants and all the accoutrements of her rank. She was the author of A Narrative of a Yacht Voyage to the Mediteranean 1840 – 41 (1842), and nearly forty years later Diary of a Tour of Sweden, Norway and Russia (1879). A gracious and elegant woman who retained her looks well into old age, her portrait as Lady Elizabeth Belgrave, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, has often been engraved. Her son Hugh Grosvenor (1825 – 1899) became the first Duke of Westminster (1874). Lady Westminster died (Nov 11, 1891) at Inwood, Somerset, and was interred at Motecombe, Dorset.

Westmorland, Catherine Stafford, Countess of – (1497 – 1555)
English Tudor peeress and courtier
Lady Catherine Stafford was the second daughter of Sir Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham and his wife Lady Eleanor Percy. Lord Ralph Neville of Raby (1499 – 1550) had wanted to marry her elder sister Elizabeth Stafford and the marriage had been arranged to take place prior to Christmas, 1512. However Thomas Howard (later the Duke of Norfolk) then paid suit to the Lady Elizabeth and married her instead. Lord Neville then transferred his suit to Lady Catherine and married her instead. When her husband succeeded as the fourth Earl of Westmorland Lady Neville became the Countess of Westmorland. Lady Westmorland was appointed to attend the queen Catharine of Aragon in France on the Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520). A letter from the countess written to the Earl of Shrewsbury has survived and was printed in Mrs Everett Green’s Letters of Illustrious Ladies. She survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Westmorland (1550 – 1555) and resided mainly at Kenninghall Castle in Norfolk. Lady Westmorland died (May 14, 1555) at the home of her daughter Lady Rutland at Holywell in Shoreditch, London, and was interred within the Church of St Leonard in Shoreditch. She had borne a large family of seven sons and eleven daughters including Henry Neville (1524 – 1564) who succeeded his father as fifth Earl of Westmorland (1550 – 1564), Margaret Neville, the wife of Henry Manners (1526 – 1563), second Earl of Rutland, and Dorothy Neville, the wife of John de Vere, sixteenth Earl of Oxford.

Westmorland, Jane Howard, Countess of – (1537 – 1593)
English Catholic peeress and rebel leader
Lady Jane Howard was born at Kenninghall Palace, London, the eldest daughter of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey and his wife Lady Frances de Vere. She was the granddaughter of Thomas Howard, third Duke of Norfolk and sister to Thomas Howard (1536 – 1572), the fourth duke. With her siblings Jane was raised at Kenninghall in Norfolk with visits to Horsham and Lambeth palaces in London, the home of their aunt the Duchess of Richmond, widowed daughter-in-law of Henry VIII. Her education was supervised by the European scholar Hadrianus Junius and Lady Jane became proficient in Greek and Latin. With the execution of her father for treason Jane and her siblings were placed under the guardianship of Lord Wentworth (1547 – 1548) before being consigned to the care of the Duchess of Richmond at Reigate Castle. It was at this time that Jane was tutored by the clergyman John Foxe. Lady Jane became the wife (1563) of Charles Neville (1542 – 1601), sixth Earl of Westmorland, and bore him five children.
During the rebellion of the north (1569) Lord Westmorland and the Earl of Northumberland held a council of war at Brancepeth Castle. Queen Elizabeth had promised a reprive to all who would abandon the rebellion and they were about to return to their homes when the countess swayed them into action. In tears she goaded them ‘We and our country were shamed for ever, that now in the end, we should seek holes to crawl into.’ This defiance proved decisive and the next day the rebel troops attacked and took Durham Cathedral. However this victory proved ephemeral and the rebellion was crushed. Lord Westmorland fled abroad to the Spanish Netherlands (1570) to spend the remainder of his life in exile. Lady Westmorland came to reside at Kenninghall in Norfolk. Her husband’s vast estates were confiscated by Queen Elizabeth, but after the earl’s attainder was raised to three hundred pounds (May, 1577) the queen was moved to grant the countess an annuity of three hundred pounds for life. Lady Westmorland confined the remainder of her life to domestic and family matters and lived in quiet, if sometimes financially embarrassed circumstances. The Countess of Westmorland died (June, 1593) at Kenninghall, aged fifty-six. She was interred (June 30) in Kenninghall Church. A lithograph by Kearney portrayed Lady Westmorland kneeling at the foot of her father’s tomb at Framlingham, and it was reproduced by Howard in Memorials of the Howard Family. Her only son Charles, Lord Neville (1569 – 1571) died in infancy and she was survived by her three daughters.

Westmorland, Joan Beaufort, Countess of – (1379 – 1440)
English Plantagenet royal, letter wrier and literary patron
Joan Beaufort was born (Nov, 1379) at Beaufort Castle in France, the only daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and his mistress and later third wife Katherine Swynford. She was the younger half-sister to King Henry IV (1399 – 1413) and aunt of Henry V (1413 – 1422). After her parents initially separated (1381) Joan resided with her mother at the manor of Kettlethorpe in Lincolnshire. She was married firstly (1394) to Sir Robert de Ferrers (1373 – 1396), second Baron Ferrers of Wemme, to whom she bore two daughters Elizabeth de Ferrers (1395 – 1434) the wife if Sir John de Greystoke (1389 – 1436), Baron Greystoke, and Mary de Ferrers (1396 – 1458) the wife of Sir Ralph Neville (1393 – 1458). Lady Joan then became the second wife (1396) to Sir Ralph Neville (1364 – 1425), Lord Neville of Raby who was created the first Earl of Westmorland, and to whom she bore a large family of sixteen children.
After the subsequent marriage of the Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford (1396) Richard II caused Joan and her three Beaufort brothers to be legitimated by Act of Parliament (1397). Soon afterwards King Richard drove Joan’s half-brother Henry of Derby into exile and her husband Westmorland took Henry’s side against the king. Thus Joan’s husband was one of the first to join Henry IV when he landed in Yorkshire (July, 1399). Lord and Lady Westmorland were present at the coronation of Henry IV at Westminster Abbey (Oct 13, 1399) and the countess was made a Lady of the Garter (1399). Joan survived her husband as the Dowager Countess of Westmorland (1425 – 1440) and held her husband’s estates of Traund Middleham and Sherrif Hutton Castle in Yorkshire as her dower. She was a patron of the writer Thomas Hoccleve who dedicated a volume of his work to her. There is also a record of Joan lending books such as the Chronicles of Jerusalem and the Voyage of Godfrey de Bouillon to her nephew Henry V. Lady Westmorland died (Nov 13, 1440) aged sixty-one, at Howden in Yorkshire, and was interred within Lincoln Cathedral with her mother Katharine, though her effigy was place on her husband’s tomb in the Church of Staindrop. The inscription on her tomb was recorded by the antiquarian Swallow. Through her daughter Cecily Neville, the wife of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, Countess Joan was the grandmother of the Yorkist kings Edward IV (1461 – 1483) and Richard III (1483 – 1485) and was the great-great grandmother of the Tudor king Henry VIII (1509 – 1547). She appears as a character in Anya Seton’s famous historical novel Katherine (1954) and in the novel The Woodville Wench (1972) by Maureen Peters. Her fourteen children were,

• Lady Catherine Neville (1398 – 1483). She was married fourt times, her first husband was John Mowbray (1389 – 1432), second Duke of Norfolk and her last was Sir John Woodville (1445 – 1469) almost fifty years her junior, the younger brother of Elizabeth Woodville queen of Edward IV. The duchess left issue from her first marriage only.
• Sir Richard Neville (1400 – 1460). He was created Earl of Salisbury and was married to Alice de Montacute and left issue.
• Lady Anne Neville (1401 – 1480). She was married firstly to Humphrey Stafford (1402 – 1460), first Duke of Buckingham, and secondly to Sir Walter Blount (died 1474) first Baron Mountjoy, and left issue from her first marriage.
• Lady Joan Neville (c1402 – after 1425). She became a nun at the Convent of the Minoresses in London.
• Lady Eleanor Neville (c1403 – 1463). She was married firstly to Lord Richard Despenser (1396 – 1414) and secondly to Henry Percy (1393 – 1455), second Earl of Westmorland and left issue from her second marriage.
• Robert Neville (1404 – 1457). He entered the church and was appointed as Bishop of Salisbury and Durham.
• Sir William Neville (1405 – 1463). He was created first Baron Fauconberg and Earl of Kent and married Joan Fauconberg leaving several daughters.
• Sir George Neville (1407 – 1469). He was created first Baron Latimer and was married to Elizabeth de Beauchamp, Baroness Berkeley and left issue.
• Henry Neville. He died young.
• Thomas Neville. He died young.
• Sir Edward Neville (1410 – 1476). He became the third Baron Abergavenny and married twice and left issue.
• Cuthbert Neville. He died in infancy.
• John Neville. He died in infancy.
• Lady Cecily Neville (Cecilia) (1415 – 1495). She married Prince Richard Plantagenet (1411 – 1460), Duke of York and left issue.

Westmorland, Priscilla Anne Wellesley-Pole, Countess of – (1793 – 1879)
British linguist and artist
Lady Priscilla Wellesley-Pole was born (March 13, 1793) the third daughter of William Wellesley-Pole, third Earl of Mornington and his wife Katherine Elizabeth Forbes (1761 – 1851), the daughter of Admiral Hon. (Honourable) John Forbes of the family of the earls of Granard. She became the wife (1811) of John Fane (1784 – 1859), Lord Burghersh, the eldst son and heir of the tenth Earl of Westmorland. According to a contemporary the countess was ‘brought into contact with great officials and great personages during the whole of her long life: it shows how well-fitted she was, by rare combination of intellectual gifts and social graces, to adorn the society she frequented.’ Lady Burghersh was much admired by her uncle the Duke of Wellington and her Correspondence (1903) with him was published, edited by her daughter Lady Rose Weigall. Lady Weigall also edited the Letters of Lady Burghersh, 1813 – 1814 (1893) and her Correspondence 1813 – 1870 (1909).
Admired for her skill as a linguist and an artist, Lady Burghersh exhibited some of her works at the Suffolk Street Gallery (1837 – 1841) and with the British Institution. Perhaps her best known work was the portrait of Anne, Countess of Mornington surrounded by the busts of her three famous sons, Lord Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington and Lord Cowley, which was engraved by Hodgetts. Her portrait of Wellington receiving dispatches at the battle of Waterloo was engraved by Hodgetts and by Bromley (1840). The group portrait of Lady Priscilla and her two sisters Lady Mary Bagot and Emily, Lady Raglan was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence, engravings being made by Thomson (1827) and Longacre from a drawing at Apsley House. A portrait painted during old age by her son-in-law Henry Weigall appeared in her Correspondence with the Duke of Wellington (1903). Lady Burghersh became the Countess of Westmorland when her husband succeeded his father in the peerage as the eleventh Earl (1841 – 1859). She survived her husband for two decades as the Dowager Countess of Westmorland (1859 – 1879). Lady Westmorland died (Feb 18, 1879) aged eighty-five, at her house in Portman Square, London. She was interred at Apethorpe in Northamptonshire. Her eldest two sons George Augustus Fane (1819 – 1848), Lord Burghersh and Ernest Fitzroy Fane (1824 – 1851), Lord Burghersh, both predeceased their father without issue, and it was Priscilla’s third son Francis Fane (1825 – 1891) who eventually succeeded his father as the twelfth Earl of Westmorland and left descendants. Her fourth son Julian Fane (1827 – 1870) served as the secretary of the British embassies in Vienna and Paris. Through him Lady Westmorland was the grandmother of the famous Victorian and Edwardian salon hostess Lady Desborough.

Weston, Dame Agnes Elizabeth – (1840 – 1918)
British social reformer
Agnes Weston was born in London, the daughter of barrister Charles Henry Weston, and his wife Sarah Agnes Bayly. Agnes began her philanthropic work in Bath (1868), where she assisted with preparation the reading and coffee rooms which were organized annually for the assembling of the Somerset Militia and with hospital visiting. Later Agnes Weston began a series of monthly letters to seamen, the ‘Bluebacks’ as they were popularly known, which attained a circulation of over half a million readers, and remained ever concerned with the welfare of naval widows and orphans. Agnes was appointed the Active Superintendant of the Royal Naval Temperance Society (1876), and with Sophia Wintz she opened a Sailor’s Rest at Devonport (1879) and later a branch at Portsmouth (1881), which offerred food and accomodation. Agnes Weston was granted an honorary degree by Glasgow University (1901). She was created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by George V shortly before her death. Her written works included My Life Among the Blue Jacketts (1909) and the periodical Ashore and Afloat. Her portrait was presented to the corporation of Portsmouth for the town hall by the wives of sailors (1925). Dame Agnes Weston died (Oct 23, 1918) at Devonport, and was interred there with full naval honours.

Weston, Elizabeth Jane – (1582 – 1612)
English linguist and scholar
Elizabeth and her brother John Francis Weston (1580 – 1600) were said to have been the illegitimate children of a nobleman and Joanna Cooper Weston. Her mother was then married (c1585) to Sir Edward Kelley, the assistant to Dr John Dee, the noted astrologer of Queen Elizabeth I. Her tepfather insisted that Elizabeth be given an excellent education, and she later resided with Kelley at Most in Bohemia. She became fluent in several languages such as Italian, Germany, Latin and Czech. Sir Edward Kelley was then imprisoned for offending the Emperor Rudolf II and after his death (1597) they removed to Prague. In order to support her family financially Elizabeth Weston produced calligraphy and wrote verse, obtaining some patronage from the Imperial court. Known as ‘Westonia’ some of her verses were published during her lifetime (1602). Her attempt to gain the patronage of the new English king James I failed (1603) and the king did not appreciate educated ladies. Elizabeth was then married to Johann Lowe, a lawyer in the employ of the Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel to whom she bore seven children. A second edition of her work appeared in 1607. Elizabeth Weston died (Nov 23, 1612) aged thirty, in Prague.

Weston, Jessie Laidlay – (c1865 – 1928)
English writer
Jessie Weston was educated at Brighton in London, and also studied abroad in Paris and Hildesheim in Germany. She contributed articles to such publications as the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Athenaeum. Her published works included Parzival, by Wolfram von Eschenbach, translated into English Verse (1894), Legends of the Wagner Drama (1896), and From Ritual to Romance (1920) for which she was awarded the Crawshay Prize. Weston also published works concerning the Arthurian legends such as The Legend of Sir Gawain (1897), The Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac (1901) and the two volume The Legend of Sir Perceval (1906) and (1909). She also published the seven volume work entitled Arthurian Romances unrepresented in Malory (1912). Jessie Weston died (Sept 29, 1928).

Weston, Martha – (c1730 – after 1776)
British Hanoverian stage actress and vocalist
Martha was originally trained to be a milliner and worked as such in Hatmarket in London. Her maiden name remains unknown. Martha became the wife (1759) of the actor and comedian Thomas Weston (died 1776). Her first known stage role was as Lucy in The Minor (1763) at the Haymarket Theatre, and also sang there. Martha Weston later joined Samuel Foote’s company at the Haymarket, appearing in such plays as The Cheats of Scapin, The Mayor of Garratt as Mrs Bruin, and The Beaux Stratagem, as Cherry (1766). Martha Weston later left her husband for an actor named Price with whom she worked in Norwich, but later returned to Thomas Weston with whom she worked in Scotland at the Edinburgh Theatre Royal (1770 – 1771). Mrs Weston later returned to London with her husband and worked at Drury Lane and Haymarket. She played the original Dorothy in The Devil to Pay (1773) and the original Dutch lady in the musical sketch The Dutchman (1775) penned by Thomas Brydges. Martha Weston survived the death of her husband (Jan, 1776) but futher reliable details of her life remain lacking.

Westphalen, Jenny von – (1814 – 1881) 
German socialist
Julia Jeanne Bertha von Westphalen was born into a wealthy, middle-class family, the daughter of a Prussian government minister. Known as Jenny she became the wife (1843) of the noted philosopher Karl Heinrich Marx (1818 – 1883), despite the opposition of her family. She bore six children, of whom three daughters survived. The couple travelled in England and Belgium, but after using up Jenny’s dowry they were plagued by poverty. She worked as her husband’s secretary and performed administrative work for the Socialist International. Her youngest daughter was the noted trade unionist Eleanor Marx-Aveling.

Wetamoo – (c1637 – 1682)
American Indian ruler
Wetamoo was the wife of Wamsutta, chief of the Pocasset tribe. After the death of her husband (1661), she became the acknowledged leader of the tribe, and joined with Philip, chief of the Wamponoags in waging war on the colonial settlers. She managed to escape capture, but later drowned trying to escape, her decapitated head being displayed in the town of Taunton in Massachusetts.

Wethered, Joyce – (1901 – 1997)
British golfer
Joyce Wethered was born in Surrey and was taught to play golf by her champion brother, Roger Wethered, a Walker Cup player. She entered the British women’s championship and defeated Cecil Leitch (1920), and won the title for first of five times. Wethered won the British championship four times. She retired in 1925 but returned to the game in 1929 in order to participate in the championship at St Andrews. Family financial problems caused Wethered to take up professional golf (1929) and several years later she made a professional tour of America (1935), where she played with champions such as Bobby Jones, whom remained considerably impressed with her personal style. Wethered later married Sir John Heathcoat-Amory and the couple resided at their estate of Knightshayes Court. Togther they worked to organize and maintain the magnificent gardens at Knightshayes which were opened to visitors. Widowed in 1972, Lady Heathcoat-Amory survived her husband twenty-five years, and leaving no children, the estate of Knightshayes was presented to the National Trust.

Wetherill, Ada Douglas – (1869 – 1930)
British music hall actress and performer
Ada Wetherill was the illegitimate daughter of a British major-general, with whom her mother was employed as a housekeeper. She had become a music hall actress at a young age and then became the mistress and later second wife (1889) of the Indian Prince Duleep Singh (1838 – 1893), to whom she bore two daughters. She herself was never officially recognized by the British royal family and Queen Victoria refused to receive her at court as she had lived with prince as his mistress during the lifetime of his first wife. Ada served with the nursing corps during WW I and drove an ambulance.

Wewitzer, Sarah – (1756 – 1820)
British Hanoverian stage actress and vocalist
Wewitzer was a native of either Norway or Switzerland. Her elder brother was the comedian Ralph Wewitzer and the family arrived in London whilst Sarah was a child. She first performed as a singer at the Ranelagh and Vauxhall Gardens before making her stage debut at Covent Garden Theatre, singing the role of Daphne in Daphne and Amintor (1772). Her other roles included Patty in The Maid of the Mill and Leonora in The Padlock (1773). Sarah Wewitzer performed in comic operas and vocal recitals in Marylebone Gardens, and was the original Teresa in Samuel Arnold’s comic musical Don Quixote (1774). She then travelled to Dublin in Ireland where she appeared at the Smock Alley Theatre where she had great success with the popular song ‘Cease, gay decievers’ from Love in a Village, and caused that ballad to become enormously popular. Sarah later retired from the stage in order to reside with the married Irish landowner James Cuffe, and bore him several children. Cuffe was later created Baron Tyrawley of Ballinrobe (1797) and with the eventual death of Lady Tyrawley (1808), Sarah and her lover were legally married and she became Lady Tyrawley. Her portrait as Rosetta in Love in a Village was exhibited by John Warren at the Dublin Society (1775). Lady Sarah Tyrawley died (Oct 4, 1820) aged sixty-four, and was buried at Ballinrobe.

Wharncliffe, Elfreda Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, Countess of – (1898 – 1979)
British business manager
Lady Maud Lilian Elfreda Mary wentworth-Fitzwilliam was born (Aug 19, 1898), the eldest daughter of William Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (1872 – 1943), seventh Earl Fitzwilliam, and his wife Lady Maud Dundas, the daughter of Sir Lawrence Dundas (1844 – 1929), the first Marquess of Zetland. Lady Elfreda was married (1918) to Archibald Ralph Montagu-Stuart-Wortley, (1892 – 1953), the third Earl of Wharncliffe, to whom she bore five children including Alan James Montagu-Stuart-Wortley (1935 – 1987), who succeeded his father as fourth Earl of Wharncliffe (1943 – 1987) and of Diana Montagu-Stuart-Wortley (1920 – 1997), second wife of the ninth Duke of Newcastle. An enthusiastic follower of the hunt, the countess was Master of the Ecclesfield Beagles for almost five decades (1930 – 1979). During WW II, as her own contribution to the war effort, Lady Wharncliffe organized and managed her own munitions factory. Lady Wharncliffe died at Wortley in Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Wharncliffe, Elizabeth Caroline Mary Creighton, Lady – (1779 – 1856)
British society figure and letter writer
Lady Wharncliffe corresponded with such contemporary figures as Lady Bessborough and her sister Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and with Elizabeth Foster and Louisa, Lady Hawkesbury, amongst others. Her grandchildren Caroline Grosvenor and Charles Beilby, Lord Stuart de Wortley edited and compiled the work The First Lady Wharncliffe and Her Family, (1779 – 1856) from her private correspondence.

Wharton, Anne – (1659 – 1685)
English poet, dramatist and translator
Anne Lee was baptised (July 24, 1659) at Spelsbury, Oxon, the younger daughter and coheir of Sir Henry Lee, fifth baronet, of Quarendon and Ditchley, Oxfordshire, and his wife Anne, the daughter of Sir John Danvers (1588 – 1655), the regicide. Anne became the first wife (1673) of Thomas Wharton (1648 – 1716) (later marquess of Wharton), at Adderbury, Oxon, to whom she brought a large dowry. Due to this marriage her husband acquired Danvers House in Chelsea from her family. Her marriage remained childless and unhappy, due to Wharton’s infidelities. Anne corresponded with Bishop Gilbert Burnet, who advised against leaving her husband, and visited France (1680). She wrote the play Love’s Martyr, or Witt above Crowns, but the only piece of her work published during her lifetime was the poem ‘The Despair’ which was published by Aphra Behn in her Miscellany (1685). Anne Wharton died (Oct 29, 1685) aged twenty-six, and was interred at Winchendon.

Wharton, Betty Ann – (1910 – 1980)
American stage and film actress
Born Betty Ann Jenks in Pasadena, California, it was there she first gained her stage experience. Wharton later worked on Broadway appearing in such productions as Field of Ermine (1935) and Call It a Day (1936). Wharton also appearedin films and was particulalry successful in a revival of the popular play Charley’s Aunt with Jose Ferrer. Wharton retired in 1950. Betty Wharton died (Oct 14, 1980) aged sixty-nine, in Manhattan, New York.

Wharton, Edith Newbold – (1862 – 1937)
American novelist and author
Born Edith Newbold Jones in New York to a wealthy family, she was married in 1885, and resided in France from 1907. She later obtained a divorce from her husband (1913). Strongly influenced by the work of Henry James, Edith Wharton produced several famous novels The House of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), The Age of Innocence (1920) and Old New York (1924). The Age of Innocence won the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a film by Martin Scorsese, starring Michelle Pfeiffer (1993). Wharton wrote almost exclusively concerning the lifestyles of the rich, leisured class to which she belonged. She used social and ethical themes, and achieved the heights of tragedy when portraying the position of women within that society.

Whateley, Dame Leslie Violet Lucy Evelyn Mary – (1899 – 1987)
British ATS director
Leslie Wood was born (Jan 28, 1899). After finishing her education and marrying Leslie Whateley devoted her spare time to writing. During WW II she was appointed as a director of the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) and published the narrative As Thoughts Survive (1948) which dealt with her wartime experiences. For this valuable volunteer service Leslie Whateley was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. After the war she served as the director of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (1951 – 1964) and was awarded the Bronze Wolf by the World organization of the Scout Movement in recognition of her work. Dame Leslie Whateley died (July 4, 1987) aaged eighty-eight.

Wheatley, Edith Grace – (1887 – 1970)
British painter and sculptor
Edith Wolfe was born in London, the daughter of James Wolfe, and studied art at the Slade School in London, and later in Paris. She married (1912) an academic, Professor John Wheatley, to whom she bore a daughter. Wheatley exhibited many of her works at the Royal Academy, and examples survive in the British Museum and in the Tate Gallery, as well as in private collections in South Africa and Canada. She spent a decade at the University of Capetwon in South Africa, where she was alecturer in painting and sculpture. Wheatley was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Watercolour Painters (1954). Widowed in 1955, Edith Wheatley retired to Thakeham, near Pulborough, in Sussex, where she died (Nov 28, 1970).

Wheatley, Phillis – (c1753 – 1784)
Black American poet
Phillis was born in Senegal, West Africa. Captured and enslaved during childhood, she was taken to the slave markets in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was purchased by John Wheatley (1761) as a maidservant for his wife. Educated with the rest of the family by Susanna Wheatley, she studied Greek and Latin, and was able to compose poetry in English at the age of thriteen. In 1773 the Wheatley’s sent Phillis on a trip to London, where she aroused great interest in literary circles. Susanna, Countess of Eglinton took an especial interest in Phillis, and sponsored the publishing of her poetic work Poems on various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773), making her the first published African-American poet. Manumitted after the death of Susanna Wheatley, Phillis continued to reside in the household until John Wheatley’s death (1778). Phillis then married a free black man, John Peters, of Boston, but continued to be employed as a domestic servant. Her work became regarded as a North American classic and a, Collected Works was published in 1988.
Phillis died aged barely thirty (Dec 5, 1784).

Wheeler, Anna – (1785 – 1848) 
Irish feminist and advocate of women’s rights
Born Anna Doyle, she was the daughter of a landlord. She was married as a teenager (1800) to an uncongenial husband to whom she bore several children. Eventually she took her children and left her husband’s home (1812). Wheeler travelled in England and in Europe and became associated with various political and literary circles there before dinally deciding to settle permanently in London (1824). There she devoted her energy to the cause of female suffrage and she provided many of the ideas put forward by suffrage advcocate William Thompson in his Appeal of One Half of the Human Race (1825).

Wheeler, Anna Johnson Pell – (1883 – 1966)
American mathematician
Anna Wheeler was born in Hawarden, Iowa (May 5, 1883), the daughter of Swedish immigrants. She taught at Bryn Mawr College for three decades (1918 – 1948) and extended and generalized some of the mathematical results of the noted German mathematician, David Hilbert. Wheeler was best remembered for her research on biorthagonal systems of functions and their applications to integral equations. She was the first woman to be invited to give the annual series of Colloquium Lectures by the American Mathematical Society (1927). Anna Pell Wheeler died at Bryn Mawr at the age of eighty-two (March 26, 1966).

Wheeler, Annie – (fl. 1865 – 1885)
British painter and artist
Annie Wheeler was a resident of London, and was particularly known as a flower painter. Her work was exhibited at various galleries in London, including that at Suffolk Street, and with the New Water Colour Society.

Wheeler, Frances Matilda Marsden, Lady – (c1795 – 1857) 
Anglo-Indian society figure
Frances Matilda Marsden was the daughter of a British officer, Colonel Frederick Marsden, and was the niece of William Marsden, the noted orientalist. Her mother was a Muslim woman. Frances was raised by her father’s family, and was married firstly to Thomas Samuel Oliver (1784 – 1841), and secondly (1842) at Aligargh, to Sir Hugh Massy Wheeler (1789 – 1857) the famous Anglo-Indian general. Her first marriage had been unhappy, and from 1813 Frances lived with Wheeler as his wife, after Oliver was posted to Java. She and Wheeler were not able to marry unto Oliver’s death, and at the time of the marriage, Frances was heavily pregnant with one of her youngest children. The couple resided at Kanpur, and Lady Wheeler was politely recognized by British society because of her husband’s position, and in 1853 she accompanied the family on a visit to the Wheeler family estates at Ballywire in Ireland.
Lady Wheeler was amongst the British women at the siege of Kanpur during the Indian Mutiny, and her injured son Godfrey had his head taken off by a cannon ball right in front of her and his sisters. She, her husband, and their daughter Eliza Matilda perished in the subsequent massacre of the British at the Sati Chowra Ghat (June 27, 1857) whilst their daughter Ulrica was abducted and secretly survived. The true identity of Lady Wheeler has long been shrouded in mystery due to her Eurasian birth and her irregular married life, which scandalized the British reidents of Kanpur.

Wheeler, Ulrica – (1840 – 1907)
Anglo-Indian captive of the Sepoy Rebellion (1857)
Margaret Frances Wheeler was born in Kanpur, the youngest child of general Sir Hugh Massy Wheeler and his wife Frances Matilda Ramsden, formerly the wife of Lieutenant Thomas Oliver of the Bengal Army. Known by the family nickname of Ulrica she was baptized (March 6, 1842) in Aligarh, on the same day that her parents were finally married, and was raised in Kanpur. She visited Ireland with her parents and several of her siblings in 1855. During the nmassacre of the British captives at the Sati Chaura Ghat (June, 1857) Ulrica was abducted by a rebel trooper, who plucked her from midst of the massacre and saved her. Her parents and her sister Eliza Matilda died not survive. Grateful to the man who had saved her, she married him but bore no children and never contacted her surviving family, who presumed her to be dead. Only on her deathbed in Kanpur did she reveal the details of her past to a British missionary who recorded them.

Whelan, Eleanor Holm     see   Holm, Eleanor

Whipple, Agnes – (fl. 1881 – 1888)
British painter and artist
Agnes Whipple was a resident of London, and was the wife of John Whipple. She specialized in flower paintings and her work was exhibited on several occasions at the Royal Academy in London.

White, Antonia – (1899 – 1980) 
British novelist and translator
Antonia White was the daughter of an academic and was educated in a convent at Roehampton. She worked as a copywriter and a freelance journalist before being appointed as the fashion editor of the The Daily Mirror newspaper (1935 – 1937). During WW II she was employed by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and for intelligence with the Foreign Office. Her published works included Frost in May (1933), which was followed by The Lost Traveller (1950), The Sugar House (1952) and Beyond the Glass (1954). Antonia White also translated the works of the novelist Colette.

White, Daisy – (1871 – 1903)
Australian novelist
Margaret Isabel White was born at Woodlands, near Denman, New South Wales, daughter of pastoralist Henry Charles White, and cousin to the novelist Patrick White. With her father’s remarriage the family moved to Havilah at Mudgee, NSW. Daisy travelled to Paris for schooling with her younger sister before briefly returning to her father’s home. Soon after her arrival Daisy left the family home and retired to live in Adelaide, South Australia. She died unmarried in a nursing home in that city, of enteric typhoid fever, her father at her bedside. Daisy White was interred in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney. Daisy kept a journal of her trip to Paris which was edited and published a century later as Daisy in Exile: The Diary of an Australian Schoolgirl in France 1887 – 1889 (2004).

White, Dorothy – (fl. 1659 – 1684) 
English Quaker writer
Dorothy White resided in Weymouth, Dorset. She was an acquaintance of the Quaker leader George Fox, and may have sufferred a period of imprisonment because of her beliefs. She published almost twenty pamphlets including A Diligent Search (1659) and A Call from God out of Egypt by His Son (1662).

White, Ellen Gould Harman – (1827 – 1915) 
American Seventh Day Adventist prophet, leader and author
Ellen Gould Harman was born in Gorham, Maine, and was married (1846) to the Adventist minister James White. She claimed to have experienced prophetic visions and became the leader of the Seventh Day Adventist Church at its official foundation (1863). Her work Steps to Christ, sold over twenty million copies.

White, Helen Constance – (1896 – 1967)
American scholar, educator and novelist
Helen White was born (Nov 26, 1896) in New Haven, Connecticut. She was the author of A Watch in the Night (1933) and Not Built with Hands (1935), a biography of Countess Matilda of Tuscany. Helen White died (June 7, 1967) in Norwood, Massachusetts, aged seventy.

White, Maude Valerie – (1855 – 1937)
British composer and writer
Maude White was born (June 23, 1855) at Dieppe in France. She studied at the Royal academy of Music in London, where she became the first female musician to win the Mendelssohn Scholarship (1879). Maude White travelled extensively throughout Europe and South American and composed around two hundred songs, as well as instrumental works. White composed the music for The Enchanted Heart (1913) and published two volumes of autobiography Friends and Memories (1914) and My Indian Summer (1932). Maude White died (Nov 2, 1937) in London, aged eighty-two.

White, Olive – (1880 – 1960)
American minor actress
Olive White was born (Jan 6, 1880) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was known for playing minor character roles in such silent films as David Garrick (1916), An International Marriage (1916), A Tale of Two Cities (1917) in which she played Miss Pross, and The Orphan (1920) after which she retired from movies. Olive White died (April 19, 1960) aged eighty, in Hollywood, California.

White, Onna – (1922 – 2005)
Canadian choreographer and dancer
Onna White was born at Inverness in Nova Scotia. She received dance lessons from an early age and later studied with the San Francisco Ballet Company in California. White made her dance debut in Finian’s Rainbow (1947), and she both performed and assisted the choreographer Michael Kidd in Guys and Dolls (1950), and the couple remained a professional team for several years. White choreographed the Broadway productions of various plays such as Carmen Jones (1956), Irma La Douce (1960), Illya Darling (1967), Gigi (1974) and Goodtime Charley (1975). White also orchestrated the choreography for several films including The Music Man (1962), Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Oliver! (1968) and Mame (1974). She was awarded a special Oscar award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her choreography in Oliver! She was nominated for eight Tony awards. Onna White died aged eighty-three (April 8, 2005).

White, Pearl Fay – (1889 – 1938)
American cinema actress
Pearl White was born in Green Ridge, Missouri, the daughter of a farmer. Her career as an equestrienne circus performer was cut short by injuries sustained in a fall, and she went to work as a secretary. White was noticed by the film director Joseph A. Golden and she made her name as a silent comic actress, appearing in the title roles of The Perils of Pauline (1914) and The Exploits of Elaine (1914 – 1915). She appeared in many serialized film reels and performed most of her own stunts. After her retirement (1924) she resided in France. Pearl White died at Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris.

White, Poppy Cannon – (1906 – 1975)
American columnist, food editor and writer
Poppy Whitney was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She attended Vassar College and Columbia University. Her first marriage with Caesar Cannon ended in divorce and she retained the surname of her fourth and last husband (1949) Walter White. White was employed as a magazine food editor writing columns in such publications as Ladies Home Journal, Town and Country and House Beautiful. She was a radio and television commentator and published the biography of her husband entitled My Husband, Walter White (1956). As Poppy Cannon she published many cookbooks such as The Can-Opener Cook-Book (1952), The Bride’s Cookbook (1954), Unforbidden Sweets: Delicious Desserts of One Hundred Calories or Less (1958), Cooking With Electric Appliances (1968) and Poppy Cannon’s All-Time, No-Time, Any-Time Cookbook (1974). Poppy Cannon White died (April 1, 1975) in New York.

Whitehead, Charlotte – (1843 – 1916)
Canadian physician
Charlotte Whitehead was born in Darlington, England (July 15, 1843) and immigrated to Canada with her family (1848). She was married to a Scottish emigrant, David Ross. Charlotte studied at the Woman’s Medical College in Philadelphia, and became the first practising female doctor in Montreal (1876). Charlotte Whitehead died (Feb 21, 1916) at Winnipeg, aged seventy-two.

Whitehouse, Mary – (1910 – 2001)
British morals reformer and crusader
Mary Whiteside was born (June 13, 1910). She was trained and employed as a school and art teacher, and married an industrial coppersmith, to whom she bore three sons. After the age of fifty Mary Whitehouse embarked upon a career as a journalist and broadcaster, and became particularly concerned with ‘cleaning up’ the media, especially television, which she believed to be a corruptive influence. To this end she launched her Clean Up TV campaign (1964) in order to stemm the rising tide of moral decay in Britain’s youth. It was largely due to her influence that the US blue movie Deep Throat was banned in Britain, and she also managed to prevent the arrival in Britain of the Danish artist Jens Jorgen Thorsen, who had wanted to make a film concerning the life of Jesus Christ (1976). Whitehouse wrote Cleaning Up TV (1966), Whatever Happened to Sex? (1977) and the autobiographical Who Does She Think She Is? Mary Whitehouse died (Nov 23, 2001) aged ninety-three, at Colchester, Essex.

Whitelaw, Anne Watt – (1875 – 1966)
New Zealand-Anglo educator
Anne Whitelaw was born in Edinburgh, Scotland of New Zealand parentage. She attended Auckland College and then returned to England to study mathematics at Girton College at Cambridge. She served as assistant mistress at the Wycombe Abbey School for a decade (1897 – 1906) and later as headmistress (1910 – 1925). Whitelaw later served as the head of the Education department of the Selly Oak Colleges in Birmingham, Lancashire (1928 – 1930). She later returned to New Zealand. Anne Whitelaw died (Aug 11, 1966) at Remuera in Auckland.

Whiteley, Opal Stanley – (1897 – 1992)
American frontier settler and diarist
Opal Stanley was born (Dec 11, 1897), and was raised in the lumber camps of Oregon. She claimed to have been the illegitimate daughter of Henri de Bourbon, Duc d' Orleans, but other evidence shows that she was acutually adopted. Her married name was Whiteley. She sufferred from schizophrenia and later entered the Napsley Hospital near London Colney in Hertfordshire, England (1948). Opal Whiteley died (Feb 16, 1992) aged ninety-four. Opal Whiteley published the childhood memoir The Story of Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart (1920) which had previously been serialised in the Atlantic Monthly. Her private diary was published over sixty years later in New York as The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow: The Rediscovered Diary of Opal Stanley (1986).

Whitfield, Beverley – (1954 – 1996)
Australian swimmer
Beverley Whitfield was born in Shellharbour, New South Wales. She trained as a swimmer under the guidance Olymopic medallist Terry Gathercole, and was awarded the gold medal as winner of the 200 metre breaststroke, and the bronze medal for third place in the 100 metre breaststroke at the Munich Olympics (1972). During her later career Whitfield was employed as a detention officer with young offenders at Unanderra, near Wollongong. Beverley Whitfield died (Aug 20, 1996) at Wollongong, New South Wales, aged fifty-four.

Whitford, Dora – (1898 – 1969)
Australian painter and etcher
Dora Whitford was born in Burnside, South Australia, and studied at the South Australia School of Arts, where she was instructed in etching by Malcolm Helsby. Whitford established herself as a commercial artist and became a member of the Australian Painters and Etchers Society in Sydney, New South Wales. Examples of her work are preserved at the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Dora Whitford won medals at the All Australian Exhibitions (1930) and (1936) and was awarded the Ethel Barringer Prize for Etching.

Whiting, Sarah Frances – (1847 – 1927) 
American physicist and astronomer
Sarah Whiting was born at Wyomin in New Jersey, the daughter of a scientific academic. She studied Latin, Greek and mathematics and attended Ingham University, where she later worked as a lecturer. She was later appointed as professor of physics at Wesley College (1876), where she implemented the study of ‘applied physics’ to the curriculum. Whiting was made the director of the Whitin Observatory at Wellesley and retired in 1916.

Whiting, Winifred Ada – (1898 – 1979)
British educator
Winifred Whiting was born (Jan 6, 1898) and attended secondary school at Putney prior to studying at King’s College in London. She was employed as a secondary school teacher in two public schools in Lincolnshire and Kent. She was later appointed as the headmistress of the Girls’County Grammar School at Bromley in Kent and then served as a principal in Liverpool. Her last post was as the principal of Nonington College of Physical Education near Dover in Kent. Winifred Whiting remained unmarried and died (May 16, 1979) aged eighty-one.

Whitley, Kate Mary – (c1844 – 1920)
British painter and artist
Kate Whitley was born in London, the daughter of a clergyman from Leicester. Kate remained unmarried. She specialized in flower paintings and still-lifes, her works being exhibited with the Royal Academy (1884 – 1892) and with the New Water Colour Society. Whitley also held exhibitions of her work in various European capitals and in Chicago in the USA and was a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (1889). Kate Whitley died (Aug 24, 1920) at South Wigston, near Leicester.

Whitney, Anne – (1821 – 1915) 
American sculptor
Anne Whitney was born in Watertown, Massachusetts. With the end of the Civil war she travelled to Europe where she studied and travelled. Whitney produced sculture for most of her adult life. Finally, at the age of seventy-two (1893), she became an anonymous entrant in a competition to produce a memorial to the damous statesman, Charles Sumner. Her sculpture was awarded the prize, but this was later withdrawn when the sex of the winner was revealed. Over one hundred of her works have survived and examples are preserved in the Smithsonian Institute and in the National Collection of Fine Arts.

Whitney, Barbara – (1937 – 1993)
American educator and administrator
Barbara Whitney was born in Iowa, and attended the College of Nursing at the State University. She went on to study at the Boston University School of nursing and management at the Columbia University School of Business. She was particularly intered in human sexuality and did research in this field n Sweden, Japan and Kenya in Africa. Whitney became a recognized sex education specialist and campaigned for information concerning AIDS to be made available in the public school system. Whitney served as the executive director of the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and was director of the AIDS Training institute in the New York City Department of Health. Barbara Whitney died of breast cancer (July 16, 1993) aged fifty-six at Squam Lake, New Hampshire.

Whitney, Betsey Maria Cushing – (1908 – 1998)
American philanthropist, socialite and diplomatic figure
Betsey Cushing was born (May 18, 1908) the daughter of the prominent neurosurgeon, Harvey Cushing. Her first marriage with James Roosevelt, the second son of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty-second President (1933 – 1945) and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, ended in divorce, and Betsey later remarried to Jock Whitney, the US ambassador to Britain. The death of her second husband (1982) left Betsey an extremely wealthy woman, on top of what she had inherited through her own family. Her wealth was estimated as over seven hundred million dollars (1992). Mrs Whitney utilized this enormous wealth to become aprominet philanthropist in New York for worthy causes, and established the Greentree Foundation (1983) to assist local community groups. Mrs Whitney donated eight million dollars to the Yale Medical School, and was a generous patron of the Museum of Modern Art. Betsey Maria Whitney died (March 25, 1998) aged eighty-nine.

Whitney, Gertrude Vanderbilt – (1875 – 1942)
American sculptor
Gertrude Vanderbilt was born (Jan 9, 1875) into the famous and wealthy Vanderbilt family. She was married (1896) to the financier Harry Payne Whitney (1872 – 1930), and was the mother of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney (1899 – 1992). Gertrude studied at the Art Students League in New York and Paris, and her own work was much influenced by that of the famous Auguste Rodin (1840 – 1917).
Whitney worked as a nurse during WW I, and this experience led her to produce the two sculpted panels for the Victory Arch (1918 – 1920) and The Washington Heights War Memorial (1921) in New York.  Her other works included the famous Titanic Memorial (1914 – 1931). Gertrude Whitney donated her own extensive collection of modern art to found the Whitney Museum of Modern Art in Greenwich Village (1931), which was later moved to Madison Avenue. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney died aged sixty-seven. She was portrayed by actress Angela Lansbury in the television movie Little Gloria ... Happy At Last (1982).

Whitney, Isabella – (fl. c1560 – 1573)
English poet
Isabella was probably the sister of Geoffrey Whitney, the author of, A Choice of Emblemes (1586). Isabella Whitney is known as the author of two surviving works A Copy of a Letter lately written in Meeter by a Yonge Gentilwoman to Her Unconstant Lover (1567) and A Sweet Nosegay, or Pleasant Posye: Contayning a hundred and ten Philsophicall Flowers (1573). She is the first Englishwoman who identifies herself as a ‘professional’ author, as well as one of the earliest to publish secular literature.

Whitney, Dame Mary see Berkeley, Mary

Whitney, Mary Watson – (1847 – 1921)
American astronomer, poet, lyricist and writer
Mary Whitney studied mathematics at Vassar College and astronomy under Maria Mitchell. She spent several years in Zurich, Switzerland before becoming Mitchell’s personal assistant (1881). Whitney later succeeded Mitchell as the director of Vassar College and was appointed as professor of astronomy (1888). She made detailed observations of comets and asteroids, but was forced to retire due because of ill-health (1910).

Whitney, Phyllis Ayame – (1903 – 2008)
American mystery writer
Phyllis Whitney was born (Sept 9, 1903) at Yokohama in Japan of American parentage, and was raised in Asia. Her best known works were A Place for Ann (1941) and The Mystery of the Haunted Pool (1961) and Hidden Hand (1964) for both of which she received the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for the best children’s novel. Her other novels included The Quicksilver Pool (1955), The Moonflower (1958), Thunder Heights (1960) Black Amber (1964) and Sea Jade (1965). Phyllis Whitney died (Feb 8, 2008) aged one hundred and four years, at Faber in Virginia.

Whittesley, Abigail Goodrich – (1788 – 1858)
American mothercraft editor
Abigail Whittesley was born (Nov 29, 1788) in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Long onterested in the field of informative literature for the benefit of mothers, Abigail founded the Mother’s Magazine publication (1833) of which she served firstly as editor (1833 – 1844) and later as co-editor (1844 – 1849). When aged over sixty she founded a second periodical Mrs Whittlesey’s Magazine for Mothers (1850), serving as editor for the first formative years of this publication’s lifetime. Whittesley retired in 1852. Abigail Goodrich Whittesley died (July 16, 1858) aged sixty-nine.

Whitty, Dame May – (1865 – 1948) 
British actress
Born Mary Louise Whitty in Liverpool, Lancashire, she was the daughter of a journalist. Whitty was married (1892) to actor Ben Webster, and was created DBE (Dame of the British Empire) by King George V (1918), in recognition of her contribution to the theatre. She appeared in films during the latter part of her career, and was best remembered in films such as The Lady Vanishes (1938), as Lady Belden in Mrs Miniver (1942) with Greer Garson and Teresa Wright, and as a lovable but nosy neighbour in Gaslight (1944), with Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman.

Whyte, Edna Gardner – (1902 – 1992)
American aviatrix
Whilst working with the nursing corps in the US Navy, Edna Whyte made her first solo flight (1926), but did not attain her pilot’s license till 1928. With a career of more than sixty years as a pilot and flying instructor, Edna personally one more than eighty aviation awards, including the Charles Lindbergh Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs Whyte was the first woman to become inducted as an honorary member of the Daedalians, a world wide fraternity of military pilots. In later years, in conjunction with her husband, George M. Whyte, she operated the Aero Enterprise Flight School in Fort Worth. Widowed (1970), Edna continued instructing fliers at Roanoke. She died (Feb 15, 1992) in Dallas, Texas.

Whyte, Kathleen – (1909 – 1996)
Scottish embroiderer and educator
Helen Kathleen Ramsay Whyte was born in Arbroath was partly raised in Jamshedpur in India. She studied at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen under James Hamilton, and was awarde several prizes for her work including the Alexander Barker Prize. She later joined the faculty of the Galsgow School of Art where she taught machine embroidery and tapestry weaving. Kathleen Whyte’s works included pulpit falls for various churches including those of St Martin in Glasgow and the Westerton at Bearsden. She also designed a stole for Queen Elizabeth, widow of George VI, which commemorated the opening of the Tay Bridge (1966). Her eyesight later began to fail and she eventually retired (1974). She was appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her valuable contribution to the arts in Scotland.

Whyte, Dame Roberta Mary – (1897 – 1979)
British air commandant
Roberta Whyte was born (June 6, 1897), and trained as a nurse at the King’s College Hospital. After this she joined Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service (1929 – 1956) and served as matron-in-chief (1952 – 1956). In recognition of this valuable service she was awarded the Royal Red Cross (1949) and was created a Queen’s Honorary Nursing Sister (1952). Whyte was then created DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1955). Dame Roberta Whyte remained unmarried and died (Jan 25, 1979).

Whyte, Violet     see    Winter, John Strange

Whytock, Janet    see   Patey, Janet Monach

Wiay (1) – (fl. c1400 BC)
Egyptian princess
A member of the XVIIIth Dynasty, Wiay bore the titles of ‘King’s Daughter’ but the indentity of her father remains unknwon. She was later reburied at Sheikh Abd el-Quena sometime during the XXIst Dynasty.

Wiay (2) – (fl. c1000 – c900 BC)
Egyptian queen consort
A member of the XXIst Dynasty (1064 – 940 BC), Queen Wiay was the wife of King Pasebkhanut I and was the maternal grandmother of King Pinudjem II. Wiay was mentioned in the surviving funerary papyrus of her grandson.

Wibourg    see   Guitburge

Wibrande – (c425 – c450 AD)
German Christian pilgrim
Wibrande was maidservant to three noble Christian ladies named Cunegund, Mechtund and Christiana. The four women were travelling towards Rome, possibly attempting to escape barbarian incursions, when they all fell ill at the city of Augusta, between Rheinfeld and Basle, where they erected a hospice for pilgrims and travellers, near the village of Rapperwil. Christiana died there and was buried at Basle. Cunegund and Mechtund fell ill in turn, and were faithfully tended by Wibrande. They both died, and then the servant-girl fell ill and died as well. The four women were later all interred together at Eichel, in Constance, where a church was later built over their tomb to commemorate them. Wibrande was jointly revered as a saint, togther with her three mistresses (June 16).

Wickham, Anna – (1884 – 1947)
British poet
Born Edith Alice Mary Harper in Australia, she went to London (1905) where she attended the Tree Academy of Acting. Her work included The Contemplative Quarry (1915) and The Man with a Hammer (1916).

Widdemer, Margaret – (1884 – 1978)
American poet and novelist
Margaret Widdemer was born in Pennsylvania and was trained as a librarian. She published the collection of verse entitled The Factories and Other Poems (1915) which dealt with observations concerning child labour. Margaret Widdemer’s novel The Rose-Garden Husband (1915) quickly became a best-seller and she wrote the ‘Winona’ series of books for young girls. Her other poetic collections included Old Road to Paradise (1919), for which she was awarded the Poetry Society prize, and Collected Poems (1957).

Widdowson, Elsie May – (1906 – 2000) 
British nutritionist
Elsie Widdowson was born (Oct 21, 1906), and was raised in London, where she studied chemistry at the Imperial College. She became a dietician and collaborated with the physiologist R.A. McCance at King’s College, London and later at Cambridge University. Elsie Widdowson conducted extensive research into the chemical and nutritional value of various foodstuffs, and developed a detailed program which recorded the effects of nutrition in human growth and development. She was elected a fellow of the Royal Society (1976) and was later created CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1979) and CH (Companion of Honour) (1993) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her valuable contribution to science. Elsie Widdowson died (June 14, 2000) aged ninety-three.

Widener, Gertrude Douglas – (1898 – 1970)
American race horse owner
Gertrude Douglas was the daughter of Curtis Noble Douglas of Albany, and married firstly Frederick Peabody, from whom she was divorced, and secondly Peter A.B. Widener II, leaving three children. Considered one of the most beautiful society figures, Mrs Widener raced horses in America and France under her own colours. Her most successful American horse, the stallion Polynesian, won the Preakness (1945), and sired the equally famous Native Dancer, the winner of twenty-one races. Her successes in France included the top filly of 1962, Hula Dancer, and the famous Don Cupid, father of the equally renowned Sea-Bird. Mrs Widener maintained three residences, including one in France, and one at the Lowell Hotel in New York. Gertrude Widener died of a heart attack (Feb 3, 1970) in New York.

Widl, Marie    see   Kraemer-Widl, Marie

Wiener, Jacqueline – (1902 – 1976)
Caribbean poet
Jacqueline Wiener was born (March 8, 1902) at Port-au-Prince in Haiti. Her published works included Une femme chante (1951) and Tumultes (1958). Jacqueline Wiener died (Aug 10, 1976) in New York, USA, aged seventy-four.

Wiesner, Theodora – (1908 – 1992)
American dance director
Yheodora Wiesner was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin and studied physical education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She then became involved in dance and its associations with physical education which she studied at New York University. She taught dance at the universities of Pennsylvania and Chicago. During WW II she served as a lieutenant commander with the Navy Women’s Reserve. Theodora Wiesner was appointed as an administrative assistant at the Connecticut College School of Dance in New London (1949) and served for over two decades (1950 – 1975) as the dance director at Brooklyn College. Wiesner was also the director of the American Dance Festival (1963 – 1968) which showcased modern dance styles and was presented annually by that college. Theodora Wiesner died (May 2, 1992) aged eighty-three, at Greenwich Village, New York.

Wieth, Agnes Thorberg – (1886 – 1981)
Danish film actress
Agnes Wieth was born (May 31, 1886) in Copenhagen. Her film credits included Drama pa slottet (1943) in which she appeared as Charlotte Amalie, and Café Paradis (1950) which was screened internationally as Café Paradise. Her last screen appearance was in Den Lille pigne med svovlstikkerne (1953). Agnes Wieth died (Feb 25, 1981) aged ninety-four.

Wieworska, Helena – (1888 – 1967)
Polish lawyer
Helena Wieworska studied law in St Petersburg in Russia, and became the fist female lawyer in Polish history (1925). During World War II Wieworska worked for the underground Resistance movement during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Betrayed and arrested, she was imprisoned by the Germans, and her health was badly affected by the conditions of her incarceration. After the war she co-founded the Society of Women with Higher Legal Education, and attended international meetings and congresses. She retired in 1956.

Wiggin, Kate Douglas – (1856 – 1923)
American novelist and educational pioneer
Kate Douglas Smith was born (Sept 28, 1856) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She trained a teacher of infant children, and became an early pioneer of kindergarten teaching before she took up her career as a writer. Kate moved to California with her family and was married there, before moving with her husband to New York. Kate Wiggin took up writing as a means of earning money to finance the kindergarten she had established in the poor area of San Francisco. Wiggin wrote The Story of Paisy (1883) but was best remembered for her highly popular classic Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903), which portrayed an idyllic picture of rural life in New England. Other popular works included The Birds’ Christmas (1888) and Mother Carey’s Chickens (1911). She also left the autobiographical work My Garden of Memory (1923). Kate Wiggin died (Aug 24, 1923) aged sixty-six.

Wigglesworth, Joy – (1932 – 1996)
Australian radio personality
Joy beat three thousand other child hopefuls in a competition (1937) and sang the famous adverting jinge ‘I like Aeroplane Jelly. Aeroplane Jelly for me’ for the Aeroplane Jelly crystal manufacturing company. This song has since become an iconic part of Australian history. Joy Wiggleswoth died aged sixty-four, in Brisbane, Queensland.

Wightman, Frieda    see   Inescourt, Frieda

Wightman, Hazel Virginia Hotchkiss – (1886 – 1974)
American tennis player and athlete
Hazel Hotchkiss was born (Dec 20, 1886) in Healdsburg, California. She began competitive tennis in 1902, and employed the use of the volley and the net for the first time. After her marriage, Hazel Wightman was the winner of the national triple (singles, doubles and mixed doubles) on three sonsecutive occasions (1909 – 1911) and published the teaching manual Better Tennis (1933). The USLTA (United States Lawn Tennis Association) established the Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman Trophy in her honour. Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman died (Dec 5, 1974) at Newton, aged eighty-seven.

Wigilinda     see    Vigilinda

Wigman, Mary – (1886 – 1973)
German dancer, choreographer and teacher
Born Marie Wiegmann (Nov 13, 1886) in Hanover, Prussia, she studied eurhythmic dance under Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, and was associated with Rudolf von Laban and his work in Munich during World War I. Adopting the professional name of ‘Mary Wigman,’ she became one of the most influential of contemporary German dance artists, most notably in the field of German Expressionism, her ensemble dances being highly professionally regarded. Wigman established a dance school in Dresden, Saxony (1920) and she was the teacher of the equally famous Hanya Holm. Holm’s fame in America achieved recognition for Wigman there as well. Her schools were later closed by the Nazi regime, and Wigman herself retired (1942). After the end of World War II she established another school in West Germany (1949). Mary Wigman died (Aug 18, 1973) in Berlin, aged eighty-six.

Wigniolle-Dupre, Yvonne    see   Printemps, Yvonne

Wilcox, Ella Wheeler – (1850 – 1919)
American journalist and poet
Ella Wilcox was born (Nov 5, 1850) in Johnstown Center, Wisconsin. Having written a novel by the age of ten, she produced three works Drops of Water (1872), Shells (1873) and Maurine (1876) before she achieved real literary recognition when she published the popular Poems of Passion (1883). Highly regarded in her own time, her verse is now considered too sentimental. Wilcox is best remembered for her poem ‘Solitude’ which first appreared in Poems of Passion: Perdita, and Other Stories (1886) and has the famous line “Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep, and you weep alone.” She also wrote two autobiographical overviews of her her work in The Story of a Literary Career (1905) and The World and I (1918).  Ellen Wheeler Wilcox died (Oct 30, 1919) aged sixty-eight.

Wilcox, Dame Marjorie    see   Neagle, Dame Anna

Wilczek, Countess Gina von   see   Georgina von Wilczek

Wilde, Jane Francisca Elgee, Lady – (1821 – 1896) 
Irish poet and literary hostess
Jane Elgee was born (Dec 27, 1821) in Wexford, the daughter of Charles Elgee, a clergyman, and was the granddaughter of Archdeacon Elgee of Wesford. Jane was married (1851) Sir William Wilde (1815 – 1876) of Castlerea, Roscommon, the noted Irish surgeon and antiquary, to whom she bore two sons, the journalist William charles Kingsbury Wilde (1853 – 1898), and the novelist and dramatist Oscar O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854 – 1900). Their daughter Isola (born 1859) died in childhood. A prominent nationalist, Lady Wilde established a popular salon at her home in Merrion Square, Dublin, and contributed poetry and prose to the Nation periodical using the pseudonym ‘Speranza’ (1845 – 1848) until that publication was suppressed on the grounds of sedition. With the death of her husband she removed to London where she established herself as a literary hostess and patron of some note, though she was caricatured by the press. Lady Wilde later received a pension from the Civil List (1890) in recognition of her services to literature. An authority on Celtic myth and folk-lore, Lady Wilde was the author of, Ancient Legends, Mystic charms, and Superstitions of Ireland (1887), Ancient Cures (1891). Her collection of verse was published as, Poems by Speranza (1871). Lady Wilde died (Feb 3, 1896) aged seventy-four, and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

Wildenhain, Margarete    see   Friedlander, Margarete

Wilder, Honeychile – (1913 – 1995)
American film actress and socialite
Born Patricia Wilder (Sept 8, 1913) in Macon, Georgia, she went to Hollywood in California in order to pursue an acting career. Wilder appeared with Jimmy Stewart in Speed (1936), New Faces of 1937, with Milton Berle, On Again Off Again (1937), My Lucky Star (1938) in which she appeared with Cesar Romero, and Thanks for the Memory (1938) after which she retired from movies. Known as ‘Honeychile’ Wilder she later became part of European high society and the jet-set after her third marriage (1949) with Prince Friedrich Alexander von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingfurst. The marriage lasted until the prince’s death when Honeychile became the Dowager Princess von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingfurst (1984 – 1995). Honeychile Wilder died (Aug 11, 1995) aged eighty-one.

Wilder, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls – (1867 – 1957)
American novelist and writer
Laura Ingalls Wilder was born (Feb 7, 1867) in Pepin, Wisconsin and lived the rural life for the first six decades of her life. Her highly popular ‘Little House’ series of books for children were drawn for her own childhood memories of farm life. Wilder’s original work Little House in the Big Woods (1932) proved instantly popular and successful, and was followed by several sequels such as Farmer Boy (1933), Little House on the Prairie (1935) which became a successful television mini-series in the 1970’s, By the Shores of Lake Silver (1939), Little Town on the Prairie (1941) and Those Happy Golden Years (1943). Laura Ingalls Wilder died (Feb 10, 1957) at Mansfield, aged ninety.

Wilding, Dorothy – (1893 – 1976) 
British portrait photographer
Dorothy Wilding was raised in the south of England and studied under Walter Barnett at his studio in Knightsbridge, London. Wilding soon established her own photographic studio in Portman Square, and her sitters included such famous actresses such as Tallulah Bankhead and Pola Negri. Wilding was married to photographer Rufus Leighton-Pearce with whom she ran a successful studio in New York until her eventual retirement (1957).

Wildman, Ina – (1872 – 1896)
Australian journalist
Alexina Maude Wildman was born at Paddington in Sydney, the daughter of a clerk, and was brought up at Waverley. Ina wrote verses from an early age, and from 1889 – 1896 she kept up a newspaper society column under the pseudonym ‘Sappho Smith’ in the Sydney Bulletin, with letters addresses to ‘My dear Mooribunda.’ Her column appeared under a Phil May cartoon of an elderly dowager, wearing a pince-nez, and holding a disapproving fan. She wrote in a caustic, facetious manner which poked fun at vice-regal pomposity, and delighted readers. She developed Bright’s disease (1894), and travelled to Queensland for her health, continuing to write until the very last. Ina Wildman died at Waverley, Sydney.

Wilhelmi, Jane Russell     see     Russell, Jane

Wilhelmina Ernestina of Denmark – (1650 – 1706)
Electress Palatine consort of the Rhine
Princess Wilhelmina Ernestina was born (June 20, 1650) the daughter of King Frederik III, and his wife Sophia Amalia, the daughter of George, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg. The princess was married (1671) to Prince Karl (1651 – 1685), the son and heir of Karl I, Elector Palatine of the Rhine, the marriage designed to bind closer the already exisiting families ties between the two dynasties. By this marriage she became the sister-in-law of Elisabeth Charlotte, Duchesse d’Orleans, and was the first cousin of George I, King of Great Britain (1714 – 1727). When her husband succeeded his father as Elector Karl II (1680) Wilhelmina Ernestina became Electress Palatine consort (1680 – 1685). The electress was rather large and unattractive in person, an observation borne out by surviving portraiture. The marriage produced no children, and the royal couple lived mainly apart. References to the princess appear in the correspondence of her aunt, the Electress Sophia of Hanover. With the death of Karl II, Wilhelmina Ernestina survived as Electress Dowager of the Palatine and the Rhine for two decades (1685 – 1706). During her widowhood she resided at the Castle of Lichtenberg, near Prettin in Saxony, the dower residence of her widowed elder sister, Anna Sophia, the Dowager Electress of Saxony. Electress Wilhelmina Ernestina died (April 22, 1706) aged fifty-five.

Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria – (1880 – 1962)
Queen regnant of the Netherlands (1890 – 1948)
Princess Wilhelmina was born (Aug 31, 1880) at The Hague, the daughter of William III, King of the Netherlands, and his second wife Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont. She succeeded her father at the age of ten (1890) under the regency of her mother till she reached the age of eighteen (1898). She married Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, who then became Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands. Their only child was the future Queen Juliana (1909 – 2004). Firmly adhering to the principles of constitutional rule throughout her reign, she won the everlasting affection and regard of her people during World War II when, though compelled to flee to Britain to escape capture by the Nazis, she made use of radio broadcasting to keep in touch with the Dutch people, and encouraged their resistance to the German occupation from London. Wilhelmina abdicated in favour of her daughter after the end of the war (1948), and assumed the title of Princess Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. She was the author of the memoirs entitled Eenzaam maar miet alleen (Lonely but not Alone) (1959). Princess Wilhelmina died (Nov 28, 1962) aged eighty-two, at Het Loo.

Wilhelmina Maria of Hesse-Homburg – (1688 – 1770)
German letter writer
Landgravine Wilhelmina Maria was born (Jan 7, 1688) the third daughter of Friedrich II, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg (1680 – 1733) and his second wife Louisa of Kurland, the daughter of Duke Jacob of Kurland, and was sister to Landgrave Friedrich III of Hesse-Homburg (1708 – 1746). She was married (May 9, 1711) to Count Anton II von Aldenburg-Knyphausen (1681 – 1738) to whom she bore an only daughter and heiress the famous Countess Charlotte Sophia von Aldenburg (1715 – 1800). Countess Wilhelmina Maria survived her husband for over thirty years (1738 – 1770) as the Dowager Countess von Aldenburg. Some of her letters to her daughter have survived and been printed. Wilhelmina Maria died (Nov 25, 1770) aged eighty-two. She was the ancestress of Mrs Elizabeth Le Blond (1861 – 1943) the famous mountaineer.

Wilkins, Elizabeth – (fl. 1698 – c1716)
British actress
Elizabeth Wilkins first performed with Rich’s company at the Drury Lane Theatre in the role of Panura in The Island Princess (1698). Other stage roles included that of Jenny in Love Without Interest (April, 1699) and Eriphile in, Achilles (Dec, 1699). Elizabeth also performed in Dublin, notably at the Smock Alley Theatre. Her roles there included Euphelia in The Generous Conqueror, Henrietta in All for the Better, and Elenora in The Spanish Wives (1707 – 1708). Nothing is recorded of her after her retirement from the stage (c1716).

Wilkinson, Ellen Cicely – (1891 – 1947) 
British trade unionist and politician
Ellen Wilkinson was born in Manchester, Lancashire and joined the Independent Labour Party (1912). Wilkinson assisted with the organization of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers from 1915, and was later elected as Labour Member of Parliament for Middlesborough East (1924). Wilkinson served as Parliamentary private secretary to Susan Lawrence, the chairman of the Labour Party (1929 – 1931), and then lost her own seat (1931). Ellen Wilkinson returned to politics several years later after being elected as the member for Jarrow (1935). She led the Jarrow March to London (1936) which was organized to bring to the government’s notice the severe plight of the Depression stricken people of Durham. Wilkinson was later appointed as Minister for Education (1945), the first woman to be granted such a post. She was popularly known as ‘Red Ellen.’

Wilkinson, Iris Guiver    see   Hyde, Robin

Wilkinson, Jane – (c1510 – 1557) 
English Protestant exile
Jane Wilkinson was the daughter of a wealthy gentleman. She served at the court of Henry VIII as silkwoman to Queen Anne Boleyn and later supported such famous Protestant figures as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley during the persecutions initiated by Queen Mary. Cranmer advised Jane to leave England and go into exile and eventually, then a widow she fled to Frankfurt in Germany with her daughter, and died there. Letters to Jane from various important Protestant prelates survive.

Wilkinson, Jemima – (1752 – 1819)
American religious leader
Jemima Wilkinson was born into a Quaker family in Cumberland, Rhode Island. She was influenced by the preaching of Methodist clergy such as George Whitefield, and after suffering a fever (1774) began organizing her own church and became known as the ‘Publick Universal Friend.’ However claims by her followers that Wilkinson was the incarnation of Jesus Christ led to her expulsion from New England. She established the colony called ‘Jerusalem’ in Yates County (1794), but with her death, this religious movement quickly collapsed.

Wilkinson, Dame Louisa Jane – (1889 – 1968)
British nurse and official
Wilkinson was born (Dec 11, 1889) and was educated at the Bede Collegiate School in Sunderland and the Thornbeck Collegiate School in Darlington. Louisa trained as a nurse, and then volunteered for war service during WW I, being appointed as Colonel Commandant of QAIMNS (Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service). During and after WW II (1944 – 1948) she served as matron-in-chief of the QAIMNS. Louisa Wilkinson later served as president of the Royal College of Nursing, and was appointed OBE (Order of the British Empire) (1943) and then CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1946) by King George VI, in recognition of her valuable public service, and was finally appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) (1948). Dame Louisa Wilkinson died (Dec 4, 1968) at Oakhurst, Innhams Wood, near Crowborough, Sussex, aged seventy-eight.

Wilkinson, Stephanie Margaret (Jill) – (1934 – 1997)
Anglo-Australian campaigner
Wilkinson was born in Suffolk, England the daughter of a lieutenant-colonel in the British Army, whilst her mother, Margaret McGregor, was a descendant of the Scottish outlaw and hero Rob Roy (1671 – 1734). Stephanie was raised in India, Malaya, Malta, and Cyprus, and attended school in England during World War II (1942 – 1945). She later studied painting at the Slade School in London, and served four years in the army before marrying (1965) and then immigrating to Australia (1967). Employed as a teacher at Grantham High School in Seven Hills, Sydney, New South Wales for nearly twenty-five years, Stephanie founded (1989) the organization AAE (Australians Against Executions). This group extended nationwide and promoted support to men and women world-wide who have been sentenced to execution. A keen historical preservationist, she also formed part of the association that campaigned successfully to prevent the destruction of the Bella Vista mansion, in seven Hills, where Elizabeth Macarthur had first bred merino sheep in the NSW colony.

Willa of Vienne     see    Gisela of Vienne

Willard, Emma Hart – (1787 – 1870) 
American educator
Emma Willard was born (Feb 23, 1787) in Berlin, Connecticut, of a prominent family. She graduated as a teacher from the Berlin Academy (1803) aged only sixteen, and in 1807, at the age of twenty was appointed principal of the Female Academy in Middleburg, Vermont. Emma resigned her position upon her marriage (1809) to Dr John Willard, but though permitted to study, she was refused permission to attend classes or gain a university degree. Financial need was behind the opening of the Middleburg Female Academy (1814) and in 1819 she submitted her Plan for Improving Female Education to the New York State Legislature. Her appeal for state funding for female education was rejected, and from 1821 – 1838 she ran the Troy Female Academy, at the invitation of that town. Her work Journal and Letters from France and Great Britain, written during a trip to Europe (1830), funded a female college Emma had founded in Athens. Emma had remarried, but was divorced, and in 1854 was appointed one of the two representatives of America at the World’s Education Convention in London. Apart from education text-books Emma Willard is also known as the author of the poem Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep. Emma Willard died (April 15, 1870) aged eighty-three.

Willard, Frances Elizabeth Caroline – (1839 – 1898)
American suffragist and temperance reformer
Frances Willard was born (Sept 28, 1839) in Churchville, New York the daughter of schoolteachers. She herself became a schoolteacher (1859) and was appointed president of the Evanston College for Ladies (1871). When this college merged with the Northwestern University (1873) Frances became Dean of Women and Professor of Aesthetics. Willard later resigned this position (1874) and became the organizer and secretary of the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, of which she was elected president (1879). She herself organized and become president of the World Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) (1883) which aimed at universal suffrage for all women. An excellent orator herself, after the Industrial Conference (1892) she became one of the first members of the Prohibition and Populist parties. Frances later toured England, and was the author of Women and Temperance (1883) and memoirs Glimpses of Fifty Years (1889). Frances Willard died (Feb 18, 1898) aged fifty-eight.

Willebrandt, Mabel Walker – (1889 – 1963)
American lawyer and prison reformer
Mabel Willebrandtwas born (May 23, 1889) in Woodsdale, Kansas, and received her law degree from the University of Southern California (1916). Serving without a salary as the first woman assistant public defender in Los Angeles, she became one of the founding members of the Women Lawyers Association. During World War I Mabel was appointed to head the Legal Advisory Board, the largest draft board in Los Angeles, and was then successfully recommended to the post of assistant attorney general of the United States (1921). Mabel worked with determination to reform the prison system and its’ treatment of female inmates. Her vigorous campaigning led to the complete segregation of female prisoners, and led to the opening of the first federal prison solely for women (1928). She resigned her public offices in order to return to private practice (1928). Mabel Willebrandt died (April 6, 1963) in Riversdale, California, aged seventy-three.

Williams, Anna – (1706 – 1783) 
British author
Anna Williams was the daughter of noted scientist and eccentric, Zachery Williams. Her sight failed in her early twenties, and Anna eventually succumbed to blindness. She never married. Some of her verses survive and she published a translation from the French of the Life of the Emperor Julian (1740). Williams is best remembered for her long standing friendship with Samuel Johnson.

Williams, Anna Wessels – (1863 – 1954)
American physician and bacteriologist
Anna Williams was born (March 17, 1863) in Hackensack, New Jersey. She detailed and explained the connections between infectious diseases, and then developed an effective immunization against diptheria. Anna Williams died (Nov 20, 1954) in Westwood, New Jersey, aged ninety-one.

Williams, Cicely Delphine – (1893 – 1992) 
British child health specialist
Cecily Williams was born in Kew Park, Jamaica, the daughter of a plantation owner. She studied history at Somerville College, Oxford, before going on the study medicine at the King’s College Hospital. Williams worked as a doctor for several years in the poor rural areas of Greece, and then joined the Colonial Medical Service on the Gold Coast of Africa (1929). Concerned mainly with maternal and childcare needs, Williams discovered the infant disease kwashiorkor, caused by a protein deficiency, and wrote articles for the medical journal Lancet (1935). Captured in Singapore during WW II, she was imprisoned at Changi and was brutally treated but survived these horrors. After the war she was appointed as the first head (1948 – 1952) of the Mother and Child Health department set up by the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Williams, Ellen Gwendolen Rees     see    Rhys, Jean

Williams, Grace Mary – (1906 – 1977) 
Welsh composer and teacher
Grace Williams was born (Feb 19, 1906) in Barry, the daughter of a musician and conductor and attended school in Cardiff before studying at the Royal College of Music. Grace went on to study composition in Vienna. Her works included the Sea Sketches for string orchestra, the Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes and Castell Caernarvon, which was composed for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales. Grace Williams died (Feb 10, 1977) in Barry, aged seventy.

Williams, Gwen    see   Rhys, Jean

Williams, Helen Maria – (1762 – 1827)
British novelist
Helen Williams was born in London and raised at Berwick-on-Tweed, where her education was organized by her mother. With her later return to London, Williams frequented the literary salons and was a friend to such people as Elizabeth Montagu, Fanny Burney, Samuel Johnson, and the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Williams made several visits to France after the outbreak of the Revolution (1789), and her support for this cause led to vitriolic attacks against her in the press. She later retired to live in Switzerland (1794). Her published works included the poem Edwin and Eltruda (1782), and the novels Julia (1790) and Perourou (1801). William’s also translated various works including Xavier de Maistre’s The Leper of the City of Aosta (1817).

Williams, Ivy – (1877 – 1966)
British barrister
Ivy Williams was educated at the University of London and at the University of Oxford. She trained as a lawyer and barrister and was finally admitted to the Inns of Court, and joined the Inner Temple, becoming the first British woman to qualify as such. However, she did not take up the practice of law, preferring to seclude herself within the scholarly life at the universities. Williams remained for many years a tutor in law for women to the Society of Oxford Home Students. She was later elected as an Honorary Fellow of St Anne’s College (1956).

Williams, Jane (1) – (fl. 1789)
British silversmith
Jane William was trained as a maker of buckles for shoes. She was registered in this trade with her business partner Elizabeth Barrows (1789) at their premises in Bedford Street in The Strand in London, though the relationship between the two women remains unknown.

Williams, Jane (2) – (c1763 – 1845)
British silversmith
Jane Terry was born in Cork, the daughter of Carden Terry, silversmith. She was trained as an apprentice under her father and became the wife (1791) of John Williams. Her husband went into partnership with her father (1795) and she bore him seven children. With the death of John Williams (1806) Anne’s father took her to Dublin where she registered her trademark as a silversmith and went into business partnership with him in Cork, being the only recorded female silversmith from that city. Several of her beautifully worked ‘freedom’ boxes produced during the Regency Period have been preserved. Jane Williams died (April 17, 1845).

Williams, Jane (3) – (1806 – 1885) 
British historian and writer
Jane Williams was born at Chelsea in London. She wrote using the pseudonym of ‘Ysgafell,’and produced such works as Miscellaneous Poems (1824) and the History of Wales derived from Authentic Sources (1869).

Williams, Katerina Myrna Adele    see   Loy, Myrna

Williams, Mary Lou – (1910 – 1981) 
American jazz pianist, arranger and composer
Elfrieda Williams was born (May 8, 1910) in Atlanta, Georgia, and was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known as Mary Lou she trained as a pianist and worked as arranger for jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, for whom she arranged his famous Trumpets No End. Her other works included the jazz composition Waltz Boogie (1946) and the devotional work Mary Lou’s Mass (1970). Mary Lou Williams died (May 28, 1981) in Durham, North Carolina, aged seventy-one.

Williams, Rachel – (fl. 1724 – 1750)
British actress
Rachel Williams was employed by the Lincoln’s inn Fields Theatre before she became a member of the Drury Lane troupe (1724 – 1725) when she performed the role of Charmian in Caesar of Aegypt. Later in her career Rachel performed at the Haymarket Theatre, notably in the role of Harry in The Metamorphosis of the Beggar’s Opera (1730). Her last known role was as Madamoiselle Sans-Carpo in L’Opera du Gueux at Haymarket.

Williams, Mrs Samuel Ferebee     see    Nordstrom, Siggie

Williams, Ursula Moray – (1911 – 2006)
British children’s writer
Williams was born (April 19, 1911) at Petersfield in Hampshire. She expressed an interest in writing from early childhood and eventually published over seventy books. Her works explored the themes of abandonment and love amongst others through the eyes of children. These works included The Adventures of the Little Horse (1938), The Good Little Christmas Tree (1942), Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat (1943), The Toymaker’s Daughter (1968), Malkin’s Mountain (1971), The Further Adventures of Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse (1984) and Grandma and the Ghowlies (1986). Ursula Moray Williams died (Oct 7, 2006) aged ninety-five.

Williams, Winifred Isabel – (1908 – 1996)
Australian home economist and author
Winifred Williams was born in Ballarat, Victoria. She attended the Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy and became a home economics teacher in the Victorian State school system. She became a co-founder of the Home Economics Institute of Australia which led to her association with the International Federation of Home Economics which organized nutritional projects to benefit developing countries. Williams worked to improve the poor nutrition suffered by many elderly people through her work with the National Council of Women of Victoria. With the help of the Victorian Home Economics Association and the Council on the Ageing she produced Cooking for One or Two. She was also one of the authors of Cookery the Australian Way. Winifred Williams died aged eighty-eight, in Melbourne.

Williams-Ellis, Amabel Strachey, Lady – (1894 – 1984)
British novelist and author
Born Mary Amabel Nassau (May 10, 1894) at Newlands Corner, near Guildford, she was the daughter of John St Loe Strachey (1860 – 1927), and his wife Henrietta Mary Amy Simpson, and was sister to the noted journalist and author, Evelyn John Strachey (1901 – 1963). Amabel Strachey was educated at home by governesses. She was married (1915) to Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis (1883 – 1978), to whom she bore a son, Christopher, who was killed in action during WW II (1944), and two daughters. Lady Williams-Ellis was a prolific writer of novels, biographies, poetry and personal recollections, and was the literary editor of the Spectator newspaper (1922 – 1923). Her works included The Raingod’s Daughter (1977), The Stony Spirits (1980) and her own Memoirs (1983). With her husband, she co-authored the reminiscences entitled Headlong Down the Years. She was widowed in 1978. Lady Amabel Williams-Ellis died (Aug 27, 1984) at Llanfrothen, Gwynedd, Wales, aged ninety.

Williberga of Ebersberg (1) – (c925 – before 985)
German noblewoman
Williberga was the only daughter of Rabold I of Ebersberg, Margrave of Carinthia and his wife Engelmut. She was the heiress of the county of Ebersberg and became the wife of Eticho II (living 982) Count of Altdorf, the brother of Bishop Konrad of Constanz. There were no children. Countess Williberga died (Nov 16, after 980) but before 985.

Williberga of Ebersberg (2) – (c988 – 1065)
German nun
Willisberga was the daughter of Ulrich of Ebersberg, margrave of Krain, and his wife Richgarda, the daughter of Markwart II of Eppenstein, Count of Viebachgau. Williberga was married (c1006) to Werigand of Friuli (c980 – before 1040), Count of Istria and Friuli, an official of Duke Adalbert of Carinthia. As a widow Williberga became Abbess of Glisenheim. Countess Williberga died (Nov 25, 1065).

Willoughby, Elizabeth Cecil, Lady – (1613 – 1661)
English Stuart aristocrat
Elizabeth Cecil was the daughter of Edward Cecil, Viscount Wimbledon, and his first wife Theodosia Noel. She was married (1628) to Francis Willoughby (c1616 – 1661), fifth Baron Willoughby of Parham (1617 – 1661), and bore him five children, but no surviving male heir. The Diary of Lady Willoughby (1635 – 1663) is an interesting, though fictitious and inaccurate work by H.M. Rathbone, which purports to have been written by her. Her funeral sermon A Saints Monument by W. Firth, was published (1662). Lady Willoughby was buried (March 26, 1661) in Lincolnshire.

Willoughby d’Eresby, Lady Priscilla    see   Burrell, Priscilla Bertie, Lady

Wills, Edith Agnes – (1892 – 1970)
British city councillor
Born Edith Wood (Nov 21, 1892) in Lancashire, she was educated at Aston in Birmingham. She was married (1921) and bore an only son. Edith joined local politics and was appointed as councillor to the city of Birmingham (1930). She later served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Duddeston immediately after the war (1945 – 1950). Wills served for almost four decades (1932 – 1970) as director of the Birmingham Co-Operative Society. Edith Wills died (April 7, 1970) in Birmingham.

Wills, Gloria see Landes, Gloria Wills

Wills, Helen    see   Moody, Helen Newington Wills

Wilson, Ann – (fl. 1783)
British poet
Nothing is known of her background, and Ann Wilson is known for only one poetic work entitled Jephthah’s Daughter. A Dramatic Poem (1783) which was printed in London.

Wilson, Anne – (fl. c1770 – 1778)
British poet
Little is known of her life except that Anne Wilson was the author of the work Teisa, published at Newcastle (1778). It was an elaborately produced survey in verse, over fifteen hundred lines which deal with the course of the River Tees.

Wilson, Betty - (1921 - 2010)
Australian cricketing champion
Born Elizabeth Rebecca Wilson (Nov 21, 1921) in Melbourne, Victoria, she was raised in Collingwood. Betty joined the Collingwood Women's Cricket Team at the age of ten years (1931) being so proficient that she played with adult. She made her Test debut against the New Zealand team (1948), and during her second Test against the team became the first Australian woman to score a Test Century against Britain, scoring 111 points. Several years later in Yorkshire (1951) she scored 100 points in 77 minutes. During the St Kilda Test against Britain Wilson became the first cricketer of either sex to score 100 and take ten wickets in a Test. She played a total of eleven Tests during her sporting career (1947 - 1958), scoring 862 runs and taking 68 wickets. Wilson was the first female cricketer to be inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame (1985) and the Betty Wilson Shield was named in her honour (1985 - 1986). Betty Wilson died (Jan 22, 2010) aged eighty-eight.

Wilson, Catherine    see    Sheppard, Kate

Wilson, Dora Lynell – (1883 – 1946)
Anglo-Australian painter
Dora Lynell Wilson was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England and came to Australia as a small child with her family (1884) who settled in Melbourne, Victoria. Wilson attended the National Gallery School there, where she studied art under Bernard Hall and Fred McCubbin. Dora Wilson was one of the foundation members of the Australian Academy of Arts and she specialized in producing pastels of ordinary street scenes. She held many exhibitions of her work, both in Melbourne and abroad in London and Paris. Examples of her work are preserved at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Castlemaine Art Gallery, and at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Wilson, Florence       see       Austral, Florence

Wilson, Harriet – (c1807 – 1870) 
Black American novelist
Harriet Wilson was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was the author of Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-Story White House, North, that Slavery’s Shadows Fall Even There (1859), a sentimental novel which dealt with the difficulties faced by a couple in a mixed marriage.

Wilson, Harriette – (1786 – 1846)
British courtesan and memoirist
Born Harriet Dubochet, she was the daughter of a London shopkeeper. She began her career as mistress to the Earl of Craven, but was most famous as the mistress of Duke of Wellington. Harriette left a frank account of her adventures entitled Memoirs of Harriette Wilson, Written by Herself (1825). She had attempted to extract money from the duke as blackmail, but he refused her terms, hence his famous reply, ‘Publish and be damned.’ Wilson also published two novels Paris Lions and London Tigers (1825) and Clara Gazul (1830).

Wilson, Helen Russell – (c1853 – 1924)
British painter and sculptor
Helen Wilson was the daughter of James Leonard Wilson and studied Japanese art Tokyo, before taking further instruction under Frank Brangwyn at the Slade School in London. She produced oil and watercolour paintings and her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and with the Royal Institute of Painters in Oil-Colours. Her sculptures were exhibited with the international Society of Sculptors, Painters and Engravers. She was appointed a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (1911). Helen Russell Wilson died (Oct 22, 1924).

Wilson, Margaret    see also   Bayne, Margaret

Wilson, Margaret – (1667 – 1685) 
Scottish radical religious figure
Margaret Wilson was born in Wigtownshire, the daughter of an Episcopalian yeoman farmer. She was a member of the radical ‘Cameronian’ group who refused to accept the defeat of the Presbyterian rising of 1679. With her sister Agnes and one Margaret McLaughlin she was arrested and charged with rebellion and other offences. All were sentenced to be drowned by the rising tide of the Bladenoch River in Wigtownshire, though Agnes was saved from death due to the intercession of her father, she being only a minor.

Wilson, Mona – (1872 – 1954) 
British civil servant and author
Using the pseudonym ‘Monica Moore’ she wrote the novel The Story of Rosalind Retold from her Diary (1910). She served as a member of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board (1919 – 1929). Under her real name she wrote such works as The Life of William Blake (1927) and Jane Austen and Some Contemporaries (1938).

Wilteshir, Margaret de    see   Quincy, Margaret de

Wilton, Mary Margaret Smith-Stanley, Countess of – (1801 – 1858)
British beauty
Lady Mary Smith-Stanley was born (March 23, 1801), the youngest daughter of Edward Smith-Stanley, twelfth Earl of Derby and his second wife, the former actress Elizabeth Farren. Lady Mary was married (1821) to Thomas Egerton (1799 – 1882) as his first wife. He later became the second Earl of Wilton (1845 – 1882). Her mother died in April, 1829, and until his death (Oct, 1834) Lady Wilton cared for her aged father and successfully managed his household. A famous beauty, her admirable charms were described by Bernard Osborne in his work the Chaunt of Achilles, “ Wilton’s pale countess of her lineage proud, urges her phaeton through the admiring crowds. Diana’s self could hardly match the team, that fairy body and those steeds of cream.” Her portrait was painted by Lawrence, seated in an armchair, and this work was engraved by Phillips and Thomson. A half-length portrait by Chalon was engraved by Hall and a bust of the countess by Lawrence was engraved by Lewis. Lady Wilton died (Dec 16, 1858) at Egerton Lodge, near Melton Mowbray, aged fifty-seven. Her six children were,

• Thomas Egerton (1825 – 1830). Styled Viscount Grey de Wilton. He died a child.
• Arthur Egerton (1831). Styled Viscount Grey de Wilton. He died in early infancy.
• Lady Elizabeth Egerton (1832 – 1892). She became the first wife of Dudley Charles Fitzgerlad De Ros (1827 – 1907), twenty-fourth Baron De Ros, and left descendants.
• Artthur Edmund Egerton (1833 – 1885). He succeeded his father as third Earl of Wilton (1882 – 1885). He was married to Elizabeth Charlotte Craven (1836 – 1919).
• Lady Katherine Egerton (1836 – 1920). She became the wife of Hon. (Honourable) Henry Coke (died 1916), of Langford Hall, Brailsford, Derby. Lady Coke later served at court as official governess to the children of George V and Queen Mary.
• Lady Alice Magdalene Egerton (1837 – 1925). She became the wife of Sir Henry Des Voeux (died 1894), fifth Baronet.

Wiltrude of Lorraine – (929 – c986)
German abbess and saint
Wiltrude was the daughter of Giselbert, Duke of Lorraine and his wife Gerberga of Saxony, the daughter of Heinrich I the Fowler, Holy Roman emperor (919 – 936). Her stepfather was Louis IV, King of France (936 – 954). Wiltrude was married (c943) to Berthold I, Duke of Bavaria, to whom she bore two children, Heinrich III, Duke of Bavaria and Carinthia, and Kunigunde of Bavaria, the wife of Ulrich, Count of Schweinachgau. With her husband’s early death (947), Wiltrude devoted herself to the care and upbringing of her children. Thirty years later (c976) she founded the Benedictine nunnery of Bergen, near Neuberg on the Danube River, taking the veil herself and becoming first abbess of that house. Renowned for her religious piety and skill in artistic handicrafts, she was canonized after her death (Jan 6). Wiltrude is represented in the Bavaria Sancta as a queen, kneeling before her husband, begging for permission to become a nun.

Wiltrude of Louvain – (c1036 – 1093)
German mediaeval princess
Wiltrude was the daughter of Godfrey II the Bearded of Louvain, Duke of Upper Lorraine, and his first wife Agnes of Hapsburg (Doda). Through her younger sister Ida, Countess of Boulogne, Wiltrude was aunt to the famous crusader Godfrey de Bouillon and her stepsister was Matilda of Tuscany, famous for her support of the papacy against the empire. She was married (c1052) to Count Adalbert II (c1030 – 1099) of Calve (Calw) to whom she bore three sons,

• Adalbert III (c1057 – 1094). He married Kunigunde of Wirspach but predeceased his father leaving descendants.
• Bruno of Calve (c1059 – after 1099). He became a monk and was appointed as Bishop of Metz in Lorraine.
• Godfrey I of Calve (c1065 – 1132). He became Count Palatine of the Rhine and left descendants.

Wiltrude Maria Alix – (1884 – 1975)
Princess of Bavaria
HRH (Her Royal Highness) Princess Wiltrude was born (Nov 10, 1884) in Munich, the sixth daughter of Ludwig III, King of Bavaria (1913 – 1918) and his wife Maria Theresa of Austria-Este, the daughter of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este, through whom she was a descendant of the Empress Maria Theresa (1765 – 1780). Wiltrude was the sister of Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria (1869 – 1955). She remained unmarried and attended upon her mother at court. With the fall of the monarchy (1918) she resided with her parents at Wildenort Castle. When aged over forty the princess was married in Munich (1924) becoming the second wife of her kinsman Prince Wilhelm (1864 – 1928), Duke of Urach and became the duchess of Urach (1924 – 1928). There were no children and Princess Wiltrude survived her husband for almost five decades as the Dowager Duchess of Urach (1928 – 1975). Princess Wiltrude died (March 28, 1975) aged ninety, at Obersdorf.

Wiltshire, Cecily Bonville, Countess of    see   Bonville, Cecily

Wiltshire, Elizabeth Howard, Countess of – (c1480 – 1538)
English Tudor courtier
Lady Elizabeth Howard was the daughter of Thomas Howard (1443 – 1524), second Duke of Norfolk, and his first wife Elizabeth Tilney, the widow of Sir Humphrey Bourchier, who died as countess of Surrey. Lady Elizabeth became the wife (c1498) of the noted diplomat, Sir Thomas Boleyn (1477 – 1539), who later inherited the earldom of Ormonde in Ireland. The castle of Rochford in Essex was settled upon her as her dower. The couple resided firstly at Blickling Hall, Norfolk and had five children, of whom three survived infancy, prior to 1505, when the couple inherited the family estate of Hever Castle in Kent. A famous beauty of the court of Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth of York, and of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, the poet John Shelton referred to Elizabeth Boleyn as Cressida in his poem Garland of Lavrell. At the coronation of Henry and Queen Catherine (1509) she was presented with an expensive gown. With her husband she attended the christening of Princess Mary (1516) where Sir Thomas was one of the bearers of the canopy. So popular was Elizabeth Boleyn at the court that scandal rumoured her own daughter Anne had been fathered by the king when he was Prince of Wales, a charge he later furiously denied to Sir George Throckmorton when he accused the king of such a dalliance (1535) the king angrily replied ‘never with the mother.’ The Jesuit exile Nicholas Sander, together with William Rastell, the nephew of Sir Thomas More, later co-wrote a Catholic treatise during the reign of Elizabeth I (1585) in which they claimed that Anne Boleyn was in fact Henry ‘s own daughter born from a youthful dalliance with Lady Elizabeth Boleyn. As Henry was but ten years old at the time this can be rightly dismissed as mere calumny but as Lady Boleyn was an acknowledged court beauty at the time of Henry‘s accession, it remains quite possible that he may have actually admired her, which is probably the real genesis behind this story.
When her husband and two daughters left England for the French court (1519), Lady Boleyn joined them there with her son George, to attend Henry and Catherine at the Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520). Between late 1522 and mid 1523, Sir Thomas was appointed to the Spanish court, but Lady Boleyn remained in England. The family attained greater prominence after her younger daughter Anne captivated Henry VIII (1527) which resulted Sir Thomas being made Earl of Wiltshire (1529) and in the king’s divorce (1533) from Queen Catherine and subsequent marriage with Anne, who was crowned as queen, the countess being a prominent figure at these impressive ceremonies, when she shared a chariot in the coronation procession with her stepmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. An act referring to the jointure of the countess was passed in Parliament (Jan 15, 1531). Lady Elizabeth survived the disgrace and fall of her children, though the Italian Bishop of Faenza mistakenly believed that she had been arrested together with her children. The countess retired from the court to reside at the abbot of Reading’s Palace in Baynard’s Castle, London. Countess Elizabeth died (April 3, 1538) at Baynard’s Castle, aged about fifty-seven, and was buried in the Howard aisle in Lambeth Church. Elizabeth Boleyn was portrayed in the film Anne of the Thousand Days (1970) by Katharine Blake, with Genevieve Bujold and Valerie Gearon as her daughters, and Sir Michael Hordern as her husband Thomas. In the BBC production of The Other Boleyn Girl (2003) Lady Boleyn was played by Jane Gurnett and her husband was Jack Shepherd, with Natascha McElhone and Jodhi May as her daughters. In the later film version of The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) Lady Elizabeth was portrayed by Kirstin Scott Thomas, with Eric Bana as Henry VIII and Scarlet Johansson and Natalie Portman as her daughters. Lady Wiltshire's seven children were,

• Lady Mary Boleyn (c1499 – 1543). She was mistress to Francois I of France and Henry VIII of England, who fathered her son, Lord Hunsdon. She married firstly William Carey and secondly Sir William Stafford.
• Thomas Boleyn (c1500 – before 1505). He died young, and was interred at Penshurst Church, Kent.
• Lady Anne Boleyn (c1501 – 1536). Second wife of Henry VIII, King of England (1509 – 1547) and mother of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603).
• William Boleyn (born c1502 – before 1505). He died in infancy.
• George Boleyn (c1503 – 1536). He was created Viscount Rochford by the king. He was married to Jane Parker, the daughter of Lord Morley, but they remained childless. He was executed on charges of incest with his sister, Queen Anne. Lady Rochford was later executed for abetting the adultery of Queen Catherine Howard (1542).
• Henry Boleyn (c1504 – after 1505). He died in infancy, and was interred at Hever Church, Hever, Kent.
• Robert Boleyn (born c1505). He died infancy.

Wiltshire, Elizabeth Seymour, Countess of    see   Seymour, Elizabeth

Winchester, Babsybanoo Pavry, Marchioness of – (1902 – 1995)
Indian-Anglo aristocrat, author and educational patron
Babsybanoo Pavry was born in Bahrat, India, the daughter of Khurshedji Erachji Pavry, the Parsi high priest of Bombay (Mombai). She later became the third wife of the British aristocrat, Henry William Montagu Paulet (1862 – 1962), sixteenth Marquess of Winchester. The marriage became unhappy, and Lady Winchester later sued a rival (1954) for alienating her husband’s affections which case gained much media attention. She won the case but it was later reversed. Lady Winchester made a financial endowment to Oxford University on behalf of herself and her brother, Dr Jal Pavry, dor the study of international relations and human rights.she received the Order of Merit from Iran (1955) and was a member of the Council world Alliance for International Peace through Religion. She was the author of Heroines of Ancient Iraq (1930). Lady Winchester died (Sept 6, 1995) aged ninety-three.

Winchester, Honoria de Burgh, Marchioness of – (1610 – 1662)
English Royalist heroine
Lady Honoria de Burgh was the daughter of Richard de Burgh, Earl of Clanricarde and his wife Frances Walsingham, the widow of Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, the ill-fated favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, and before that of Sir Philip Sidney, the noted poet. Honoria became the second wife (1633) of John Paulet (1598 – 1675), Marquess of Winchester, and bore him seven children. During the Civil war from Aug, 1643 until Oct, 1645, during her husband’s absence with the king’s forces, Lady Winchester conducted a spirited defence of Basing House against the Parliamentarian forces, who included her own half-brother, the Earl of Essex. Sir William Waller was deputized to treat with Lady Winchester, inviting her to lead out her own children and all other women and children at Basing House to safety, during a parley. His terms were exceptionally courteous, but Lady Winchester’s answer was a firm rebuttal of surrender. She and the women of her household stripped the roof and turrets of Basing House of lead and cast their own bullets.During a lull in the siege Lady Winchester managed to flee to Oxford where she was received by King Charles, and diligently solicited help for her husband. By the autumn of 1645, Basing House was the sole remaining Royalist garrison guarding the south-west, and Oliver Cromwell, and Colonel John Dalbier joined the siege. During the final bombardment, one of Cromwell’s shells fell on Lady Winchester’s own apartments, killing two female servants, and Basing House formally surrendered (Oct 8). Lady Winchester either escaped from Basing House before the surrender, or she was captured and later exchanged for another prominent male prisoner, at any rate her name is specifically mentioned in the Articles of Surrender. Though she was allowed to visit and bring comforts to her husband in the Tower of London, Basing House was looted and razed to the ground on Parliament’s orders, and her two sons taken away to be brought up Protestants. At her death she was buried at Englefield in Berkshire.

Winchester, Margaret de Beaumont, Countess of – (c1170 – 1235)
Anglo-Norman heiress and peeress (1207 – 1219)
Margaret de Beaumont was the second daughter of Robert de Beaumont, third Earl of Leicester and his wife Petronilla de Grandmesnil. She was married (c1180) to Saher de Quincy (c1155 – 1219). With the death of Margaret’s brother Robert de Beaumont, fourth Earl of Leicester (1204) his estates were partitioned by King John (1207) between Margaret and her elder sister Amicia de Montfort. Margaret’s husband Quincy became first Earl of Winchester in her right. Lady Winchester was a patron of the Abbey church of Garendon in Leicestershire and the earl and countess had attended the consecration of that building (April, 1219) prior to Quincy’s departure for the Holy Land. Lord Winchester died at Damietta in Palestine (Nov 31, 1219) and was buried at Acre.
With his death it appears that Margaret was recognized as countess of Winchester in her own right. Lady Winchester died (Jan 12, 1235) aged about sixty-five. Her heart, together with that of her eldest son Robert de Quincy, was buried before the high altar of the Hospital of St James and St John at Brackley in Northamptonshire, which had been founded by Margaret’s grandfather Robert de Beaumont, second Earl of Leicester, and to which the countess, her husband, and her son were patrons and considerable benefactors. Her large seal, as a widow, appended to the Brackley charter (c1220) portrays a female figure under a canopy with the legend SIGILL MARGARETE DE QUINCI COMITISSE NEE. Her children were,

• Robert de Quincy (c1188 – 1217). He was married and left descendants but predeceased his father and left an only daughter.
• Roger de Quincy (1192 – 1264). He succeeded his father as second Earl of Winchester and left three daughters.
• Lady Hawise de Quincy. She became the wife of Hugh de Vere, fourth Earl of Oxford.
• Lady Loretta de Quincy. She became the wife of William de Valoignes.
• John de Quincy.
• Robert de Quincy (1198 – 1257). He married the daughter of Llewellyn II, Prince of North Wales and left three daughters.
• Reginald de Quincy.
• Lady Arabella de Quincy. She became the wife of Sir Richard de Harcourt (died 1258) of Stanton Harcourt and Ellenhall, and left issue.

Winchilsea, Anne Kingsmill, Countess of – (1661 – 1720)  
English poet
Anne Finch was the daughter of Sir William Kingsmill, of Sidmonton, near Southampton. Her parents died when she was a child, and in 1673 Anne became maid-of-honour to Mary Beatrice of Modena, Duchess of York. In 1684 she married Sir Heneage Finch (1656 – 1726) who was a captain of the Halberdiers and Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James, Duke of York. Her husband succeeded as Earl of Winchilsea in 1712. Despite therapeutic visits to the spa of Tunbridge Wells, the countess remained childless, but her marriage remained happy. In her letters, Heneage was her Daphnis and she his Ardelia and she fondly wrote, “ They err, who say that husbands can’t be lovers.”  The countess was a friend of Alexander Pope, Elizabeth Singer Rowe, and others of the like. Rowe was inspired to write a poem entitled An Epistle to Flavia after reading Anne’s poem Spleen a work of considerable length and literary talent. The only collected edition of Lady Winchilsea’s poems was printed in 1713, and included a tragedy which was never performed called Aristomenes or the Royal Shepherd, along with An Epilogue to Jane Shore to be bespoken by Mrs Oldfield the night before the poets’ day. The countess wrote poetry as a pastime only and Cibber mentioned his regret at this after reading The Prodigy which had been birthed at Tunbridge Wells.
William Wordsworth sent a collection of Lady Winchilsea’s poems, with a commentary sonnet of his own to Lady Mary Lowther, and remarked in a prefactory essay that Lady Winchilsea’s, “ nocturnal reverie was almost unique in it’s day because it employed new images” of external nature. Anne died leaving some unpublished manuscripts to friends, and by their permission a number of these compositions were printed by Birch in the General Dictionary. Her published works were Spleen : a poem in A miscellany of Original Poems published in 1701, and republished in 1709 under the title The Spleen, a Pindarique Ode, with a Prospect of Death, a Pindarique Essay, and Miscellany Poems written by a Lady (1713). In the play Three Hours after Marriage, written jointly by Pope, Arbuthnot and Gay, the countess is caricatured as the eccentric writer Phoebe Clinket.

Windeyer, Margaret – (1866 – 1939)
Australian suffrage supporter and campaigner
Margaret Windeyer was one of the daughters of the noted barrister Sir William Windeyer and his wife Mary Elizabeth Bolton. She never married and assisted her mother in establishing the New South Wales Womanhood Suffrage League (1894).

Windeyer, Mary Elizabeth Bolton, Lady – (1836 – 1912)
Australian feminist
Mary Bolton was the daughter of a clergyman, and was married (1857) to William Windeyer, a barrister, who later served as Attorney-General (1878 – 1879) and was knighted. Mary Windeyer was a prominent supporter of the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union and served as an organizer of the Women’s Industrial Exhibition (1888) and of the Dawn Club, which had been founded by Louisa Lawson. She served as the first president of the Womanhood Suffrage League (1891) and was the founder and first president of the Women’s Hospital in Sydney (1895). She was the mother of Margaret Windeyer.

Windeyer, Susannah    see   Gale, Susannah Gordon

Windisch-Graetz, Ghislaine d’Arschot-Schoonhoven, Princess zu – (1912 – 1997)
Belgian-German aristocrat
Countess Ghislaine d’Arschot-Schoonhoven was born (March 10, 1912) at Ixelles, the daughter of Comte Guillaume d’Arschot-Schoonhoven, and his wife Eva Nubar.  Ghislaine was married in Brussels, Belgium (1934) to Prince Franz Otto zu Windisch-Graetz (1904 – 1981). Her mother-in-law was the Archduchess Elisabeth, the granddaughter of the Emperor Franz Josef (1848 – 1916). With her husband’s death in Nairobi, Kenya (Jan 1, 1981), Ghislaine was Princesse Dowager zu Windisch-Graetz for sixteen years (1981 – 1997). Princess Ghislaine died at (March 6, 1997) at Namur, aged eighty-four, leaving two children, Princess Stephanie zu Windisch-Graetz (born 1939) who was married (1967 – 1973) to Dermot Blundell-Hollinshead-Blundell (born 1935), from whom she was later divorced, and to whom she had borne two sons, and Prince Guillaume zu Windisch-Graetz (born 1950).

Windsor, Charlotte Herbert, Viscountess    see   Herbert, Lady Charlotte (1)

Windsor, Marie – (1919 – 2000)
American actress
Born Emily Marie Bertelson in Marysvale, Utah, she attended Brigham Young University and went to Hollywood after winning a beauty contest. She studied acting under Maria Ouspenskaya and adopted the professional name of ‘Marie Windsor’ making her film debut in films such as All American Co-Ed (1941), Call Out the Marines (1942) and Let’s Face It (1943). Windsor was best known for her appearances in movies such as The Fighting Kentuckian (1949), The Narrow Margin (1952) and The Killing (1956). Marie Windsor attained a cult following due to her appearances in such horror flicks as The Day Mars Invaded Earth (1964), Chamber of Horrors (1966) and the telemovie Salem’s Lot (1974) based on the book by Stephen King and starring David Soul, in which Windsor appeared as Eva Miller, proprietress of the local boarding house. Her last films included Lovely … but Deadly (1981) and Commando Squad (1987). Marie Windsor died in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Windsor, Wallis Warfield, Duchess of – (1895 – 1986) 
American-Anglo scandal figure
Born Bessie Wallis Warfield (June 19, 1895) in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Teackle Wallis Warfield and his wife Alice Montague. Wallis was married firstly (1916) to Earl Winfield Spencer (1888 - 1950), a lieutenant in the US navy, and spent some time in China and Singapore. This marriage was later dissolved (1927), and the glamorous Wallis remarried in London (1928) to the Anglo-American Ernest Aldrich Simpson, who introduced her to London society. Wallis Simpson succeeded fellow American Lady Furness and the mistress of Edward (1894 – 1972), Prince of Wales, son and heir of George V, whom he succeeded as Edward VIII (Jan, 1936). Mrs Simpson obtained a divorced from her husband (1936) and king wished to marry her, told the prime minister Stanley Baldwin, that he would persist in this desire even if it meant giving up the throne.
Finally Edward abdicated (Dec, 1936) and they were married (June 3, 1937) at the Chateau de Cande in Maine-et-Loiret in France, settling at Neuilly outside Paris. The former king took the title of Duke of Windsor, and Wallis became a duchess. Though permitted to use the ducal title, Wallis was never allowed the style of ‘Her Royal Highness.’ With the duke’s death (1972) Wallis became the Dowager Duchess of Windsor (1972 - 1986) and lived as a recluse in Paris. The duchess died (April 24, 1986) aged ninety, at her home in the Bois de Boulogne. Her body was brought to England and interred beside her husband at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle in Berkshire. Her fabulous collection of jewellery was auctioned after her death. She published her memoirs The Heart Has its Reasons (1956). The duchess was portrayed by British actress Sian Phillips in the television film The Two Mrs Grenville's (1986) with Claudetta Colbert and Ann Margaret.

Wingate, Dame Catherine Leslie – (1858 – 1946)
British volunteer activist
Catherine Rundle was the daughter of a naval captain and was the sister to General Sir Leslie Rundle. She became the wife (1888) of Reginald Wingate, an army officer. Her husband seved as Governor-General of the Sudan (1899 – 1916) and was knighted. Lady Wingate accompanied her husband to his posting in Africa, and then to Egypt when Sir Reginald was appointed as British high commissioner there (1917 – 1919). During WW I Lady Catherine worked in association with the Red Cross committees which were established in Alexandria and Cairo, and was appointed as president of these organisations. She was also the president of the Empire Nurse’s Red Cross Clubs. In recognition of her valuable volunteer work for the war effort Lady Wingate was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1920). Dame Catherine Wingate died (June 10, 1946).

Wing Chun, Yim – (fl. c1710 – c1740)
Chinese martial art expert
Yim Wing Chun became the student of the Buddhist nun Ng Mei, who had trained with the Shaolin but then devised the less strenuous style of kung fu, which she named ‘Wing Chun’ in honour of her prize pupil. Yim had come under the tutelage of Ng Mei as a means of ridding herself of an unwanted fiancee. Despite her small size, when her betrothed came to collect her she defeated him soundly. She then married the man of her choice, Leung Boc To, an exponent of the Hung Kuen style, who then trained to learn the new style. With the death of Yim, Leung Boc To succeeded her as the revered teacher of Wing Chun kung fu till his own death.

Wingfield, Catherine Woodville, Lady    see   Woodville, Catherine

Winifred – (fl. c650 – c680)
Welsh virgin saint
Winifred was the daughter of a Welsh prince, Teuyth ap Eluid from Tegengle, North Wales. Winifred refused an offer of marriage from Prince Caradog of Hawarden, and fled to escape his advances, spending some time in the Welsh mountains as an ascetic before finally founding the monastery of Holywell in Clwyd, around the famous spring which bears her name, and ultimately was appointed abbess of that house. Later she ruled the abbey of Gwytherin under the direction of St Eleri. According to her worthless legend, Caradog caught and beheaded Winifred after she refused to reconsider his offer of marriage. Her brother St Beuno is said to have restored both her head, and her life. When she was decaptitated her head rolled downhill and the spring of Holywell miraculously gushed forth from the place where the head stopped. Her feast was observed (Nov 3).

Winkworth, Catherine – (1827 – 1878) 
British hymn translator and advocate of female education
Catherine Winkworth was born in London, the daughter of a silk merchant. Raised in Manchester, Lancashire, from 1862 she resided at Clifton, Bristol. She assisted with the foundation of Clifton High School and served as the governor of several schools for girls. Winkworth was best known as the translator of over three hundred religious hymns from German into English, which included the ever popular ‘Now than we all our God.’ She wrote a biography of Theodor Fliedner (1800 – 1864), the Lutheran founder of the Kaiserwerth hospital.

Winna – (c680 – before 717)
Anglo-Saxon princess
Winna was the daughter of a regional prince of Devonshire in Cornwall. Winna became the wife (c695) of Prince Richard (c670 – c718), the younger son of Lothair (Chlothair), King of Kent (673 – 685). Winna was the mother of three saints, Willibald (c700 – 786), Bishop of Eichstatt in Bavaria, Walpurga (c703 – 779), Abbess of Heidenheim in Wurttemburg, and Winnibald (c705 – 761), Abbot of Heidenheim.

Winnemucca, Sarah – (1844 – 1891)
American Indian activist and educator
Sarah Winnemucca was born near the Humboldt River in western Nevada, a descendant of the Northern Paiute tribe. She learnt English during her childhood and was later used as an interpreter during the Snake War (1866). After the Paiute were removed to the Malheur reservation in Oregon (1872) Winnemucca was employed by the American government as a teacher and interpreter for her people. She later went on a lecture tour in California in an attempt to raise money for her people, but this proved unsuccessful. She wrote the work Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims and then returned to Nevada. In the following century Winnemucca’s valuable work was recognized and she was made a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1994).

Winnifrith, Joanna    see   Lee, Anna

Winship, Joanne Tree – (1924 – 1997)
American film and television actress
Joanna Tree was born in New York, and appeared in sevwral films as a child such as Mad About the Music (1938), Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941) and in several Nancy Drew mysteries. She also worked in television appearing in such popular programs as Robert Montgomery Presents and Broadway TV Theater. Miss Tree was married firstly to Alexis Thompson (died 1957) and secondly to Frederick Winship. After her second marriage Mrs Winship became associated with various philanthropc committees and organizations, serving as the American chairwoman of Girls Town of Italy, an organization established in Rome which cared for abandoned children. She organized benefits fot the New York City Opera, the School of American Ballet and the New York Museum. Joanne Winship died (Aug 9, 1997) aged seventy-three.

Winstanley, Eliza – (1818 – 1882)
Anglo-Australian actress
Eliza Winstanley came to Sydney, Australia as a child, and made her stage debut at the Royal Theatre in Sydney at the age of sixteen (1834). Employed under the direction of actor-manager Conrad Knowles, Winstanley appeared in such plays as Hamlet, Clari the Maid of Milan, Othello, The Stranger and Isabelle de Valois. Sometimes after her marriage she worked under her married name O’Flaherty, and the Sydney Gazette proudly proclaimed that, “ Mrs O’Flaherty is the Mrs Siddons of Sydney.’’ Eliza Winstanley worked at the Broadway Theatre in New York, and then went to England where she joined the company of Charles Kean, and performed before Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Her most noted roles were those of Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Constance in The School for Scandal. With her husband’s death she became the editor of a feminist publication, but finally returned to Australia after an absence of three decades (1880). Eliza Winstanley died (Dec 2, 1882) Sydney, aged sixty-four.

Winter, Elizabeth Campbell – (1841 – 1922)
Anglo-American novelist
Elizabeth Campbell was born (Dec 19, 1841) in Ederline, Scotland, and then became the wife of the American historian and poet William Winter (1836 – 1917). Elizabeth Winter produced several popular novels under the pseudonym of ‘Isabella Castelar’ including The Spanish Treasure (1893) and A Girl’s First Love (1905). She survived her husband five years. Elizabeth Campbell Winter died aged eighty (April 7, 1922).

Winter, John Strange – (1856 – 1911)
British writer
Born Henrietta Eliza Vaughan Palmer (Jan 13, 1856) at York, she was the daughter of Henry Vaughan Palmer, Rector of St Margaret’s York, and was a descedant of the famous tage actress Hannah Pritchard. Henrietta was educated at Bootham House, York, and was married (1884) to Arthur Stannard, to whom she bore four children. Several of her works were published under the pseudonym ‘John Strange Winter’ such as Cavalry Life (1881) and Regimental Legends (1883), the name being taken from her books. Other novels included A Blameless Woman and A Self-Made Countess. She wrote articles for The Family Herald using the pseudonym ‘Violet Whyte.’ She was president of the Society of Women Journalists (1901 – 1903). John Winter died (Dec 14, 1911) aged fifty-five, as the result of an accident.

Winter, Winona – (1889 – 1940)
American stage actress
Winter was born in Huntsville, Alabama, the daughter of the noted actor and vocalist William Banks Winter. She established a successful career for herself as a comic actress in stage musicals and made one silent film appearance in The Man from Mexico (1914). She became the wife of the sports analyst Norman Sper (1895 – 1955) who produced football features for television. Winona Winter died (April 27, 1940) in Los Angeles, California.

Winthrop, Laura – (1825 – 1889)
American poet and biographer
Winthrop was born (Sept 13, 1825) in New Haven, Connecticut, the sister of author Theodore Winthrop (1828 – 1861) who was killed in action at the beginning of the Civil war. She married W. Templeton Johnson. Using the pseudonym ‘Emily Hare’ Winthrop wrote Little Blossom’s Reward (1854), and a volume of verse entitled Poems of Twenty Years (1874). She also edited the poems of her brother in The Life and Poems of Theodore Winthrop (1884). Laura Winthrop died aged sixty-four.

Wintz, Dame Sophia Gertrude – (1847 – 1929)
Swiss-Anglo philanthropist
Wintz was born at Schaffhausen in Switzerland, and was the sister of Vice-Admiral Lewis Wintz of the British Royal Navy. With her father’s death she and her siblings were brought to England and raised and educated there in Hampshire. Sophia remained unmarried and became a friend to Agnes Weston and became associated with her work to improve conditions for sailors. With Weston she organized houses in Plymouth (1876) and Portsmouth (1881) which became known as the Royal Sailors’ Rest Homes. The two women established the Naval Temperance Society and dounded several newsletters for sailors such as Ashore and Afloat. This valuable volunteer civic work was recognized when she was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the British Empire) by King George V (1920). Dame Sophia Wintz died (Jan 16, 1929) aged eighty-one. She was given full naval honours at her funeral in Devonport which was attended by over four hundred naval personnel.

Winwood, Estelle – (1883 – 1984)
Anglo-American actress
Estelle Goodwin was born (Jan 24, 1883) at Lee, England. Acting from the age of five, she eventually studied at the Liverpool Repertory Theatre where she performed in over one hundred productions. Estelle Winwood made her debut on Broadway in Hush (1916). She performed in works by Noel Coward, George Bernard Shaw and James M. Barrie. Becoming a television actress as well, Estelle appeared in such films as The Misfits (1961) with Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, The Notorious Landlady (1962), as well as such thrillers as Dead Ringer (1964) with Bette Davis, Karl Malden and Jean Hagen. Her best known role however, was that of the fairy godmother to Leslie Caron’s Cinderella in the 1955 film The Glass Slipper. Her most memorable stage performance on Broadway included the roles of Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest (1939), and as one of the mad ladies in The Madwoman of Chaillot (1949). Her last film appearances included roles in Jenny (1970) and Murder by Death (1976). Estelle Winwood celebrated her one hundredth and first birthday before she died (June 20, 1984) in Los Angeles, California.

Wippern, Louise   see    Harriers-Wippern, Louise

Wirths, Amalia – (1785 – 1852)
German courtier
Amalia Wirths was born (Sept 7, 1785) the daughter of Johann Reinhard Wilhelm Wirths. She attended the court of the counts of Waldeck at Bergheim, where she attracted the attentions of Count George of Waldeck-Bergheim (1785 – 1826). Amalia became George’s morganatic wife (1809) and was created Countess von Waldeck. The marriage remained childless and Amalia long survived her young husband as Dowager Countess von Waldeck (1826 – 1852). Countess Amalia died (Sept 29, 1852) aged sixty-seven.

Wiseman, Jane – (fl. 1690 – 1702)
English dramatist
Jane Wiseman was originally employed as a servant at Oxford. Later gravitating to the stage, her fist recorded role was that of Roxolana in Mustapha (1700). She was the author of the play Antiochus the Great, published in 1702. Profits from this production were used to set Jane and her husband, a vintner named Holt, up in business in a tavern at Westminster, in London.

Wishart, Lorna – (1916 – 2000)
British socialite and femme fatale
Lorna Garman was the youngest daughter of Walter Garman, the noted eccentric physician. She was the sister to Mary Garman, Kathleen Epstein, and Douglas Garman (1904 – 1969), who served as education secretary of the British Communist Party. Lorna Garman seduced and married Ernest Wishart (1932), and modelled for several of the works of artist Lucien Freud, who had married her own niece, Kitty Epstein.

Wister, Fanny Kemble – (1901 – 1992)
American author and editor
Fanny Wister was the daughter of writer Owen Wister (1860 – 1938), author of the famous novel The Virginian (1902). Mrs Stokes, as she became, compiled a collection of her father’s letters and journals which were published as Owen Wister Out West, which was enthusiastically acclaimed. She also edited Fanny, the American Kemble from the private journals of her own great-grandmother, the renowned Shakespearean actress Fanny Kemble, and was the author of her own family history That I May Tell You. Fanny Kemble Wister died at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (April 27, 1992).

Withburga – (c652 – 743)
Anglo-Saxon nun and saint
Withburga was the youngest daughter of Anna, King of East-Anglia, and his second wife Hereswyth of Deira, and was the maternal niece of Abbess Hilda of Whitby. Her father was killed in battle against the forces of Penda of Mercia. She never married and resided as a religious solitary at Holkham in Norfolk. Withburga remained there for certain years before removing to Dereham, where she caused a convent and church to be built. Withburga died (March 17, 743) aged about ninety. She was interred within the churchyard at Dereham where St Withburg’s well was named in her honour. She was revered as a saint (March 17).

Witherington, Cecile Pearl    see   Cornioley, Pearl

Withers, Augusta Innes – (1793 – 1877)
British painter and teacher
Born Augusta Baker, after her marriage Mrs Withers specialized in painting flowers and still-lifes of fruit and birds. She was a member of the Society of Lady Artists and the Society of British Artists, and her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and the New Water Colour Society. Augusta Withers she appointed painter in ordinary (1833) to Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV (1830 – 1837) and later to Queen Victoria. Examples of her work were reproduced in the Pomologia Britannica (1841) and the Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala (1843).

Withers, Margery Pitt – (1894 – 1966)
Australian painter
Margery Withers was born in Victoria, the daughter of Walter Withers. She studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne under Bernard Hall (1909 – 1914). She produced oils, pastels and water colour paintings and was a foundation member of the Twenty Melbourne Painters where she exhibited her work, as well as with the Victorian Artists’ Society. Examples of her work are preserved in the Art Gallery of New South Wales and at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Wittich, Marie – (1868 – 1931)
German soprano
Marie Wittich was born (May 27, 1868) in Giessen. Marie studied under Madame Otto-Ubridy and performed in various European cities with great success. She later became a member of the Dresden court opera (1901). Marie Wittich died (Aug 4, 1931) aged sixty-three, in Dresden, Saxony.

Witts, Diana Katharine – (1936 – 2006)
British Anglican missionary
Diana Witts was born (May 14, 1936) in Hertfordshire the daughter of Major-General Frederick Witts. She attended secondary school in London before going on to study physics at Bristol University. She worked in the radiology department of the Charing Cross Hospital before becoming a researcher with the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in Canada. With her eventual return to England (1961) Witts taught physics and mathematics in secondary schools, and then went to Kenya in Africa where she became a teacher within the expatriate community living there. Her life in Africa caused Witts to become involved in missionary work amongst the poorer Africans. Witts was appointed as the first female general Secretary of the Church Mission Society and with the fall of apartheid she worked in association with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Diana Witts died aged sixty-nine.

Wivina – (c1105 – 1170)
Flemish nun and saint
Wivina was born in Oisy, and came from a noble family and was strongly desirous of taking up the religious life. With her friend Emuura, she left home, carrying only a psalter with them. The two women lived as recluses in the woods for several years until Duke Godfrey of Lorraine granted them an estate near Brussels, where the Benedictine abbey of Bigaerode was built (1133). Wivina was appointed first abbess of that house, and was revered as a saint, appearing in the Roman Martyrology (Dec 17). Bishop Alard of Cambrai later ordered her relics to be exposed for the veneration of the populace because lights were said to have shone from her tomb.

Wobeser, Wilhelmine Karoline – (1769 – 1807)
German minor novelist
Her husband was a retired military officer when Wilhelmine Wobeser published her only book Elisa, oder das Weiss wie es sein sollte (Elisa, or Woman as She Should Be) (1802). A tale of feminine self-sacrifice and personal mortification, it became one of the most wideley read novels of the period. Wobeser died before the age of forty.

Wobit    see    Bersabeh

Woffington, Peg – (1714 – 1760)
Irish-Anglo actress
Margaret Woffington was born in Dublin, Ireland, the daughter of a bricklayer. Peg was engaged by the theatrical producer John Rich to perform at Covent Garden (1740), where she appeared as Sylvia in The Recruiting Officer (1740). Woffington became an extremely successful performer, excelling in comic roles, and was a favourite in ‘breeches’ roles. Her lovers included David Garrick and the actress George Anne Bellamy, amongst others. She formed the subject of the famous play Masks and Faces (1852) written by Charles Reade and Tom Taylor (later editor of Punch magazine). This play formed the basis of Reade’s novel Peg Woffington (1853).

Wolcott, Marion Post – (1910 – 1990)
American photographer
Marion Post was born in Montclair, New Jersey and attended New York University before studying child psychology at the University of Vienna. After returning to New York (1935) she studied photography under Ralph Steiner. She was married (1941) to Lee Wolcott, a government official, to whom she bore several children. Marion Wolcott was employed as a freelance photographer by the FSA (Farm Security Administration) (1938 – 1941) which documented rural life during the period of the ‘New Deal.’ She accompanied her husband to New Mexico, and herself worked as a teacher at American schools in Iran and Pakistan. Her work was exhibited at the Witkin Gallery in New York (1976).

Wolcott, Mary Adella    see   Tropica

Wolf, Kate – (1942 – 1986)
American vocalist and guitarist
Kate Wolf was born in San Francisco, California. She released her first album Black Roads and Lines on Paper under her own label. Wolf organized folk-music festivals at Santa Rosa and her later albums included Give Yourself to Love (1983) and The Wind Blows Wild (1988), which was released posthumously.

Wolf, Mary Hunter – (1905 – 2000)
American stage director
Mary Wolf studied at the Hollywood School for Girls, where she forged her lifelong friendship with choreographer Agnes de Mille (1905 – 1993). She also studied at Wellesley College, Massachusetts, before moving to Santa Fe. Mary directed her first play Los Moros y los Critianos (1927) a Spanish verse play which was performed on horseback. Attached to the Cube Theater in Chicago, she directed several of the earlier performances of Luigi Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author. Mary Wolf received her first chance to direct on Broadway with the production of Only the Heart (1944), written by Horton Foote. She received more acclaim for her direction of Carib Song (1945) starring Katharine Dunham, the first black Broadway musical. Hired to direct High Button Shoes (1947), the producers preferred a male director, George Abbot, and Mary was sacked before rehearsals began. Claiming sexual discrimination she went to the courts, and eventually the New York State Supreme Court ruled in her favour (1949). She was later the executive producer of the American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut, and founded the Center for Theater Technique in Education.

Wolfe, Elsie de – (1865 – 1950) 
American interior designer and hostess
Born Ella Anderson in New York, the daughter of a physician, she was educated in Edinburgh, Scotland after which she successfully launched herself in New York society. Ella originally worked on the stage as an actress for a period (1890 – 1905), during which she adopted the professional name ‘Elsie de Wolfe.’ She left this career in order to create one for herself in the field interior design. Her style was decidedly anti-Victorian and was highlighted by the use of mirrors and pale colours. She decorated the Trellis Room of the Colony Club in New York (1906) and was the author of The House in Good Taste (1913). Elsie was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government due her work as a nurse during WW I and she later became the wife (1926) of Sir Charles Mendl. She published her autobiography After All (1935).

Wolfenau, Baroness von    see   Nicolcis-Podrinje, Dagmar

Wolff, Mary Evaline – (1887 – 1964)
American college administrator and poet
Born Mary Evaline Wolff in Cumberland, Wisconsin (May 24, 1887), she was the daughter of German immigrants. She became a nun with the Holy Cross sisterhood, taking the name of Sister Madaleva. Sister Madaleva became a prominent leader of Catholic education for women and was served as administrator of St Mary’s College at Notre Dame, Indiana for over twenty-five years (1934 – 1961). She was the author of Chaucer’s Nuns and Other Essays (1925) and Pearl: A Study of Spiritual Dryness (1925). Sister Madaleva died in Boston, Massachusetts, after an operation, aged seventy-eight (July 25, 1964).

Wolff-Bekker, Betje – (1739 – 1804) 
Dutch novelist, translator and poet
Elisabeth Wolff-Bekker was born (July 24, 1739) in Flushing, New York, and was married for almost two decades (1759 – 1777) to an elderly clergyman, three decades her senior. There were no children. During the time of her married life she was free to indulge her love of scholarly study and literary pursuits. As a widow she set up house with her friend Agatha (Aagje) Deken (1741 – 1804), with whom she was the co-author of the famous novel Willem Leevend (1784 – 1785). Betje sometimes published verse using the pseudonym ‘Sylvania.’ The two women were later forced to live in exile for a decade before the political situation permitted their return. They died within a few weeks of each other, Betje on (Nov 5, 1804).

Wolfratshausen, Agnes von – (c1110 – 1169)
German mediaeval nun
Countess Agnes von Wolfratshausen was the second daughtert of Otto III (c1085 – 1127), Count von Wolfratshausen and his wife Lauritta, who was perhaps the daughter of Heinrich III, Count of Louvain. Agnes was destined for the church and was trained for the life devoted to religion. She took vows and many years afterwards was appointed as the Abbess of Neuburg-Donau (1165 – 1169). Abbess Agnes died in office.

Wollacombe, Mary    see    Basset, Mary

Wollstonecraft, Mary – (1759 – 1797)
British feminist and writer
Mary Wollstonecraft was born (April 27, 1759) in London where she worked as a publisher and translator, and became involved with the group of reformers and writers popularly known as the ‘English Jacobins.’ It was here that she met and married (1797) her future husband William Godwin (1756 – 1836), and they were the parents of the novelist Mary Shelley. Wollstonecraft penned her first work Vindication of the Rights of Man (1790) in response to the famous essay Reflections on the French Revolution (1790), written by Edmund Burke. Her own advanced feminist views are put forth plainly in her famous and extremely controversial work, Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), which advocated equal opportunities for education for both sexes. Having witnessed first hand the events of the revolution in Paris (1792), Wollstonecraft wrote her View of the French Revolution (1794). Prior to her marriage Wollstonecraft had become involved in a romantic liasion with an American timber merchant named Imlay, who eventually deserted her, leaving her with a daughter to provide for. She attempted suicide but survived. Her death (Sept 10, 1797) was caused by complications during childbirth.

Wolpe, Bia von – (c1130 – after 1193)
German mediaeval noblewoman
Bia was the daughter of Count Bernard von Wolpe, a northern German nobleman. She became the second wife prior to 1150 of Werner, Lord of Hagen (Gebhardshagen) to whom she bore several children. Werner von Hagen was mentioned as living in a surviving charter (1146) but was evidently alive for some time after that date. Sometime prior to 1174 Lady Bia had remarried a second time to Lord Arnold von Dorstadt to whom she also bore several children including one daughter who became a nun. Arnold died in 1189 and Bia was still living as his widow several years afterwards (1193). Bia’s eldest son Ludiger von Hagen was living in 1210 whilst her granddaughter Benedicta von Hagen (died after 1237) became a canoness at the Imperial abbey of Quedlinburg. Her great-grandson Hoyer von Hagen (died after 1262) became a monk in Dorstadt. The descendants from her second marriage included Konrad von Dorstadt (c1220 – 1284) the Archdeacon of Atzum, and the fifteenth century sisters Elisabeth von Dorstadt, Abbess of Heerse (1483 – 1485) and Gertrude von Dorstadt (living 1454) Abbess of Dorstadt. Her three sons by Arnold were,

• Eilbert von Dorstadt (died after 1195). He became a priest in Hildesheim and was provost of Olsburg.
• Bernard von Dorstadt (died after 1245). He was married and left descendants.
• Johannes Markus von Dorstadt (died after 1232).

Wood, Ellen – (1814 – 1887) 
British novelist
Ellen Wood was born in Gloucester, the daughter of a glove manufacturer, and was married (1836) to a banker, Henry Wood. For her first novel, Danesbury House (1860) she was awarded a prize from the Scottish Temperance League, but she is best remembered as the author of the highly popular novel East Lynne (1861). She later became the owner-editor of the magazine Argosy (1867). Other novels included Dene Hollow (1871) and Pomeroy Abbey (1878). Ellen Wood died at St John’s Wood, London, aged seventy-three.

Wood, Mrs Henry     see     Wood, Ellen

Wood, Mary Ann    see    Paton, Mary Ann

Wood, Mathilda Alice Victoria   see   Lloyd, Marie

Wood, Minnie Blane – (1835 – 1889)
Anglo-Indian diarist
Maria Lydia Blane was the daughter of Archibald Blane, a civil servant. Known as ‘Minnie,’ she was married to Captain (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Archibald Oliver Wood, whom she accompanied to his military posting at Jhelum in India. Present during the violent outbreak of the Indian Mutiny (1857) she left an account of her own personal experiences, including having to flee by carriage whilst she was heavily pregnant, in her surviving letters of the period (1849 – 1861). Minnie and her husband survived these tumultuous events, though she later divorced her husband and remarried (1874) Col. Vyvyan of the Bengal Infantry. Her granddaughter permitted her letters to edited and published (1974).

Wood, Natalie – (1939 – 1981)
American film actress
Born Natasha Gurdin (July 20, 1939) in San Francisco, California, she began her career in film as a child actress, usually appearing in secondary roles as in the wartime film Happy Land (1943), directed by Irving Pichel (1891 – 1954). She appeared as the young Anna Muir in the first half of the film The Ghost and Mrs Muir (1947) as the daughter of Gene Tierney. Wood first attracted real attention in her role opposite James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), for which she was nominated as Best Supporting Actress. Subsequent roles included the niece of John Wayne, who was captured by Indians in The Searchers (1956) and then she got the title role in Marjorie Morningstar (1958). Thissuccess was followed by appearances in Splendor in the Grass (1961) for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, West Side Story (1961) and Love With the Proper Stranger (1963) for which she was again nominated for an Academy Award. Wood also appeared in the television movie of From Here to Eternity (1979).
Her career later slowed down, and Wood fell off a yacht in California, and drowned whilst intoxicated (Nov 30, 1981), aged forty-three. The details of her death were never fully discovered, and it may have been suicide. Natalie Wood was married (1957 – 1962) to actor Robert Wagner (born 1930) from whom she was later divorced. With the failure of her second marriage (1969 – 1971) with the British director Richard Gregson, Natalie remarried to her first husband, Robert Wagner and was his wife at the time of her death. Her daughter was the actress Natasha Gregson Wagner (born 1970) who adopted the name of her stepfather. During her short life Natalie Wood had been involved in liasions with various well known figures, including the famous singer, Frank Sinatra (1915 – 1998), the director Nicholas Ray (1911 – 1979), and the actor Raymond Burr (1917 – 1993).

Wood, Olga Jean – (1910 – 2000)
Australian Girl Guide leader
Olga Wood joined the Rockdale Company in Sydney, New South Wales (1922), which was later transferred to the nearby suburb of Bexley.  Becoming a Brownie and Guide leader, Olga was later appointed (1969) as the first region commissioner of Georges River. She was prominent in the campaign to acquire the bushland property in Engadine (1948) which evolved into the ‘Karingal’ campsite and training centre. She devoted herself tirelessly to the development of ‘Karingal’ for the next five decades.

Wood, Peggy – (1892 – 1978)
American actress and writer
Peggy Wood began her stage career appearing in comedies such as Maytime (1917), and later appeared in over seventy Broadway plays including the lead role in, Blithe Spirit (1941). Wood appeared on television in the CBS series Mama (1949) and later won an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress as the Mother Superior who sang ‘Climb Every Mountain’ in The Sound of Music (1965) with Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews. Wood also wrote novels and several volumes of memoirs. Peggy Wood died at Stamford, Connecticut, aged eighty-six (March 18, 1978).

Wood, Sara Bard Field     see      Field, Sara Bard

Woodbridge, Mercy Dudley – (1621 – 1691)
American colonist
Mercy Dudley was the daughter of Thomas Dudley, governor of Massachusetts, and his wife Katherine Deighton Hackburne. She was sister to the famous poet Anne Bradstreet. Mercy Dudley became the wife of the clergyman, John Woodbridge, of Andover, Massachusetts, and was the ancestress of sixteen colonial clergymen, and left numerous descendants.

Woodham-Smith, Cecil Blanche – (1896 – 1977)
Briitsh historian and biographer
Mrs Woodham-Smith was the author of several famous biographies including those of Florence Nightingale (1954) and Queen Victoria (1972). She also published a researched study of the charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War entitled The Reason Why (1954). Cecil Woodham-Smith died (March 16, 1977) aged eighty.

Woodhull, Victoria Claflin – (1838 – 1927)
American feminist, financier, political activist and reformer
Victoria Claflin was born (Sept 23, 1838) in Homer, Ohio, the daughter of Reuben Claflin and his wife Roxanna Hummel. Victoria was trained by her family as a fortune-teller and worked in a travelling spiritualist act with her sister Tennessee Claflin. She was married (1853 – 1864) to a physician, Canning Woodhull, to whom she bore a daughter, the sociologist Zula Maud Woodhull. With the end of the marriage she retained her husband’s surname, even after her remarriage with John Biddulph Martin. Beautiful, intelligent, and vivacious, Victoria went to New York with her sister (1868) where they managed to persuade the famous financier Cornelius Vanderbilt, to sponsor and support them in their career as stockbrokers. She became closely involved with socialism and gave public lectures where she advocated free love, legalized prostitution, and equal rights for all.
The sisters established the popular magazine Woodhull and Claflin’s Weekly (1870 – 1876). Victoria received strong support from the women’s suffrage campaign and became the first woman to ever be nominated to stand for the presidency (1872). With the failure of this campaign the two sisters removed to London (1877). Victoria Woodhull published various works including Stirpiculture, or the Scientific Propagation of the Human Race (1888) and co-wrote The Human Body of the Temple of God (1890), with her sister. Victoria Claflin Woodhull died (June 10, 1927) at Bredon’s Norton, near Tewkesbury in Worcestershire, aged eighty-eight.

Woodiwiss, Kathleen – (1939 – 2007)
American historical romantic novelist
Kathleen Woodiwiss was born (June 3, 1939) in Alexandria, Louisana. She was married (1957) to Ross Woodiwiss, an US air force officer whom she accompanied on his military postings. Her published novels included, So Worth My Love (1989), Come Love a Stranger, A Rose in Winter, The Wolf and the Dove and Everlasting (2007). Her books became internationally successful and were translated into thirteen languages. Kathleen Woodiwiss died (July 6, 2007) aged sixty-eight, in Minnesota.

Woodman, Ruth Cornwall – (1894 – 1970)
American radio personality
Ruth Cornwall was born in New York, a descendant of John Winthrop, Governor of Massachusetts, and attended Vassar College. She was married to William Woodman and became best known for her work with the popular radio series Death Valley Days which began in 1930 and for which she wrote over seven hundred episodes prior to her eventual retirement (1959). Ruth Cornwall Woodman died in Santa Monica, California, aged seventy-five (April 2, 1970).

Woodruff, Myra de Haven – (1896 – 1992)
American child education specialist
Myra Woodruff was born in Ogden, Utah and attended Oberlin College and Teachers College at Columbia University. She was employed as anursery school psychologist and organized parent education in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Miss woodruff then spent three years with the New York State Department of Education (1941 – 1944) prior to becoming part of the Bureau of Child Development and Parent Education. She published articles concerning child education and served as president of the Association for Childhood education International. Myra Woodruff died (March 13, 1992) aged ninety-five, in Medford, New Jersey.

Woods, Margaret Louise – (1856 – 1945) 
British novelist and poet
Margaret Woods was born in Rugby, the daughter of the Dean of Westminster. She was married to a clergyman and published several novels including A Village Tragedy (1887), Sons of the Sword (1901) and The Spanish Lady (1927). Her verses were published in Collected Poems (1914).

Woodville, Agnes – (c1463 – after 1506)
English Yorkist noblewoman
Lady Agnes Woodville (Wydeville) was the youngest daughter of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers, and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother of King Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814), whilst her elder sister Elizabeth Woodville became the wife (1464) of King Edward IV. Agnes was raised at the manor of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire, and later attended the royal court, where she was eventually married (c1480 or before) to William Dormer, of West Wycombe, to whom she left children. Lady Agnes Dormer was living in 1506 at the time of her husband’s death, during the latter part of the reign of her nephew, Henry VII (1485 – 1509).

Woodville, Anne – (c1441 – 1489)
English Yorkist noblewoman and courtier
Lady Anne Woodville (Wydeville) was the second daughter of Sir Richard Woodville, earl of Rivers, and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother of Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother Anne was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Her eldest sister Elizabeth married (1464) Edward IV and Anne was one of the ladies who attended her at her coronation at Westminster Abbey (May 26, 1465). Her sister arranged her first marriage (1465) with the widowed William, viscount Bourchier, son and heir of Henry, earl of Essex. Anne was then appointed lady-in-waiting to her sister, Queen Elizabeth, and stood godmother to her daughter Anne, born in1475. Widowed in 1482, the queen arranged for Anne’s second marriage with Sir George Grey, earl of Kent (c1452 – 1503). Despite the ten year disparity in their ages Anne quickly produced a son and heir Richard Grey (1483 – 1525), later third Earl of Kent. Husband and wife were both present at the marriage of Anne’s niece, Elizabeth of York, to Henry VII at Westminster (Jan 18, 1486).
By her first husband Anne was the mother of Henry Bourchier, second earl of Essex (1467 – 1539), who left an only daughter, Anne Bourchier (1516 – 1571), the first wife of Sir William Parr (later marquess of Northampton), brother to Queen Catharine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII. Her daughter Cecily Bourchier became the first wife of John Devereux, Lord Ferrers. The countess died only two months after her husband succeeded to his earldom (July 30, 1489) and was interred at Warden, in Bedfordshire. Anne Woodville appears as a character in the historical novel The Woodville Wench (1972) by Maureen Peters.

Woodville, Catherine – (1458 – 1497)
English Yorkist noblewoman and courtier
Lady Catherine Woodville (Katherine Wydeville) was born (Aug 5, 1458), probably at the manor of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire, one of the younger daughters of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers, and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the former widow of Prince Henry, Duke of Bedford, the younger brother of Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother Catherine was a descendant of the Carolingian emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Catherine’s fortune and that of her numerous siblings were made possible by the marriage of her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville with King Edward IV (1464). Prior to her sister’s coronation, Catherine was married (Feb, 1465) to Henry Stafford (1455 – 1483), the second Duke of Buckingham, at the instigation of the king, when aged only seven. The Italian chronicler Dominic Mancini recorded that the duke protested against his marriage with Catherine, recording that he “… had his own reasons for detesting the Queen’s kin, for when he was younger he had been forced to marry the Queen’s sister, whom he had scorned to wed on account of her humble origins.” Despite this the couple managed to produce five children,

• Edward Stafford (1478 – 1521). The godson of Edward IV, he was restored by Henry VII as third and last Duke of Buckingham (1485 – 1521). The duke was later executed for treason by Henry VIII. He was married and left issue.
• Lord Henry Stafford (1479 – 1523). He was created Earl of Wiltshire, was married to Cecily Bonville, Dowager Marchioness of Dorset, but died without issue.
• Lady Elizabeth Stafford (1480 – 1529). She became the first wife of Robert Radcliffe (1483 – 1542), Viscount Fitzwalter, who became first Earl of Sussex only after her death. They left children.
• Lord Humphrey Stafford (born c1481). He died young.
• Lady Anne Stafford (1482 – after 1545). She was married firstly to Sir Walter Herbert, and secondly to George Hastings (1488 – 1545), Earl of Huntingdon, leaving issue by her second marriage only.

After the death of her husband because of his abortive rebellion against Richard III (1483) and the duchess was treated harshly, being granted only the insultingly small income of two hundred marks a year to survive upon. She was perhaps the most notable absentee from the coronation of Richard III (June, 1483). With the subsequent disappearance of her nephews, Edward V and the Duke of York within the Tower of London, Catherine began to fear for the life of her own son Edward, at the hands of Richard III, as a possible claimant to his throne. Because of this she caused the child then aged six, to be dressed as a little girl, and sent in the hands of trusted family servants, to safety in hiding in Hereford. The duchess remarried secondly (1485) to Jasper Tudor (c1432 – 1495), Duke of Bedford, the uncle to Henry VII and Catherine was restored to her former rank. This marriage remained childless. The duke and duchess were present at the marriage of Henry VII with Elizabeth of York (Jan, 1486), and the following year the couple received letters from the king (Sept, 1487) which summoned them to attend Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in London on Nov 25 following. In the will of her brother Sir Richard Woodville, which was proved at Lambeth (March 23, 1491) the duchess was the only one of his many sisters to be mentioned.
The duchess then remarried (1496) to her third and last husband, the noted Tudor diplomat and man of letters, Sir Richard Wingfield (1458 – 1525), of Kimbolton Castle, Huntingdonshire, as his first wife. This marriage remained childless and was short-lived, though it supported Wingfield’s claim to the forfeited Buckingham estates.  The assertion that Catherine was the Lady Wingfield referred to as alive in 1513 is an error, and refers instead to Sir Richard’s second wife, Bridget Wiltshire, Lady Wingfield, whom he married c1499. Catherine Woodville died (May 18, 1497) aged thirty-eight. Catherine Woodville appears as a character in the historical novel The Woodville Wench (1972) by Maureen Peters.

Woodville, Eleanor – (c1452 – 1512)
English Yorkist noblewoman and courtier
Lady Eleanor Woodville (Wydeville) was one of the younger daughters of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers, and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother of Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Eleanor, sometimes called Joan in the list of Woodville sisters, was raised at the family manor of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire, until her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville was married (1464) to King Edward IV. After this she attended the court and the king arranged for her marriage (c1468) to Sir Anthony Grey, heir to the barony of Grey de Ruthyn. Anthony died (1480) before succeeding to the barony. Lady Eleanor never remarried and remained the Dowager Lady Grey for over three decades (1480 – 1512) and died early during the reign of her great-nephew Henry VIII (1509 – 1547).

Woodville, Elizabeth       see       Elizabeth Woodville

Woodville, Jacquetta – (1444 – 1509)
English Yorkist noblewoman and courtier
Lady Jacquetta Woodville (Wydeville) was the third daughter of Sir Richard Woodville, the first Earl of Rivers and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother to Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother, after whom she was named, Jacquetta was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Jacquetta was raised at the family estate of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire. Her parents, possibly with the assistance of Margaret of Anjou, arranged her early marriage (1450) with John Lestrange (1444 – 1479), ninth Baron Strange of Knockin, when they were both small children. The couple produced a sole surviving daughter and heiress, Joan Lestrange (1463 – 1514), later the wife (1481) of Sir George Stanley (1460 – 1503) who was created Baron Strange in her right.
With the marriage of her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville to King Edward IV, Lady Strange became a more prominent figure at the court, and was present at the christening of her niece, Elizabeth of York (Feb, 1465) at Westminster Abbey. She was also present at the queen’s coronation (May, 1465), together with her French kinsman, Jacques de Luxembourg, Seigneur de Richebourg, the brother of Louis, Comte de St Pol, who was acting as the official representative of Duke Philip III of Burgundy. Richebourg was lavishly entertained by the Woodville family. Lady Strange and her husband later accompanied the king’s sister, Margaret of York, to Stratford Langhorne Abbey (June, 1468), with many other courtiers, prior to departure for the court of Burgundy. Before the death of her husband (1479) Lady Strange attended her sister’s court, where she acted as one of her ladies-in-waiting. With the death of Lord Strange (Oct 16, 1479), Jacquetta never remarried, despite her relative youth and dynastic attractions. She survived her husband for a further three decades (1479 – 1509) as the Dowager Lady Strange, and died the year her great-nephew Henry VIII came to the throne.

Woodville, Margaret (1) – (c1454 – 1491)
English Yorkist noblewoman and courtier
Lady Margaret Woodville (Wydeville) was one of the younger daughters of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother to Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Margaret was raised at the family estate of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire, and raised there prior to the marriage of her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville with King Edward IV (1464). After this event Margaret was brought to court and became a member of the queen’s household. Several months later (Oct, 1464) Margaret was both betrothed and then married to Lord Thomas Maultravers (1450 – 1524), the son and heir of William, ninth Earl of Arundel. The marriage had been arranged by Edward IV, who provided her dowry. The marriage was recorded in a letter of John Wykes to Sir John Paston (Feb 17, 1465). The couple had three surviving children.
Lady Maultravers was present at the queen’s coronation at Westminster Abbey (May, 1465) and sat at the queen’s left hand. She and her husband formed members of the court that accompanied the king’s sister, Margaret of York, to Stratford Langhorne Abbey (May, 1468), prior to leaving England for her marriage with Charles, Duke of Burgundy. Lady Maultravers attended the christening of her niece Princess Bridget (1480), and carried the infant in the procession, described by observers as wearing ‘a red chrism on her left breast.’ With the downfall of Richard III and the accession of Henry VII, the Woodville family returned to court, and Lady Maultravers and her husband were present at the king’s marriage with her niece, Elizabeth of York (Jan, 1486). Soon afterwards her husband Thomas succeeded his father in the earldom of Arundel, and Margaret became countess of Arundel (1487 – 1491). Margaret Woodville died (shortly before March 6 in 1491) aged under forty, and was buried at Arundell. Margaret Woodville appears as a character in the historical novel The Woodville Wench (1972) by Maureen Peters. Her children were,

• Lady Margaret Fitzalan (c1470 – after 1528). She became the wife of John de La Pole (1462 – 1487), Earl of Lincoln, nephew of Edward IV. There were no children.
• William Fitzalan (1471 – 1544), Lord Maultravers. He succeeded his father as eleventh Earl of Arundel (1524 – 1544), and left descendants.
• Lady Joan Fitzalan (c1473 – before 1495). She became the first wife of George Neville (1468 – 1535), fifth Baron Abergavenny.

Woodville, Margaret (2) – (c1460 – before 1520)
English Yorkist noblewoman
Margaret Woodville (Wydeville) was the illegitimate daughter of Anthony Woodville, second Earl of Rivers, whose sister Elizabeth was the wife (1464) of King Edward IV. Her mother was Gwentlian Stradling, the granddaughter of Sir Edward Stradling of St Donat’s Castle, Glamorgan, and his wife Jane Beaufort, herself the illegitimate daughter of Cardinal Henry Beaufort (1375 – 1447), Bishop of Winchester and his mistress Alice Fitzalan (later Lady Charlton of Powis). Through her paternal grandmother, Jacquetta of Luxemburg, Margaret was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Margaret was recognized by her father and probably raised in his household, as he had no legitimate children by either of his two wives, Elizabeth Scales and Mary Fitz-Lewis. She was first cousin to Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VIII and closely related to Henry VIII (1509 – 1547).
Lord Anthony arranged for Margaret to be married (c1478) to Sir Robert Poyntz (1448 – 1520) of Iron Acton, Gloucestershire, whom she predeceased. She appears to have attended the court of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, as her husband’s career prospered by his connection with the royal family, and was appointed to oversee the alterations that the king desired made to the Palace of Westminster. Margaret’s elder son was appointed to serve as squire of the Body to the king, whilst their daughter Elizabeth Poyntz was chosen to act as nurse for Queen Catherine’s first child (1510), which unfortunately was a stillborn daughter (1510). Through her sons, Margaret Woodville was the ancestress of many famous people including Admiral Stephen Poyntz (1771 – 1847), Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire (1757 – 1806), and Lady Diana Spencer (1961 – 1997), the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales (born 1948), son and heir of Queen Elizabeth II. Her children were,

• Anne Poyntz (c1479 – after 1547). She was married firstly to Sir John Walsh (died 1547), of Little Sodbury, Gloucestershire, and secondly to Robert Bulkeley, of Burgate, Hants.
• Sir Anthony Poyntz (1480 – 1533). He served as sheriff of Gloucestershire. He was married twice, his second wife being a prominent courtier, Joan, Lady Guildford, the widow of Sir Richard Guildford. By his first marriage with Elizabeth Huddersfield, he was the father of Sir Richard Poyntz (1510 – 1557), Groom of the Bedchamber to Henry VIII, who left many descendants.
• Elizabeth Poyntz (born c1483). She became the wife of Nicholas Wykes, of Doddington.
• Katherine Poyntz (born c1485). She became the wife of Sir Owen Perrot (died 1513) and left issue.
• John Poyntz (c1487 – 1544), of Alderley, Gloucestershire. He corresponded with the poet, Sir Thomas Wyatt the elder. He was married and left issue.
• Margaret Poyntz (c1489 – before 1558). She became the wife of Sir John St Lac (died 1558) of Tormarton, Gloucestershire.
• Sir Francis Poyntz (c1490 – 1528). He served as esquire of the Body to Henry VIII. He was married to Joan Browne, the daughter of Sir Matthew Browne, of Betchworth Castle, Surrey, but left no issue.
• Nicholas Poyntz (c1493 – 1512). He died unmarried.

Woodville, Martha – (c1449 – after 1500)
English Yorkist noblewoman
Lady Martha Woodville (Wydeville) was one of the younger daughters of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford the younger brother to King Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Martha was probably born at the family estate of Grafton Regis, in Northamptonshire, and was raised there. Her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville became the wife (1464) of King Edward IV, which subsequently raised the fortunes of the family. The fact that Martha became the wife of Sir John Bromley, of Bartomley and Hextall in Shropshire, a mere knight, rather than to peers like most of her sisters, indicates that her marriage took place (c1463), before her sister’s elevation to the throne. Lady Bromley was still living (1500) during the reign of her nephew Henry VII, but died sometime prior to the accession of Henry VIII (1509). She was the ancestress of Magdalen Newport, Mrs Herbert (later the wife of Sir John Danvers) who was the patron of the poet John Donne who addressed verses to her.

Woodville, Mary – (c1456 – 1481)
English Yorkist courtier
Lady Mary Woodville (Wydeville) was one of the younger daughters of Sir Richard Woodville, first Earl of Rivers and his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg, the widow of Prince John, Duke of Bedford a younger brother of Henry V (1413 – 1422). Through her mother she was a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Mary was raised at the family estate of Grafton Regis in Northamptonshire. After the marriage of her eldest sister Elizabeth Woodville with Edward IV (1464) she came to court and with her mother, the Duchess of Bedford, who stood godmother, she was one of the ladies who attended the baptism of her niece, Elizabeth of York. Several months later, Mary was present at the queen’s coronation in Westminster Abbey (May, 1465).
Lady Mary was betrothed (Sept, 1466) to William Herbert (1455 – 1491), Lord Dunster, to whom she was later married (1467) at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, amidst great ceremony, attended by the royal family. William Herbert had agreed to the match because of the patent advantages of allying himself by marriage with the Yorkist dynasty, but this allegiance caused enmity with Richard Neville, the famous ‘Kingmaker.’ Herbert became second Earl of Pembroke when his father was later executed by order of Neville (1469) but was forced to exchange the earldom of Pembroke for that of Huntingdon. Their daugher Elizabeth Herbert (1476 – 1512) succeeeded as Baroness Herbert in her own right (de jure) and was married to Charles Somerset (1460 – 1526), later first Earl of Worcester. Through Mary Woodville, the Somerset family became legitimately connected with the Tudor dynasty, and she herself was ancestress of the later dukes of Beaufort. Mary Woodville appears as a character in the historical novel The Woodville Wench (1972) by Maureen Peters.

Woodward, Eudoxia – (1919 – 2008)
American painter and scientist
Eudoxia Muller was born in Flushing, New York. She was married (1946) to consultant Robert Burns Woodward, to whom she bore two children. Mrs Woodward was closely associated with Edwin Land at the Polaroid Corporation, and her research led to the productionof the Vectograph. A talented water colour painter, she produced the Pentagonal Red Hibiscus and was awarded the Stanhope Framers Prize from the New England Watercolor Society (2002). Eudoxia Woodward died (Jan 20, 2008) aged eighty-eight, in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Woodward, Joan – (1916 – 1971) 
British industrial sociologist
Joan Woodward was born (June 19, 1916) and studied at Oxford and Durham universities. During WW II she was appointed as the Senior Labour manager of the Royal Ordnance Factory at Bridgewater and taught in Essex and Oxford. Joan Woodward was married (1951) to Leslie Thompson Blakeman. Woodward was later appointed as lecturer in industrial sociology at the Imperial College in London, eventually becoming professor (1969), and acted as a consultant to various departments of the government. Her published works included The Dockworkers (1954), The Saleswoman (1961), Experiment in Industrial Democracy (1968) and Industrial Organization: Behaviour and Control (1970). Joan Woodward died (May 18, 1971) aged fifty-four.

Woodward, Patti     see    Darwell, Jane

Woolf, Virginia – (1882 – 1941)
British novelist, critic and essayist
Adeline Virginia Stephen was born at Hyde Park Gate in London, the daughter of Sir Leslie Stephen, the noted scholar and literary critic, and was sister to Vanessa Bell. She was educated at home by a governess, and was married (1912) to the publisher and political author Leonard Woolf (1880 – 1969). The couple established the Hogarth Press in Richmond (1915), and the couple eventually moved to Bloomsbury, where Virginia achieved fame as one of the leading literary figures of the famous ‘Bloomsbury set’ which included figures such as Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant, and Roger Fry, amongst many others. Her novels disdain direct narrative in favour of internal monologue, and the symbolism of her language and the intense emotionalism of her work are more typical of poetry than prose. Woolf’s written works included The Voyage Out (1915), Jacob’s Room (1922), Mrs Dalloway (1925), To The Lighthouse (1927), Orlando (1928) a fantasy which was filmed in 1992 with Tilda Swinton in the title role, A Room of One’s Own (1929), The Waves (1931) and The Years (1937). Having suffered from depression for several years, Virginia Woolf eventually committed suicide at Rodmell, near Lewes, Sussex (March 28, 1941) by filling her pockets with stones and throwing herself into the Ouse River.

Woolley, Celia Parker – (1848 – 1918)
American settlement worker and author
Celia Woolley was born (June 14, 1848) in Toledo, Ohio. She produced several popular novels such as Love and Theology (1887), A Girl Graduate (1889), Roger Hunt (1892) and The Western Slope (1903), amongst others. Celia Parker Woolley died aged sixty-nine (March 9, 1918).

Woolley, Hannah – (c1623 – after 1677)
English educator and culinary author
Hannah was orphaned as a child and was running a small school by the age of fifteen, before obtaining a post in an aristocratic household as a governess. Her husband Woolley, whom she married in 1647, was the headmaster of the Free School in Newport, Essex, and she bore him four sons. Her second husband (1666) was Francis Challinor. With the death of her husband Hannah continued to work as a teacher, and trained suitable women to be teachers, governesses, and other types of domestic workers, whilst encouraging them to continue their education. Her published works included The Cook’s Guide (1664) The Queen Like Closet (1670) and The Gentlewoman’s Companion (1673), a lady’s guide to social etiquette.

Woolley, Mary Emma – (1863 – 1947)
American educator and writer
Born Mary Woolley (July 13, 1863) in Norwalk, Connecticut, she trained as a school teacher. She served as president of the Mt Holyoke College for nearly forty years (1900 – 1937), and was author of several works including The Early History of the Colonial Post Office (1894). Mary Woolley died (Sept 5, 1947) aged eighty-four.

Woolliams, Anne – (1926 – 1999)
British ballet director
Anne Woolliams was born (Aug 3, 1926) at Folkestone in Kent. She studied modern dance in Germany before taking ballet tuition under Judith Espinosa, George Goncharov and Vera Volkova. She with the Russian Opera and Ballet Company and appeared in the film The Red Shoes (1948) which starred Moira Shearer. She worked as a ballet mistress and teacher with the Stuttgart Ballet School in Germany (1969 – 1973) as the assistant to director John Cranko with whom she had established the school. Woolliams remained with the Stuttgart Ballet until 1975 when she became the artistic director of the Australian Ballet (1976 – 1987). She was then the artistic director of the Vienna State Opera Ballet (1993 – 1995). Anne Woolliams died (July 8, 1999) aged seventy-two in Canterbury, Kent.

Woolsey, Sarah Chauncey – (1835 – 1905)
American juvenile writer and poet
Sarah Woolsey was born (Jan 29, 1835) in Cleveland, Ohio, the niece of Theodore Dwight Woolsey, the president of Yale College. She was educated in Cleveland and New Hampshire. Woolsey travelled to Europe (1870 – 1872) and then settled with her family in Newport, Rhode Island. She never married and wrote using the pseudonym ‘Susan Coolidge.’ Apart from the five volumed Katy Did series (1873), for which she is best remembered, Woolsey produced Verses (1880), A Few More Verses (1889) and Barberry Bush (1893) a volume of short stories for children. She edited several works including The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mrs Delaney (1879) and The Diary and Letters of Frances Burney (1880). The volume Last Verses (1906) was published posthumously. Sarah Chauncey Woolsey died (April 9, 1905) aged seventy.

Woolson, Abba Louisa Goold – (1838 – 1921)
American educator and poet
Abba Woolson was born (April 30, 1838) in Windham, Maine. A career as a teacher led to that of a lecturer on the public circuit. Woolson was the author of works such as Women in American Society (1873), Browsing among Books, and Other Essays (1881), and George Eliot and Her Heroines (1886). She also produced the volume of verse With Garlands Green (1915). Abbie Goold Woolson died (Feb 6, 1921) aged eighty-two.

Woolson, Constance Fenimore – (1840 – 1894)
American novelist
Constance Woolson was born (March, 1840) in Claremont, New Hampshire, the great-niece of famous novelist, James Fenimore Cooper (1789 – 1851). She became a friend to the famous novelist and critic Henry James (1843 – 1916), who portrayed her in his story The Aspern Papers (1888). Woolson produced novels and volumes of verse using the pseudonym ‘Anne March’ including The Old Stone House (1873), Castle Nowhere: Lake Country Sketches (1875) which tells of the lives of early French settlers in that region, Rodman the Keeper: Southern Sketches (1880), Anne (1882), East Angels (1886), Jupiter Lights (1889), Horace Chase (1894) and The Front Yard, and Other Italian Stories (1895) which appeared posthumously. Woolson also produced the poem Two Women: 1862 (1877). Constance Fenimore Woolson died (Jan 24, 1894) aged fifty-three.

Wootton, Barbara Frances – (1897 – 1988)
British social scientist and author
Barbara Wootton was born in Cambridge, the daughter of an academic. She studied economics at Girton College after which she worked as a researcher for the Labour Party (1922 – 1925). Barbara Wootton served as the principal of Morley College in London (1926 – 1927) before going on to fill other academic positions in London, where she was appointed as a public magistrate, and served as a royal commissioner. Her published works included Testament for Social Science (1950) and Social Science and Pathology (1959). She was created a life peer as Baroness Wootton of Abinger by Queen Elizabeth II (1958) in recognition of her valuable contributions to the social and natural sciences. Lady Wootton died (July 11, 1988).

Worcester, Anne Russell, Countess of – (1576 – 1639)
English courtier and patron
Anne Russell was the only surviving child of Lord John Russell, and his wife Elizabeth Cooke, the Dowager Lady Hoby, and granddaughter of the second Earl of Bedford. Anne served at court as maid-of-honour to Queen Elizabeth I. Though Anne was one of the queen’s more favoured attendants, she and her friend Elizabeth Bridges were briefly banished from the court (1597) because of attentions paid them by the queen’s favourite, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. Lady Anne became the wife (1600) of Henry Somerset (1577 – 1646), then Lord Herbert of Chepstow, who had preferred Anne to her elder sister Elizabeth. The wedding was held at court in magnificent style, attended by the queen and all her ladies. William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream was one believed to have been written for this wedding, but this idea had been disproved. Henry Somerset later succeeded his father as fifth Earl of Worcester (1628 – 1639) making Anne Countess of Worcester. After her death Lord Worcester was created first Marquess of Worcester by Charles I (1646). Lady Worcester died (April 1, 1639). Her children included,

• Edward Somerset (c1601 – 1667). He succeeded his father as second Marquess of Worcester (1646 – 1667) and left issue.
• Lady Elizabeth Somerset (1618 – 1684). She became the wife of Francis Browne (1610 – 1682), second Viscount Montague and left issue.

Worcester, Elizabeth Hastings, Countess of – (1548 – 1621) 
English Tudor and Stuart courtier
Lady Elizabeth Hastings was born in Scotland, the daughter of Francis Hastings (1514 – 1561), second Earl of Huntingdon, and his wife Catherine Pole, the daughter of Henry Pole, Lord Montague. Through her mother she was the great-granddaughter of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the niece of Edward IV (1461 – 1483) and Richard III (1483 – 1485). Lady Elizabeth was thus s descendant of King Edward I (1272 – 1307) and of the Carolingian emperor Charlemagne (800 – 814). Lady Elizabeth Hastings became the wife (Dec, 1571) of Edward Somerset (1550 – 1628), fourth Earl of Worcester, to whom she bore a large family of fifteen children. Together with her husband, Lady Worcester was a prominent figure at the courts of both Elizabeth I and King James I. Lady Worcester died (Aug 24, 1621) at Worcester House, St Clement Danes, the Strand, London. She was buried at Raglan, near Monmouth in Monmouthshire, where Lord Worcester was later interred beside her. Her fifteen children were,

• Lady Catherine Somerset (born 1573). She died in infancy.
• Lady Catherine Somerset (1575 – 1624). She became the wife of William, second Baron Petre (1575 – 1637) and left issue.
• William Somerset (born 1576). He predeceased his father, dying without issue.
• Henry Somerset (1577 – 1646). He succeeded his father as fifth Earl of Worcester (1628) and was created first Marquess of somerset (1643) by Charles I. He was married to Lady Anne Russell and left issue.
• Sir Thomas Somerset (1579 – 1649). He was created Viscount Somerset of Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland (1626) by Charles I. He was married to Helen Barry, but left an only daughter and the title became extinct at his death.
• Charles Somerset (born 1580). He died in infancy.
• Francis Somerset (born 1582). He died in infancy.
• Lady Blanche Somerset (1583 – 1649). She became the wife of Thomas Arundell, second Baron Arundell of Wardour, and left issue.
• Sir Charles Somerset (born c1584). He was married to Elizabeth Powell.
• Christopher Somerset (born c1586).
• Sir Edward Somerset (born c1588).
• Lady Elizabeth Somerset (c1590 – after 1628). She became the wife of Sir Henry Guildford, of Hemstead Place, Kent.
• Lady Anne Somerset (born c1594).
• Lady Frances Somerset (born c1596).
• Lady Mary Somerset (born c1598).

Wordley, Mary – (fl. c1760 – after 1778)
British actress
Mary Wordley was the daughter of the steward to the earl of Powys. She first became the companion of the famous actress George Anne Bellamy, introduced Mary to her stage career. In 1764 – 1765 she performed the role of Tag in Miss in Her Teens, and later performed at Richmond in Surrey. In later life Mary achieved fame as a Quaker preacher.

Wordsworth, Dorothy – (1771 – 1855)
British writer
Dorothy Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, the only daughter of John Wordsworth, attorney-at-law, and his wife Anne, the daughter of William Cookson, mercer of Penrith. She was sister to the poet William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850). Dorothy never married and remained her brother’s companion for all of their loves, even after his own marriage. She travelled to Scotland, the Isle of Man, and to Europe, a pastime she greatly enjoyed, and she left an account of this trip in her Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland AD 1803 (1874), which was published posthumously.

Wordsworth, Dame Elizabeth – (1840 – 1932) 
British educator, poet and college administrator
Elizabeth Wordsworth was the daughter of the Bishop of Lincoln, and great-niece to the famous poets William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Elizabeth was educated at home by governesses. She supported higher education for women and was appointed as the principal of Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford (1878). Elizabeth Wordsworth founded St Hugh’s College (1886) and the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement in Lambeth, London (1887). She co-wrote a biography of her father (1888) with J.H. Overton. Her published verse included the collection St Christopher and Other Poems (1890).

Workman, Fanny Bullock – (1859 – 1925)
American traveller and mountaineer
Fanny Bullock was born (Jan 8, 1859) in Worcester, Massachusetts, and married the explorer William Hunter Workman (1847 – 1937). The couple travelled together from 1889 because of her husband’s precarious health, using bicycles to traverse Spain, North Africa, India, Burma, Sri Lanka and Java. Their careers as mountaineers began in 1902, and Fanny is best known for climbing Pinnacle Peak (22, 737 ft), a record she held for nearly three decades. Apart from several interruptions the couple travelled almost continually until 1914, when they retired to the south of France. Fanny Workman wrote several works concerning her various travels and explorations including Algerian Memories: A Bicycle Tour over the Atlas to the Sahara (1895), Through Town and Jungle: Fourteen Thousand Miles A-Wheel Among the Temples and People of the Indian Plain (1904) and Two Summers in the Ice-Wilds of Eastern Karakoram: The Exploration of Nineteen Hundred Square Miles of Mountain and Glacier (1917). She also co-wrote In the Ice World of Himalaya (1900) and Peaks and Glaciers of Nun-Kun (1909) with her husband. Fanny Bullock Workman died (Jan 22, 1925) in France, aged sixty-six.

Wormeley, Katharine Prescott – (1830 – 1908)
Anglo-American author, translator and philanthropist
Katharine Wormeley was born (Jan 14, 1830) in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, and later came to America, where she became involved with government reform work during the Civil War period, and produced The United States Sanitary Commission (1863). Wormeley also wrote A Memoir of Honore de Balzac (1892), and two volumes of war reminiscences The Other Side of War (1889) and The Cruel Side of War (1898). Katharine Prescott Wormeley died aged seventy-eight (Aug 4, 1908).

Wornum, Catherine Agnes – (fl. 1872 – 1891)
British Victorian painter
Catherine Wornum was the daughter of Ralph Nicholson Wornum (1812 - 1877), curator of the National Gallery in London. Catherine worked in London as an artist and specialized in the painting of fruit and still-lifes. Her works were exhibited with Royal Academy and the Suffolk Street Gallery. She appears to have ceased her public career after her marriage (1884) with fellow painter Frederick Piercy (1830 - 1891).

Worsley, Alexandra Mary Freesia Vivian, Lady – (1890 – 1963)
British courtier
Hon. (Honourable) Vivian was born (Feb 27, 1890) the daughter of Sir Hugh Crespigny Vivian, third Baron Vivian, and his wife Louisa Alice, the sister of Sir Charles Assheton-Smith (1851 – 1914), first baronet of Vaynol. Queen Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII (1901 – 1910) stood sponsor at Alexandra’s christening. Alexandra Vivian was married (1911) to Charles Sackville (1887 – 1914), Lord Worsley, the eldest son and heir of the fourth Earl of Yarborough. Worsley’s death in action at Zandvoorde left her a childless widow. Lady Worsley served at the court as Extra Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth, the widow of George VI (1936 – 1952). During WW II Lady Worsley served as regional administrator of the WVS (Women’s Voluntary Service) for which she she was later appointed OBE (Order of the British Empire) by George VI (1945). She was the chairman of the Victoria League (1948 – 1953), and was named CBE (Commander of the British Empire) (1954). Lady Worsley died (Sept 21, 1963) aged seventy-three.

Worsley, Ursula    see   Walsingham, Ursula St Barbe, Lady

Worth, Irene – (1916 – 2002) 
American stage and film actress
Irene Worth was born in Nebraska, and studied at the University of California. She was originally trained as a schoolteacher, but she left this career for the theatre and joined a touring repertory company (1942) after which she made her debut on Broadway (1943). Worth then travelled to England where she spent most of the next three decades. She created the role of Celia Copplestone in Thomas S. Eliot’s The Cocktail Party (1949) which she performed at the Edinburgh Festival. Irene Worth later played the title role in Johann von Schiller’s original Mary Stuart (1800), which was produced in New York (1957). She later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-on-Avon (1960) and made appearances in several films such as Orders to Kill (1958), Seven Seas to Calais (1962) in which played Queen Elizabeth I, Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), Eyewitness (1981) and Lost in Yonkers (1993) as Grandma Kurnitz, which role she had formerly portrayed on the stage.

Worthington, Marjorie Muir – (1898 – 1976)
American novelist and biographer
Marjorie Worthington was born in New York, and became the wife of William B. Seabrook. Her famous novel The Strange World of Willie Seabrook (1966) was based on the varied adventures of her husband, who became an alcoholic. Marjorie’s other novels included The House on the Park (1946), The Enchanted Heart (1949), Scarlet Josephine, Manhattan Solo and Spider Web. Her biographical works included The Immortal Lovers: Abelard and Heloise (1960) and Miss Alcott of Concord (1958) a life of the novelist Louisa May Alcott. Besides these works Marjorie also wrote short stories which appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Cosmopolitan, and conducted a writer’s workshop at New Rochelle High School for five years. Marjorie Muir Worthington died at Fort Lauderdale in Florida (Feb 17, 1976).

Wortley-Montagu, Mary Pierrepoint, Lady – (1689 – 1762)
English poet, traveller and letter writer
Lady Mary Pierrepoint was born (May 26, 1689) in Covent Garden, London the elder daughter of Evelyn Pierrepoint, the first Duke of Kingston and his first wife Mary Fielding, sister to the novelist Henry Fielding. Her father caused her to be given a sound and comprehensive education. Mary rebelled against a marriage arranged for her by her father and eloped (1716) with the Whig Member of Parliament Edward Wortley-Montagu. She accompanied her husband to Turkey when he was appointed ambassador there (1716 – 1718). By this time Lady Mary was already recognized as one of the most beautiful and accomplished women of her time and was a talented linguist. When she and her husband returned to England they were persuaded by the poet Alexander Pope to settle at Twickenham in Middlesex. There Lady Mary held an important salon and was recognized as a poet of some merit by Pope, John Gay and others. Her friendship with Pope gradually cooled, and ended ultimately in a quarrel in which Pope behaved disgracefully. Lady Mary published the comic play Simplicity (1735) but from 1736 to 1742 her life was dominated by her infatuation with the Italian scholar Francesco Alparotti. Ill-health finally compelled her to travel abroad (1739), and Lady Mary travelled with Alparotti to Italy where they resided at Turin in Piedmont. The affair was not an easy one and, after a reunion with Alparotti (1741) which ended badly, Lady Mary settled at Avignon in Provence where she remained until 1746.
Lady Mary then embarked upon an affair with Conte Ugo Palazzi with whom she resided in Brescia until 1756. Dogged by ill-health she then resided in Venice and Padua for several years. With the death of Edward Wortly-Montagu (1761) Mary’s daughter the Countess of Bute pleaded with her to return to England so that she could care for her. Lady Mary died in England (Aug 21, 1762) aged seventy-three, soon after her return, and was interred within Lichfield Cathedral. Her two children were Edward Wortley-Montagu (1713 – 1776) and Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu (1718 – 1794) who married John Stuart (1713 – 1792), third Earl of Bute and left many children. Lady Mary’s gift for satiric verse was well shown in her Town Eclogues (1716) but it was as a letter writer that she excelled. Her letters, written during her travels in Europe, Asia and Africa, were first published in 1777. Her granddaughter Lady Louisa Stuart wrote the introductory anecdotes prefixed to Lord Wharncliffe’s edition of the Letters and Works of Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu. Lady Mary was also remembered for her flamboyant personality and daring manner, and also for the introduction to England of smallpox inoculation which process she had observed during her residence in Turkey.

Wotherspoon, Marion Foster – (1863 – 1944)
American author
Marion Wotherspoon was born Aug 31, 1863) in Northampton, Massachusetts, and did not publish her first work Every Day Essays until the age of forty (1904). Her other works included her Study of Child Life (1907) and the novels The House on the North Shore (1909) and Old Fashioned Fairy Tales (1909), amongst other works, followed thirty years later by A Search for a Happy Country (1940). Marion Foster Wotherspoon died aged eighty (May 15, 1944).

Woxholt, Margrethe    see   Gynt, Greta

Wray, Fay – (1907 – 2004)
American actress
Fay Wray was born (Sept 15, 1907) near Cardston, in Alberta, Canada, and was raised in Los Angeles, California. She made her film debut in the silent film Blind Husbands (1919) as a child actress, but achieved attention for her appearance in the lead role in The Wedding March (1928). Despite many film roles over the years Fay Wray was specifically remembered as the screaming blonde heroine of the classic King Kong film (1933). Miss Wray kept up her stage career and appeared in plays such as Nikki (1931) and Golden Wings (1941) but retired from movies in 1942. She returned sporadically for minor roles, and made her last film appearance in Dragstrip Riot (1958). Wray appeared on television in Gideon’s Trumpet (1980) and later published her autobiography On the Other Hand (1989). Shortly before her death she was interviewed and consulted by director Peter Jackson, who was remaking the King Kong feature (2003), with Australian actress Naomi Watts in the role Wray made world famous. Fay Wray died (Aug, 2004) aged ninety-six.

Wren, Bridget    see   Musa, Jennifer

Wright, Claudia – (1934 – 2005)
Australian journalist and broadcaster
Born Claudia Little at Bendigo in Victoria, she married firstly to Geoffrey Wright, and secondly to, John Helmer, a Russian scholar, the nephew of Sir Zelman Cowen, Governor-general of Australia. Originally employed with The Bendigo Advertiser, where she met her first husband, after her second marriage she joined the staff of the Melbourne Herald, where she achieved a considerable reputation for herself throughout the turbulent 1960’s and 1970’s, notably with her satirization of prominent Toorak society, and her unusual interviews with the mud-men of New Guinea and the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Having suffered from breast cancer herself, Wright wrote and spoke on radio concerning this disease, as public discussion of the subject was then almost unheard of. In the mid 1980’s Wright was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and she allowed herself to be used as a subject for Alzheimer’s drug research. She established the Claudia Wright Appeal for Alzheimer’s disease which raised almost one million dollars. Claudia Wright died at Kew in Melbourne, aged seventy (Jan 29, 2005).

Wright, Frances – (1795 – 1852) 
Scottish-American socialist and radical
Fanny Wright was born (Sept 6, 1795) in Dundee, Scotland, into a wealthy family and later came to reside in the United States (1818). Her marriage (1831) with the Frenchman William Darusmont proved uncongenial and eventually ended in divorce (1850), after much mutual bitterness and legal unpleasantness. The couple had on only daughter. Having written the play Altorf, which was produced for the stage (1819), Wright established a career for herself as a social reformer. She wrote Views of Society and Manners in America (1821). Wright was appointed co-editor of the New Harmony Gazette (1828), and published two separate series of her Course of Popular Lectures, in 1829 and 1836. Frances Wright published the historical novel A Few Days in Athens (1822), and together with the reformer Marie Joseph de Lafayette, she assisted with the establishment of a community for freed slaves named Nashoba, in Tennessee (1825). She campaigned for the emancipation of women, advocated birth control, and despised organized religion, and the power it wielded in society. Frances Wright died (Dec 13, 1852) aged fifty-seven, and was later inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1994).

Wright, Helena Rosa – (1888 – 1982)
British physician, birth control campaigner and author
Helena Wright was born at Brixton in London, the daughter of a Polish immigrant. She attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College and trained as a gynaecologist at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School for Women and was employed at Bethnal Green Hospital during WW I. She was married to the surgeon Henry Wright. Helena Wright travelled to China where she lectured in gynaecology at the Shantung Christian University (1922 – 1927). She went to Berlin to study new techniques in birth-control and then worked at a free clinic in Kensington. She was the founder of the NBCC (National Birth Control Council) (1930) which later evolved into the FPA (Family Planning Association), and was a strong supporter of the IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation). Her published works included The Sex Factor in Marriage (1930), which became a best-seller, and Sex and Society (1968). Helena Wright died aged ninety-four.

Wright, Henrietta Christian – (c1847 – 1899)
American didactic author
Henrietta Wright produced several works for the enjoyment and education of young children such as Children’s Stories in English Literature (1889) and Children’s Stories in American Literature (1899). Several of her works were published posthumously such as Children’s Stories of American Progress (1906) and Children’s Stories of the Great Scientists (1906).

Wright, Judith Arundell – (1915 – 2000)
Australian poet
Judith Wright was born on a cattle station near Armidale in New South Wales, the daughter of a wealthy grazier, who had been chancellor of the University of New England, and was raised on the family sheep farm. Judith travelled extensively in Britain and Europe, and with her return to Australia, she concentrated her efforts on writing. Judith Wright became celebrated as one of the foremost poets and writers in Australian history. Wright was one of only two Australian poets said to have been considered for a Nobel Prize for Literature, and all her life campaigned on behalf of the Aborigines and conservation, her book Cry for the Dead (1981) being an account of the influence of European culture and tradition upon indigenous peoples in Australia. Her main collections of poetry included Woman to Man (1949), The Two Fires (1955), Birds (1962), Alive (1973), The Double Tree: Selected Poems: 1942 – 1976 (1978) and Born of Conquerors (1991), a collection of essays concerning Aboriginal culture. Judith Wright was awarded the Queen’s Medal for Poetry (1993).

Wright, Julia McNair – (1840 – 1903)
American author
Julia Wright was born (May 1, 1840) in Oswego, New York. Wright produced several unusual works, written in a highly unconventional style such as The Best Fellow in the World (1871), Saints and Sinners (1873), Bricks from Babel (1876) and A Wife Hard Won (1882), amongst others. Julia McNair Wright died aged seventy-three (Sept 2, 1903).

Wright, Louise Leonard – (1894 – 1992)
American feminist and activist
Louise Leonard was born in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended the University of Minnesota. After her marriage Mrs Wright became a member of the national board of the National League of Women Voters and during WW II Mrs Wright became the head of the government and foreign affairs department of that organization. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, the National Council of Jewish Women and the National Women’s Trade Union League, and served as the executive director of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. Louise Wright died (April 17, 1992) aged ninety-five, in Pennsylvania.

Wright, Mabel Osgood – (1859 – 1934)
American novelist and author
Mabel Wright was born (Jan 26, 1859) in New York. She used the pseudonym ‘Barbara,’ and produced many published works for juveniles and adults such as The Friendship of Nature (1894), Tommy-Anne and the Three Hearts (1896), The Dream Fox Story Book (1900), Dogtown (1902), At the Sign of the Fox (1905) and The Garden, You, and I (1906). Later works included My New York (1926) and Eudora’s Men (1931). Mabel Osgood Wright died aged seventy-five (July 21, 1934).

Wright, Marie Robinson – (1866 – 1914)
American traveller and author
Marie Wright was born in Newnan, Georgia. Wright travelled extensively throughout Mexico and South America, and produced several books on the subject including Picturesque Mexico (1897), The New Brazil (1901) and The Republic of Chile (1904). Marie Robinson Wright died aged forty-seven (Feb 1, 1914).

Wright, Mary Tappan – (1851 – 1917)
American author
Mary Tappan was born (Dec, 1851) in Steubenville, Ohio, the daughter of Eli Todd Tappan, founder of the Ohio Press, in Columbus, and president of Kenyon College. She married scholar and editor, John Henry Wright (1852 – 1908). Wright produced several works including A Truce, and Other Stories (1895), The Test (1900), Aliens (1902), The Tower (1906) and Charioteers (1912). Mary Tappan Wright died aged sixty-five.

Wright, Mehetabel Wesley – (1697 – 1750)
British Methodist poet
Mehetabel Wesley was born at Epworth, the daughter of Samuel Wesley, Rector of Epworth and Wroot in Lincolnshire and his wife Susanna Annesley. She was sister to John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist movement. Known as ‘Hetty’ within the family she received a scholarly education and could read Greek as a child. Though intelligent and attractive her attempts to marry did not prove fruitful and she returned to her father’s house pregnant (1725) after which she was married to William Wright of Louth, a tradesman. The child of her lover was born the following year but died in infancy eight months afterwards. Mehetabel had originally been disgraced by her family, but a reconciliation of sorts had been effected by 1729. All the children borne of her marriage died in infancy and the union remained unhappy. She converted to Methodism in 1743 and published several poems, two of which ‘Wedlock. A Satire’ and ‘A Full Answer’ were published during her lifetime. John Duncombe was her friend and neighbour in London and mentioned her in his work The Feminiad (1754). Mehetabel Wright died (March 21, 1750).

Wright, Patience Lovell – (1725 – 1786)
American sculptor
The first woman to be considerd a professional artist in this field in the USA, she was born in Bordentown, New Jersey, the daughter of a strict Quaker farmer. She later ran away from home and travelled to Philadelphia in Pennsylvania (1745). There she was married (1748) to Joseph Wright and had four children. With the death of her husband (1769) Patience Wright painted portrait busts to earn a living, and quickly became very successful. She later travelled to England (1772) and settled in the West End of London, where she established a reputation for herself as ‘The Promethean Modeller.’ With the beginnings of the revolutionary rumbles in France, Wright went to Paris where she modelled a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Patience Wright died in England.

Wright, Teresa – (1918 – 2005)
American stage and film actress
Teresa Wright was awarded Oscar nominations for her first three films The Little Foxes (1941) with Bette Davis, Mrs Miniver (1942) where she played Carol Belden, and Pride of the Yankees (1942). She was nominated for best actress for Pride of the Yankees, and won the best supporting actress opposite Greer Garson in Mrs Miniver. These early successes gave Wright considerable clout when dealing with the studio bosses such as Samuel Goldwyn who was forced to sign a contract that had many negative stipulations. Teresa Wright appeared in The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) but Goldwyn finally fired her after her appearance in the film Enchantment (1948) when she pleaded illness to refuse a tour to promote the film. Though she bravely challenged the powerful studio system, Wright was known for playing nice, wholesome girls. She later appeared in The Restless Years (1958) as the mother of teenage Sandra Dee, but most of her later work was with the theatre.

Wrinch, Dorothy – (1894 – 1970)
American theoretical biologist
Dorothy Wrinch was born to British parents in Rosario, Argentina, South America. She studied mathematics at Girton College, Cambridge, and then lectured on that subject at the University College in London (1918).  Dorothy was married (1922 – 1937) to the physicist John Nicholson, but the union was later dissolved. Wrinch obtained her doctorate of science from the University of Oxford (1929), becoming the first woman to do so. Wrinch joined the Theoretical Biology Club at Cambridge University and devoted herself to extensive research in the field of molecular biology. Dorothy Wrinch later went to the USA, where she remarried to the biologist and academic, Professor Otto Glaser.

Wriothesley, Lady Jane   see   Southampton, Jane Cheney, Countess of

Wroth, Mary Sidney, Lady – (c1586 – c1653)
English author and Stuart courtier
Lady Mary Sidney was the eldest daughter of Sir Robert Sidney, first Earl of Leicester, and his wife Barbara Gamage, and was the niece of the poet, Sir Philip Sidney. She was raised at the family estate of Penshurst but accompanied her father to Holland when he was appointed as governor of the city of Flushing. She was married (1604) to Sir Robert Wroth, of Loughton Hall, Essex. Their only son died an infant. Lady Wroth was a prominent figure at the Stuart court of James I and his Danish queen, Anne, and acted in Ben Jonson’s famous Masque of Blackness. He dedicated to her his work The Alchemist (1610). Her husband’s death (1614) left Mary with little financial support, but she was eventually protected from her creditors by order of the king (1623). Her only published work was The Countesse of Montgomerie’s Urania (1621).

Wu, Chien-Shiung – (1912 – 1997) 
Chinese-American experimental physicist
Chien-Shiung Wu was born (May 29, 1912) near Shanghai. She studied at the National Central University in Nanjing, China, and later travelled to the USA (1936), where she continued her studies at the University of California at Berkeley. She taught at Smith College and then at Princeton University. During WW II she was part of the government’s Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb.
Chien-Shiung Wu later joined the staff of the Columbia University in New York (1946), and was later appointed as a professor there (1957). Her research proved the principle of parity conservation in weak decays. Professor Chien-Shiung Wu was the first woman to be elected president of the American Physical Society (1975) and elected a fellow of the Royal Society in Edinburgh, Scotland. Professor Wu died (Feb 16, 1997) in Manhattan, New York, aged eighty-four.

Wu Chao     see     Wu Zetian

Wuiet, Caroline – (1766 – 1835)
French author, composer and pianist
Caroline was the daughter of the organist Rambouillet. She married the Baron Auffdiener.

Wulfgyth – (c990 – c1046) 
Anglo-Saxon landowner
Wulfgyth was the widow of the nobleman Elfwine, and had five children, sons Elfketel and Ketel, and three daughters, Goda, Bota and Ealdgyth. Wulfgyth’s will survives, and interesting and detailed document taken down in 1046, probably just prior to Wulfgyth’s death. She owned an estate at Stisted which was to be for her sons for their lifetime, after which it was to be granted to the monks of Christchurch, for the souls of herself, her late husband and all of their children. Wulfgyth owned estates at Walsingham, Carleton, Harling, Saxlingahm and Somerleyton, Chadacre and Ashford, which were all divided between her children. She made gifts to several churches, including those of Somerleyton, Christchurch, and the convents of St Etheldreda and St Osyth. Land she owned at Fritton was granted by Wulfgyth to Godwin, earl of Wessex and his son Harold (II), and her will was witnessed by King Edward the Confessor.

Wulfhild of Norway    see   Ulfhilda of Norway

Wulfthryth – (c943 – c988)
Queen consort of England (c960 – 961)
Wulfthryth (Wulfrida) was probably the daughter of Athelstan ‘Half-King,’ Earl of East Anglia and his wife Elfwen, sister to Eadnoth, Bishop of Dorchester. She was educated at Wilton abbey in Wiltshire with her cousin Wulfhilde (later the famous abbess of Barking). Wulfthryth became the first wife (c960) of Edgar I the Peaceful (943 – 975), King of England (959 – 975). King Edgar had obtained Wulfthryth as his wife after failing in his attempt to marry her cousin Wulfhilde, who was determined upon becoming a nun. The marriage proved short-lived and Edgar divorced Wulfryth after she bore him a daughter, the future St Edith (961 – 984). Mother and daughter retired from the court to Wilton abbey, where they became nuns. Edgar later offered to make Edith abbess, but she refused to assume a higher rank than her mother. After Edith’s death, Wulfthryth was appointed as abbess and died in office soon after 987.

Wulfthryth of Hampshire – (c837 – c880)
Anglo-Saxon queen consort (866 – 871)
Wulfthryth (Wulfrida) was most probably the daughter of Wullaf I (died c865), the royal governor of Hampshire. She became the wife (c853) of Prince Aethelred of Wessex (c835 – 871), one of the younger sons of King Aethelwulf. She became queen in 866 when her husband succeeded as King Aethelred I on the death of his childless brother Aethelberht. Her existence is known from only one surviving charter in which she appears as regina and is the only female witness listed. Aethelred was killed in battle against the Vikings at Merton and Wulfthryth became queen dowager of Wessex. Due to the youth of her sons the throne was given to her brother-in-law Alfred the Great. The queen left several children,

• Prince Oswald of Wessex (c858 – c875). He was mentioned in several charters but died unmarried.
• Prince Aethelhelm of Wessex (c859 – 897). He held the estates of Crompton, Crondoll and Alingbourn from his uncle King Alfred and was granted the earldom of Wiltshire. The marriage of his daughter Aelfflaed to Alfred’s son Edward the Elder (899 – 924) reunited the branches of the royal family and produced many descendants.
• Aethelwald of Wessex (c861 – 903). He became King of York but was killed at the battle of Holme after rebelling against his cousin Edward the Elder.
• Aelfgiva of Wessex (Elgiva). She may have married Harald II Parcus (c853 – 899), King of Sjaelland, the son of King Hardacanute I of Denmark.

Wulfwyn of Creslow – (fl. c1042 – 1066)
Anglo-Saxon noblewoman and landowner
Wulfwyn was a connection of Edith of Wessex, the wife of Edward the Confessor, and sister of Harold II Godwinsson (1066). She was probably the mother of the royal sheriff, Edward of Salisbury, who later held many of her estates and properties. She held lands at Chitterne in Dorset, and an estate at Grest Gaddesden, whilch she held from the Abbey of St Albans.

Wurdemann, Audrey Mary – (1911 – 1960)
American poet
Audrey Wurdemann was born (Jan 1, 1911) in Seattle, Washington, and attended the University of Washington. She married in New York to the noted author and novelist, Joseph Auslander (1896 – 1965). Wurdemann’s poetic works included The House of Silk (1927), Bright Ambush (1934) for which she won the 1935 Pulitzer Prize, Splendour in the Grace (1936), and Testament of Love: A Sonnet Sequence (1938). She co-wrote My Uncle Jan (1948) and Islanders (1951) which she co-wrote her husband. Audrey Wurdemann died (May 19, 1960) aged forty-nine.

Wurm, Adela     see    Verne, Adela

Wurm, Mathilde    see   Verne, Mathilde

Wurmbrand, Sabina – (1913 – 2000)
Jewish-Romanian evangelist
Born Sabina Oster in Chernovits (Cernauti) in the Romanian Ukraine, she attended the Sorbonne in Paris. She married Richard Wurmbrand (1936) and the couple converted to Protestant Christianity. During the years of the Nazi regime the couple hid several Jewish children in their home. Her husband disappeared in the prison camps (1948), but Sabina was eventually released (1954) after the death of Josef Stalin. Though she was denied permission to work because of her refusal to divorce her husband, the couple would eventually be reunited (1968). They went to live in America where they established the Jesus to the Communist World mission. They spear-headed the anti-communist campaign the Voice of the Martyrs, and with the death of Nicolai Ceausescu (1989) the couple were received in Romania as national heroes. She left memoirs The Pastor’s Wife (1970).

Wurster, Catherine Bauer    see    Bauer, Catherine Krouse

Wuthenau, Agnes Wilhelmina von – (1700 – 1725)
German noblewoman
Agnes von Wuthenau was born (Dec 4, 1700) the daughter of Christian Ludwig von Wuthenau. She became the mistress of Prince August of Anhalt-Kothen (1697 – 1755) who created Agnes Countess von Warmsdorf (1721) before marrying her (1722). The marriage was not recognized by the princely family of Anhalt and was regarded as morganatic, though her children were fully legitimate. Countess Agnes died (Jan 14, 1725) aged twenty-four. One daughter died in infancy whilst Princess Agnes of Anhalt-Kothen (1724 – 1766) remained unmarried.

Wu Zetian (Wu Zhao) – (625 – 705) 
Chinese ruler of the T’ang dynasty
Wu Zetian was the daughter of Wu Shihuo (577 – 635), a member of the patrician Shanti family, and a supporter of the T’ang Dynasty. Her mother, Lady Yang (579 – 670) was a member of the Sui Imperial family.Very beautiful she originally was brought to the Imperial court (639) to serve as concubine to the emperor Tai Zhong (T’ai Tsung) and and then to his successor Gao Zong (Kao Tsung), who became enamoured of her. After she bore a son she was granted the title of empress, and gained extensive influence over her husband. Ruthlessly ambitious, she is said to have ordered the deaths of all other concubines and savagely removed all opposition, including members of her own and the Imperial family. From this position she rose to become the only female sovereign in the history of China becoming Empress Dowager after Gao Zong’s death (683). Wu Zetian was said to have been responsible for the conquest of Korea (655 – 675). Subsequently she manipulated power by passing control of the empire between her sons Zhong Zong (Chung Tsung), whom she deposed after a month’s reign, and Rui Zong (Jui Tsung), although she eventually claimed the throne again (690). She changed the dynastic name to Zhao (Chao), but ensured the eventual restoration of the T’ang, when invasions of the Khitans and Turks in the north-east necessitated an appeal to the people’s loyalty.
Famous for her favourites, this eventually led to her downfall. Her first favourite, a former pedlar, was raised to the rank of commander-in-chief, but his extravagances were so reckless that she had him killed (696). He was succeeded by the Chang brothers, who acquired great notoriety. Their power over the aging empress finally led to a revolt on the part of her leading ministers. The elderly empress was forced to abdicate (704) shortly before her death. Though cruel and ambitious, and without fearing ruthlessness, Wu Zetian was possessed of great ability, and the consolidation of China and the dynasty of T’ang were credits due to her. Her long rule established peace and prosperity, and the replacement of aristocratic military control by a scholarly meritocratic bureaucracy.

Wyatt, Edith Franklin – (1873 – 1958)
American author
Edith Wyatt was born (Sept 14, 1873) in Tomah, Wisconsin, and wrote Every One His Own Way (1901), True Love (1903), Great Companions (1917) and The Satyr’s Children (1939), amongst others. She also produced a volume of verse entitled The Wind in the Corn, and Other Poems (1917). Edith Franklin Wyatt died aged eighty-five (Oct, 1958).

Wyatt, Elizabeth Brooke, Lady – (1503 – 1560)
English Tudor courtier and beauty
Elizabeth Brooke was the daughter of Thomas Brooke, eighth Baron Cobham and his wife Dorothy Heydon, the daughter of Sir Henry Heydon of Baconsthorpe and his wife Anne Boleyn, the daughter of Sir Geoffrey Boleyn, and was the younger sister of George Brooke (c1497 – 1558), the ninth Baron Cobham. Through her father she was a descendant of Edward I, King of England (1272 – 1307) and his first wife Eleanor of Castile, through their youngest daughter Princess Elizabeth Plantagenet and her second marriage with Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex. Elizabeth became the wife (1520) of Sir Thomas Wyatt the elder (1503 – 1542) of Allington Castle near Maidstone, Kent, the noted poet and diplomat later knighted by Henry VIII (1533) whereupon Elizabeth became Lady Wyatt (1533 – 1542). She was the mother of Sir Thomas Wyatt the younger (1521 – 1554) who later led the abortive rebellion against Queen Mary Tudor.
The marriage was unhappy and Lady Wyatt and her husband lived mostly apart from 1524, he being famous for his early love for the ill-fated Queen Anne Boleyn, whilst Elizabeth herself became involved in various adulterous affairs. Despite their separation which was well known Lady Wyatt continued to attend the court of King Henry VIII. When Sir Thomas was later implicated in treason (1541) Queen Catharine Howard interceded with the king on Wyatt’s behalf. He was forgiven on the condition that he and Lady Elizabeth become reconciled for the sake of appearances. Sir Thomas died soon afterwards (Oct 11, 1542) and was buried at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. Elizabeth survived him as the Dowager Lady Wyatt (1542 – 1560) and attended the court of Henry VIII until his death.
Still considered a beautiful woman Lady Elizabeth is said to have been admired by the king as a widow and she appears to have been considered as a possible queen consort, together with Anne Basset, prior to the king’s last marriage with Catharine Parr (1543). Elizabeth Wyatt later remarried to Sir Edward Warner. Her niece, another Elizabeth Brooke (1526 – 1564) became the wife of Sir William Parr, first Marquess of Northampton the brother-in-law of Henry VIII. One of her descendants was Sir Francis Wyatt of boxley (1588 – 1644) who twice served as the Governor of Virginia in America.

Wyatt, Margaret see Lee, Margaret Wyatt, Lady

Wycherley, Margaret – (1881 – 1956)
British character actress
Margaret Wycherley was born in London, and trained as a stage actress. For most of her successful and lengthy career, she worked in the theatre, and her first film role came in her mid-thirties in America in, The Fight (1915). Margaret appeared in the The Thirteenth Chair (1929) as Madame Rosalie La Grange, but is best remembered in the role of Gary Cooper’s mother in Sergeant York (1941). She also appeared in The Yearling (1946) and with Cornell Wilde and Linda Darnell in Forever Amber (1947) as the evil and murderous nurse, Mrs Spong. Her last film role was as Mrs Robards in The President’s Lady (1953) after which she retired. Margaret Wycherley died in New York.

Wydeville     see under    Woodville    or      Elizabeth Woodville

Wyeth, Henriette – (1907 – 1997)
American portrait painter and still-life artist
Henriette Wyeth was born (Oct 22, 1907), the daughter of the noted illustrator, Newell Conyers Wyeth (1882 – 1945) and was the elder sister to artist Andrew Wyeth (born 1917). Henriette became the wife of famous artist, Peter Hurd (1904 – 1984) and was mother of painter Michael Hurd. Her works included the oil portrait of American First Lady Pat Nixon (1978), preserved in the White House Collection, and examples of her work are preserved at The Roswell Museum and Art Center in New Mexico. Henriette Wyeth died (April 3, 1997) aged eighty-nine.

Wykeham, Sophia Elizabeth – (1790 – 1870)
British heiress and peeress
Sophia Wykeham was born (March 10, 1790) at Shalcliffe Park, Oxon, the daughter and heiress of William Richard Wykeham (1769 – 1800) of Thame Park, London, and his first wife Elizabeth Marsh. She succeeded to her father’s considerable estates at the early age of ten (1810). She was later courted by Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence in 1818 but this came to nothing when the Prince Regent refused his consent on behalf of George III. When he later became king as William IV he granted Miss Wykeham a peerage and she became Baroness Wenman of Thame Park (1834 – 1870). Charles Greville noted ‘The maddest thing of all appeared in the Gazette of Tuesday – the peerage confirmed on. She is a disreputable half-mad woman! He perhaps thought it fair to give her compensation for not being Queen, for he wanted to marry her, and would have done son if the king would have consented.' Actually her father would have succeeded as the fifth viscount Wenman but hed predeceased the fourth viscount by three months and thus did not become a peer. Lady Sophia Wenman remained unmarried and and at her death (Aug 9, 1870) aged eighty, at Thame Park, and was interred in the chapel there, her peerage became extinct.

Wylesdone, Alice – (d. c1305)
English mediaeval widow
Alice Wylesdone was a London widow in comfortable circumstances. In her will her left several notable and generaous bequests including a city tenement which she willed to her servant Cristina and an amount which she left for repairs to be carried out on London Bridge.

Wylie, Elinor Hoyt – (1885 – 1928)
American poet and novelist
Elinor Hoyt was born (Sept 7, 1885) in Somerville, New Jersey. Her marriage proved unhappy and Elinor ran away with Horace Wylie to England, the couple finally marrying after the death of her husband. This union also ended in divorce, and Elinor married thirdly (1923) the poet and editor William Rose Benet. Mrs Wylie produced the volume of poems Incidental Numbers (1912) which was published anonymously, but was awarded the Julia Ellsworth Ford Prize for her second volume of collected verse entitled Nets to Catch the Wind (1921). Elinor produced two further volumes of poetry including Black Armour (1923), and several novels such as Jennifer Lorn (1923), The Venetian Glass Nephew (1925), The Orphan Angel (1926), Trivial Breath (1928) and Mr Hodge and Mr Hazard (1928). Three highly popular volumes of her verse were published posthumously including Angels and Earthly Creatures (1929) and, Collected Poems (1932). Eleanor Hoyt Wylie died aged forty-three (Dec 16, 1928).

Wyman, Jane – (1914 – 2007)
American film actress
Born Sarah Jane Mayfield (Jan 4, 1914) at Saint Joseph, Missouri, she was sometimes known as Sarah Jane Fulks because she had been informally adopted by that family. Jane made her film debut as a chorus girl extra in the musical King of Burlesque (1935), and then appeared in Gold Diggers of 1937 (1936). Whilst married to her first husband, Myron Futterman, she co-starred with fellow actor (and future President of the USA 1980 – 1988), Ronald Reagan (1911 – 2004) in the minor film Brother Rat (1938). Already established as a star, Wyman and Reagan teamed up to work together again in Brother Rat and the Baby (1940), after which Wyman divorced her husband and married Reagan. The couple had two daughters, of whom only Maureen Reagan survived, and adopted a son. They eventually divorced (1948).
Nominated for an Oscar for her performance in The Yearling (1946), Wyman was best remembered for her role as the deaf mute girl who gets raped in the movie Johnny Belinda (1948) for which performance she was awarded an Oscar. She also received Oscar nominations for her performances in The Blue Veil and the blind woman in Magnificent Obsession by Douglas Sirk. Other film credits included appearances in such famous films as All That Heaven Allows, The Lost Weekend with Ray Milland and Miracle in the Rain. Wyman remarried thirdly (1952) to the bandleader Frederick Karger, whom she later divorced and remarried, only to divorce him a second and final time (1965). During the 1950’s Wyman moved into television and appeared in the anthology series Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre, for which work she was nominated for an Emmy Award. Thirty years later she figured prominently in the popular television series (CBS) Falcon Crest (1981 – 1990), as the formidable Californian matriarch Angela Channing. For this role she was awarded a Golden Globe for the best peformance by an actress in a television drama series. Jane Wyman died in Rancho Mirage, California, aged ninety-three.

Wyman, Lillie Buffum Chace – (1847 – 1929)
American author and poet
Lillie Buffum Chace was born (Dec 10, 1847) in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, and became the wife of John C. Wyman. Her first work American Chivalry (1913) was not published until she was sixty-six. This work was followed ten years later by the novel Gertrude of Denmark (1924), and the collection of poems Syringa at the Gate (1926). Lillie Chace Wyman died aged eighty-one (Jan 10, 1929).

Wymarca – (fl. c1220 – 1239)
English nun
Sometime before 1233 Wymarca was appointed as prioress of the Abbey of Lacock in Wiltshire which had been founded by Countess Ela of Salisbury. She had been personally appointed by the countess as the first head of her convent. She appears to be identical with the widow of Oliver de Chambernon of Ilfracombe, Birch and Southcott in Devon, who had died before 1232 in which year Wymarca had been involved in a legal suit regarding an estate at Gillescot in Devon. She was the mother of Sir Henry de Chambernon (c1225 – after 1281) of Ilfracombe.

Wymbish, Elizabeth    see   Tailboys, Elizabeth

Wymplere, Alice la – (c1245 – 1309)
English mediaeval tradeswoman
Alice was the wife of a London merchant Henry ‘le Wimpler’ (wimple-maker). After the death of her husband Alice took over the continued running of the family business, in which she herself was trained, hence the nickname ‘la Wymplere.’ Surviving records reveal that Alice was in some debt for basics necessary for her trade (1281 – 1282). Her will survives in which she left her daughter Avice as her heir.

Wyndham, Eleanor Washbourne, Lady – (c1453 – c1512)
English nun and literary figure
Eleanor Washbourne was the daughter of Norman Washbourne. Eleanor married firstly to Sir Richard Scrope, of Yorkshire, to whom she bore six daughters, and then secondly (c1491) to Sir John Wyndham (c1448 – 1502) of Felbrigg, Norfolk, as his second wife. Her second husband, to whom she had borne a daughter, Frances Wyndham, was an ally of the de la Pole family, and was executed for treason against Henry VII on Tower Hill (1502). Lady Wyndham then retired to the abbey of Carrow near Norwich, taking several of her daughters with her. One of these daughters, Jane Scrope, who became a nun at Carrow, had a pet sparrow which was killed and eaten by the convent cat. The poet John Skelton, a friend of Lady Wyndham, then wrote his famous poem The Book of Philip Sparrow, to commemorate the death of this family pet. Her other daughters were,

• Elizabeth le Scrope (c1470 – 1537). She was married firstly to Sir Richard Scrope, a younger son of Henry, fourth Baron Scrope of Bolton, secondly to William, second Viscount Beaumont (1438 – 1507) as his second wife. Her last husband was John de Vere (1442 – 1513), thirteenth Earl of Oxford.
• Eleanor le Scrope (c1473 – c1506). She became the first wife of her stepbrother, Sir Thomas Wyndham (c1475 – 1522), of Felbrigg, Norfolk, and left issue.
• Margaret le Scrope (c1476 – 1515). She became the wife of Edmund de la Pole (1471 – 1513), third Duke of Suffolk, and left issue.

Wyndham, Margaret Blanche – (1879 – 1965)
British courtier
Hon. (Honourable) Margaret Wyndham was born (Oct 9, 1879), the youngest daughter of Henry Wyndham, second Baron Leconfield, and his wife Lady Constance Evelyn Primrose, the sister of Archibald Philip Primrose, fifth Earl of Rosebery. Miss Wyndham was never married, and in 1938 she was appointed as Woman of the Bedchamber to the queen mother, Queen Mary, the widow of George V. Twelve years later (1951) Wyndham took on the less strenuous post of Extra Woman of the Bedchamber, which position she retained until the queen’s death (1953), after which she retired from royal service. Margaret Wyndham died (Fen 26, 1965) aged eighty-five.

Wyndham, Mary Moore, Lady       see     Moore, Mary

Wynette, Tammy – (1942 – 1998) 
American country vocalist
Born Tammy Pugh near Tupelo, in Mississippi, she received her education in Alabama. She began recording her own songs in 1966, but her career only began to ascend after her second marriage (1969 – 1975) to country singer George Jones, when produced such timeless classics as D-I-V-O-R-C-E (1970) and Stand By Your Man (1968). Famous for her unashamedly emotional style, Tammy Wynette published her autobiography entitled Stand By Your Man (1979).

Wynne, Giustiniana Francesca Antonia – (1737 – 1791)
Anglo-Italian society figure, writer and letter writer
Giustiniana Wynne was baptised (Jan 26, 1737) at the church of St Marcola, Venice, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Richard Wynne, and English baronet, and his Greek mistress Anna Gazzini, whom he later married. Giustiniana became involved in a scandalous affair (1754) with the Venetian patrician Andrea Memmo (1728 – 1793), and their correspondence survives. She is mentioned in the memoirs of Giacomo Casanova as ‘Madamoiselle XCV.’ Giustiniana later made a suitable marriage with the elderly count Philip Orsini-Rosenberg (1761), though her somewhat dubious birth caused something of a problem at the strict Austrian court. After her husband’s death (1764) she published several works such as Du sejour des comtes du Nord a Venise (1782), an account of the visit of the Russian Grand Duke Paul and his wife Marie Pavlovna (Sophia Dorothea of Wurttemburg) to Venice. With Conte Bartolomeo Benincasa she co-wrote Les Morlacques (1788). Her work Pieces morales et sentimentales (1785) was published in London. Giustiniana became ill, probably with cancer of the uterus, and eventually retired to Padua. Giustiniana Wynne died in her palazzo (Aug 22, 1791) in Padua, aged fifty-four, with Andrea Memmo at her bedside.

Wynyard, Diana – (1906 – 1964) 
British stage and film actress
Born Dorothy Isabel Cox (Jan 16, 1906) in London, she attended school in Croydon and made her first stage appearance in, The Grand Duchess (1925). She spent a year with a touring repertory company before achieving real fame with her role in Sorry You’ve Been Troubled (1929) and William Congreve’s The Old Bachelor in London. Dorothy Cox portrayed the famous novelist Charlotte Bronte in Clemence Dane’s play Wild Decembers (1933) and after this officially adopted the stage name of ‘Diana Wynyard’ (1936). Wynyard appeared in such stage productions as Candida (1937), Pygmalion (1937) and Watch on the Rhine (1942 – 1943). Wynyard toured Australia, the USA and Russia in pursuit of her stage career, and enjoyed enormous success. Diana Wynyard toured in the USA, where she appeared in films such as Cavalcade (1933). Her British film credits included Gaslight (1940), and she was appointed CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II (1953) in recognition of her valuable contribution to the arts. Her first husband was the noted actor Carol Reed. Diana Wynyard died (May 13, 1964) aged fifty-eight.

Wyon, Olive – (1881 – 1966)
British theological translator
Wyon was born at Hampstead in London, and was trained for a life of service abroad at the Missionary College of St Colm in Edinburgh, Scotland. She served with the London Missionary Society and worked with the World Council of Churches. Olive Wyon later served as principal at her old alma mater St Colm’s (1951 – 1953). Miss Wyon translated several devotional works into English such as The Meditator (1934) and The Divine Imperative (1937), both written by the Swiss theologian Emil Brunner. Her own works included The School of Prayer (1943) and The Altar of Fire (1954), all spiritual in nature, and stressing the value of prayer in all forms in daily life.