Latest news of births, marriages and deaths in the Peerage,Baronetage and landed gentry families.
Petter Belsvik, husband of the Lib Dem life peer, Lord Paddick, has died suddenly at their home in Oslo.
Belsvik married in Oslo, 9 January, 2009, Brian Leonard Paddick (born 24 Apr, 1958), the Liberal Democrat candidate for the London mayoral elections in 2008 and 2012, and senior London policeman.
Brian Paddick was raised to the peerage for life, in 2013, taking the title Baron Paddick, of Brixton in the London Borough of Lambeth.
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The engagement was announced 28 February, 2023, between Ian Robert Finlayson (born 1990), son of Robert George Finlayson (born 27 Nov, 1956), of Hannington, Hampshire, and his wife the former Caroline Elliott, & Kara Kameko, daughter of William and Inez McMahon, of New York, New York.
Ian Finlayson descends from the Milburn baronets (or perhaps I should say from a brother of the 1st Bt).
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The engagement was announced 28 February, 2023, between Huw Charles Randall-Smith (born 1990), son of Mr Nicholas Randall-Smith, of Llandyssil, Powys, and his wife the former Jane Cockburn, and Catherine Elizabeth Dillon (born 1989), scion of the Viscounts Dillon, middle daughter of the Hon Michael Edmond Dillon (born 29 Oct, 1957), of Semley, Dorset, and his wife the former Henrietta Catherine Elwell.
The bride-to-be is a granddaughter paternally of the 20th Viscount Dillon (1911-1979).
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Lord Pendry, PC, life Baron, Labour member of the House of Lords, died 26 February, 2023, aged 88.
As Thomas Pendry he was Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde 1970-2001.
On leaving the Commons in 2001, he was raised to the peerage for life as Baron Pendry, of Stalybridge in the County of Greater Manchester.
He was president of the Football Foundation Ltd and was formerly sports advisor to Tameside District Council Sports Trust.
He was sworn of the Privy Council in 2000.
Tom Pendy married in 1966, Moira Anne Smith, by whom he had a son and a daughter.
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The engagement was announced 25 February, 2023, between Juston Frederick Keene (born 1989), second son of the late Richard Miles Keene, of Mill Court, Hampshire, and his wife the former Rachel Amanda Ogilvie Thompson (born 12 Oct, 1960), descended from the Viscounts Hampden, & Hannah Shiera Scott (born 1991), daughter of Roderick Arthur (Rory) Scott (born 16 Feb, 1958), of Wisborough Green, West Sussex, descended from the Barons Colgrain, and his wife the former Petrina Jane Trehearne (born 1959), a granddaughter of the life peer the Baron Harvington (1907-1997).
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Lady Lowson, who died 17 February, 2023, was the wife of Sir Ian Lowson, 2nd Baronet.
She was the former Tanya Theresa Judge, daughter of Raymond Judge and his wife the former Rosa Joanna Micaleef, and married 1stly, Robin Bernard Houssemayne Du Boulay, scion of that landed gentry family, son of Lieutenant-Col Michael Hardinge Houssemayne Du Boulay, and his wife the former Eleanor Jean Drysdale Henderson; she married 2nd, in 1979, as his second wife, Sir Ian Patrick Lowson, 2nd Baronet (born 4 September, 1944), son of Sir Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson, 1st Baronet (1906-1975), Lord Mayor of London, 1950-51, and his wife the former Hon Ann Patricia Macpherson (1919-2003), daughter of the 1st Baron Strathcarron (1880-1937).
From her first marriage she leaves a son, James Houssemayne du Boulay (born 5 Sept, 1972), and from her second marriage, a son, Henry William Lowson (born 10 Nov, 1980), and a daughter, Katherine Louisa Patricia Lowson (born 16 July, 1983).
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Elizabeth Anne Clowes (nee Walker-Okeover), who died 11 February, 2023, aged 82, was a scion of the Walker-Okeover baronets.
She was born 4 July, 1940, the eldest child of Colonel Sir Ian Peter Andrew Munro Walker-Okeover, 3rd Baronet (1902-1982), and his wife the former Dorothy Elizabeth Heber-Percy (1913-2005), scion of the Dukes of Northumberland; and married 20 December, 1969, Lieutenant-Commander Timothy William Clowes, RN (who died 9 September, 2017), also descended from the Dukes of Northumberland, son of William Josceline Clowes (1905-48) and his wife the former Emmadonna Helen Senior (1908-1994), by whom she had issue, two daughters, Catriona (born 1971), and Sophie (born 1974).
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Fleur Elizabeth Chambers (nee Gibbs, born 1990), wife of Nicholas Timothy G. Chambers [born 1989], gave birth to a son, Albert George, 23 January, 2023.
Nicholas is the elder son of Robert G. Chambers, of Reed, Hertfordshire, by his wife the former [Christine] Belinda Johnson.
Fleur Chambers is the (adopted?) daughter of Alan Francis Gibbs [born 1953], of Midgham Park, Berkshire, scion of the Barons Aldenham & Hunsdon, by his wife the former Francine Nicola Preston [born 1956].
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The 7th Earl of Rosslyn has been appointed Lord Steward and personal secretary to the King and Queen. The courtier, a former Metropolitan policeman, 64, now holds the highest office in the Royal Household.
The Court Circular reports that: The Earl of Dalhousie was received by The King this afternoon, delivered up his Wand of Office and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Steward.
The Earl of Rosslyn was received by The King, kissed hands upon his appointment as Lord Steward and received from His Majesty his Wand of Office.
On her accession in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II retained the Duke of Hamilton as Lord Steward, who had been appointed by her father in 1940.
The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household is an official of the Royal Household in England. He is always a peer of the realm. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government.Until 1782, the office was one of considerable political importance and carried Cabinet rank. The Lord Steward receives his appointment from the Sovereign in person and bears a white staff as the emblem and warrant of his authority. He is the first dignitary of the court. In the House of Lords Precedence Act 1539, an Act of Parliament for placing of the lords, he is described as the grand master or lord steward of the king's most honourable household.
Peter St Clair-Erskine, Earl of Rosslyn, Baron Loughborough, and a baronet, was born 31 March, 1958, and succeeded to the Earldom (cr Peerage of the UK, 1801) on his father's death, 22 Nov, 1977.
Lord Rosslyn was an officer in the Metropolitan Police 1981-94; with Thames Valley Police 1994-2003; elected to the House of Lords (Cross Bench) 1999; and was appointed Head of Royal Protection Squad in 2003, when he first met the future King.
Peter Rosslyn succeeds the 17th Earl of Dalhousie (born 17 Jan, 1948), Lord Seward since 2009.
Lord Rosslyn, as Lord Steward, represented the King and Queen at the memorial service for Dame Frances Campbell-Preston, DCVO, Lady in Waiting to the Queen Mother, which was held at the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, yesterday.
Lord Stewards in the late Queen's reign numbered seven:-
The Duke of Hamilton & Brandon 1952-64
The Duke of Westminster 1964-67
Viscount Cobham 1967-72
The Duke of Northumberland 1973-88
Viscount Ridley 1989-2001
The Duke of Abercorn 2001-2009
The Earl of Dalhousie 2009-2023
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The engagement was announced 22 February, 2023, between James I. Warren, son of Mr Ian Warren, of Billingford, Norfolk, and Ms Catherine May, of Bramford, Suffolk, and Katherine Anne (Katie) Underwood (born 8 Oct, 1984), daughter of Adrian Michael Campbell Underwood (born 1953), of Slad, Gloucestershire, and his wife the former Serena Henrietta Williams Barrington (born 3 Oct, 1956), scion of the Barrington baronets.
Sir Joseph Barrington, 1st Bt > Capt Richard Barrington > Richard Irving Williams Barrington > Maj Lawrence Barrington > Serena Barrington > Katie Underwood
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Ingrid Götilda Philipps (nee von Sydow), died 16 February, 2023.
The former Ingrid Götilda von Sydow married Griffith William Grismond Philipps (born 19 May, 1935), son of Lt-Col Sir Grismond Philipps, CVO (1898-1967), and his wife the former Lady Marjorie Joan Mary Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (1900-2001), a daughter of the 7th Earl Fitzwilliam (1872-1943), of Wentworth Woodhouse.
Ingrid Philipps leaves issue, a son, John George (b 1965), and four daughters, Marianne (b 1967), Charlotte (b 1969), Ebba Serena (Nina) (b 1971), and Eva Götilda Joan (b 1979).
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Lady Aird, CVO, who died 11 February, 2023, aged 88, was a Lady-in-Waiting to the late Princess Margaret, and was widow of courtier Sir Alastair Aird, GCVO, private secretary to the Queen Mother.
She was born Fiona Violet Myddelton, 24 September, 1934, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Ririd Myddelton, LVO, (1902-88), Coldstream Guards, and his wife Lady Mary Margaret Elizabeth Petty-Fitzmaurice (1910-2003), sister of the 8th Marquess of Lansdowne (1912-1999).
Fiona Myddelton was appointed an Extra Lady-in-Waiting to HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon in 1960, and served the princess in that capacity until HRH's death in 2002.
She married 22 July, 1963, Alastair Sturgis Aird (born 14 January, 1931), scion of the Aird baronets, son of Malcolm Henry Aird, OBE (1899-1965), and his wife the former Joan Meredith Sturgis (died 1986). Alastair Aird served as an Equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1960-64, and was Her Majesty's assistant private secretary from 1964 to 1973, Comptroller to the Queen Mother's Household 1974-2002; and Private Secretary to Her Majesty from 1993 until her demise, in March, 2002.
Alastair Aird was appointed LVO in 1969, advanced to CVO in 1977, KCVO in 1984, and GCVO in 1997.
Lady Aird was appointed LVO in 1980, and advanced to CVO in 2001.
She is survived by two daughters, Caroline (born 18 June, 1964), and Henrietta (born 9 June, 1966).
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Catherine Jane de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (nee Hartnett), wife of John de la Poer Beresford-Peirse (born 27 June, 1973), scion of the Beresford-Peirse baronets, gave birth to a son, Laurence John, 28 January, 2023.
Catherine is a daughter of Mr Denis Hartnett of Portsmouth and Ms Catherine Glennane of Gosport, and John is the second son of the late Sir Henry Grant de la Poer Beresford-Peirse, 6th Baronet (1933-2013), and his wife the former Jadranka Njers, and is a brother of Sir Henry, 7th Baronet (b 25 March, 1969).
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Sir Peter Graham Moon, 5th Baronet, died 6 February, 2023, aged 80.
The baronet was a rally driver and noted womaniser who made headlines in 1992 when his wife cut up his Savile Row suits and gave away his wine cellar.
Peter Wilfred Giles Graham Moon was born 24 October, 1942, son of Sir Arthur Wilfred Graham Moon, 4th Baronet (1905-1954), and his 2nd wife the former Doris Patricia (née Baron-Jobson) (who died 30 Nov, 1953), and succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's demise, 25 February, 1954.
The baronetcy was created in 1855 for Francis Graham Moon, a print seller who as Lord Mayor of London received the Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie of France. The second baronet, Edward, was a clergyman. The title passed in 1904 to Francis, who had served in the Second Boer War (1899-1902), and seven years later to his nephew, Wilfred.
Sir Peter's mother died in 1953 and his father died a year later, leaving the 12-year-old boy with a title and a £150,000 trust fund (£5 million in today’s money). His stepmother, Theodora, died in 1956 and thereafter he was shunted around various guardians, at least one of whom was an alcoholic. He was educated at Lancing College, leaving at 17 with one O-level to pursue rally driving while living on a private income of £2,000 a year.
Sir Peter married firstly, 21 Apr, 1967 (div 1992), Mrs Sarah Gillian Chater (nee Smith) (born 10 Nov, 1937), daughter of Michael Carson Lyndon Smith (1908-61), and his wife the former Mary Pauline Rowlatt (who died 1988). He married 2ndly, 1993 (div 1997) Terry Lynn Coetzee; and married 3rdly, in 1998, Noodaeng Samingram.
From his first marriage he had issue, two sons, Rupert and Thomas, and from his third marriage he had a daughter, Honey Bee. The elder son, Rupert Francis Wilfred Graham Moon (born 29 Apr, 1968), succeeds to the baronetcy.
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The engagement was announced 20 February, 2023, between Anders Bangsgaard , son of Ulla and Jesper Bangsgaard, of Hjørring, Denmark, and Jennie Selina McMorrough Frewen (born 17 November, 1992), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Robert Edward Jerome Frewen (born 10 May, 1957), of Park Hall, Healaugh, near Tadcaster, Yorkshire, by his wife the former Rolline Charlotte Williamson (born 31 Aug, 1956), scion of the Barons Forres.
Jennie Frewen is descended from the American financier Leonard Jerome (1817-91), from his daughter, Clarita (1851-1835), sister of Jennie Jerome (1854-1921), Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Sir Winston Churchill, &c.
Leonard Jerome > Clarita Jerome > Hugh Moreton Frewen > Roger Frewen > Robert Frewen > Jennie Frewen
The 1st Baron Forres > Capt the Hon Gerald Williamson > Alexander Fergus Forbes Williamson > Rolline Williamson > Jennie Frewen
The engagement was announced 18 February, 2023, between William H. Haxby, younger son of Mr and Mrs Adrian Haxby, of Putney, London, and Harriet Fiona Hedges (born 25 January, 1994), eldest daughter of James Killingworth Hedges (born 1958), of Shaftesbury, co Dorset, and his wife the former Emma Mary Pym (born 25 June, 1963), scion of that landed gentry family.
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The engagement was announced 18 February, 2023, between Jonathan Daniel (Jonny) Oosthuizen (born circa 1990), son of Daniel F. Oosthuizen (born 1959), of Petersfield, Hampshire, and his wife the former Janet Rea, and Imogen Louise Wade-Palmer (born 1996), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Stephen Aubrey Wade-Palmer (born 1956), and his wife the former Francesca L. Irwin.
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The 5th Baron Churston, who died 16 February, 2023, aged 88, was a peer whose family have played an important role at the Coronation of our Kings and Queens.
The monarch has been invested with golden spurs at the coronation since the end of the 12th century. The spurs are part of the regalia created for King Charles II for his coronation in 1661 after the previous set was melted down under Oliver Cromwell. It was hereditary in the family of Lord Churston for the peer to carry one of the spurs into Westminster Abbey.
John Francis Yarde-Buller was born 29 December, 1934, son of Richard, the 4th Baron (1910-1991), who bore one of the golden spurs at the Coronation, June 2, 1953, and his 1st wife the former Elizabeth Mary Du Pré (1910-1951), scion of that landed gentry family.
Lord Churtson's grandfather, the 3rd Baron, caused something of a sensation in aristocratic circles when in 1907 he married the gaiety girl and music hall actress and singer Jessie Smither (whose stage name was Denise Orme).
John Yarde-Buller, of Puddington, Tiverton, Devon, succeeded his father, 9 April, 1991, as 5th Baron Churston (Peerage of the UK, cr 1858), and as the 7th baronet (Cr GB, 1790).
He married 25 Oct, 1973, Alexandra Joanna Contomichalos, daughter of Anthony Contomichalos, of Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, by whom he had a son, Benjamin, and two daughters, the Hon Katherine Marina (born 23 Dec, 1975), and the Hon Francesca Elizabeth (born 17 Dec, 1980). The son, the Hon Benjamin Francis Anthony Yarde-Buller (born 13 September, 1974), now succeeds as 6th Baron Churston and 8th Baronet, and in him is vested the right to bear one of the golden spurs at the Coronation.
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Juliet Amy Lawrence (née Du Vivier, born 1979), wife of Michael Lawrence, and descended from the Aske baronets, gave birth to a daughter, Sylvia Mae, 9 February, 2023, a sister for Daphne Jacqueline Helen, who was born 5 March, 2021.
Michael is a son of Mr and Mrs Peter Lawrence, of Crowborough, East Sussex, and Juliet is a daughter of Hugh Michael Du Vivier (born 1945), of Fulham, and his late wife the former Jacqueline Sarah de Belleroche (who died 2019).
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Philippa Rosemary Kate Hamer [born 1990], wife of Capt Andrew Hamer, RAMC, gave birth to a daughter, Holly Rose (HRH), 10 February, 2023, a sister for Archie, who was born 17 May, 2020.
Capt Hamer is a son of the late Mr Kevin Hamer and Mrs Stella Hamer, of Rhos-y-Meirch, Powys, and Philippa [Pippa] Hamer is a daughter of Rory Peter Alastair Macdiarmid, of Babcary, Somerset, by his wife the former Hon Lucinda Mary Joan Darling [born 1958], daughter of the 2nd Baron Darling [1919-2003].
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The Baroness Swinfen, MBE, who died 9 February, 2023, was the widow of the 3rd Baron Swinfen.
She was the former Patricia Anne Blackmore, daughter of Frank Blackmore, of Dundrum, co Dublin, and married 24 October, 1962, the Hon Roger Mynors Swinfen Eady, who was born 14 December, 1938, son of the 2nd Baron [1904-1977], and his 1st wife the former Mary Aline Farmar [died 30 Dec, 2002]. Her husband succeeded to the peerage on the death of his father, 19 March, 1977, as 3rd Baron, and died 5 June, 2022. He was 83.
Lord Swinfen was one of the 42 hereditary peers elected to the House of Lords following the Blair reforms of 1999.
Lady Swinfen leaves issue, a son Charles, the 4th Baron, and three daughters, Georgina, Katherine and Arabella.
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(Robert Eben) Neil Pike, who died 10 February, 2023, aged 77, was a scion of that Irish landed family, born in 1945, second son of Lt-Colonel Godfrey Eben Pike, DSO, MBE, Grenadier Guards, and his wife the former Caroline Fox Hanbury (1921-1984), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 25 March, 1968, the Lady Romayne Aileen Brabazon (born 26 May, 1943), daughter of the 14th Earl of Meath (1910-1998), and his wife the former Elizabeth Mary Bowlby (1913-2009), scion of that landed gentry family, by whom he had issue, a daughter, Tamsin (born 1972), and a son, Harry (born 1974).
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Lieutenant-Commander Anthony Portal, RN, scion of the Portal baronets, died 8 February, 2023, aged 90.
He was born 19 June, 1932, second son of Admiral Sir Reginald Henry Portal, DSC, KCB (1894-1983), and his wife the former Helen Sophia Anderson (1902-1983), scion of that landed gentry family; and married 20 May, 1956, Chantal Marie-Francoise Dumast, daughter of Baron Gabriel Marie-François Guerrier de Dumast, of Château de Rozet, Saint-Vit, Doubs, France, by whom he had issue, three sons, Frederick (born 27 Sept 1958), William (born 10 Sept 1961), and Philip (born 16 Sept, 1963).
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Graham Morison Vere Nicoll died 12 February, 2023, aged 82.
He was born 9 November, 1940, the eldest son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Morison Vere Nicoll, DSO, OBE (1908-1999), and his wife the former Joan Madden (1912-2008), scion of the Madden baronets; and married 1stly 24 July, 1963 (div 1972), as her 1st husband, Lucinda Marjorie Gurney (born 1946), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Capt Timothy John Gurney (1921-2001), and his wife the former Bridget de Bathe (1922-2011), scion of the de Bathe baronets; married 2ndly, 1972 (div.) Jane Kidd (born 1943), daughter of Major Thomas Edward Dealtry (1910-1979), and his wife the former Hon Janet Gladys Aitken (1908-88), scion of the Barons Beaverbrook; and married 3rdly, 1980 (div 1992), Mrs Jacquelyn Alexander (nee Bray), former wife of Mr John Alexander; and married 4thly, 1994, Mrs Sally Davis, former wife of Mr John Davis, and daughter of John Anderton, OBE.
From his first marriage he leaves a son Simon (born 29 Apr, 1968), and from his third marriage he leaves a son, Harry (born 30 Sept, 1983), and from his fourth marriage he leaves two daughters, Poppy (born 1995), and Rose (born 1998).
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The engagement was announced 17 February, 2023, between Edward William (Eddie) Walter (born 1990), younger son of Mr John Walter (born 23 Feb, 1953), of Clapham, London, and his wife the former Davina Jane Rutland (born 1954), & Caroline Day, daughter of Mr & Mrs Andrew Day, of Pattingham, Wolverhampton.
Eddie Walter is descended from the Earls of Enniskillen:-
The 3rd Earl of Enniskillen > Hon Arthur Cole > Lowry Cole > Florence Margaret Cole > John Walter > Eddie Walter
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Peter Richard Wingate Pemberton, who has died aged 78, was a scion of that landed gentry family, was a younger son of Sir Francis Wingate William Pemberton, CBE (1916-2011), head of that family, and his 1st wife the former Diana Patricia Woods (1921-1999); and married 1991, as her second husband, Mrs Anthea Pascal, daughter of Merrick Stanley Coveney-Hyams (1913-1982) and his wife the former Diana Joan Caulfield-Stoker (1915-72).
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Richard James Keevil, died 7 February, 2023, aged 78; scion of that landed family, son of James Arthur Keevil (1897-1974), and his wife Kathleen Winifred Wright (1913-1997); and married in 1981, Caroline Elizabeth Rumbold (born 15 March, 1950), scion of the Rumbold baronets, daughter of Sir Horace Algernon Fraser Rumbold, KCMG (1906-1993), and his wife Margaret Adel Hughes (1916-2001); by whom he had issue, two daughters, Katharine Elizabeth Adele (born 1982), and Cordelia Jane (born 1988).
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Patrick Armour Playfair-Hannay of Kingsmuir died 31 January, 2023, aged 93; son of John Maxwell Playfair (1898-1983), and his wife Marjory Jean Armour-Hannay, MBE (1901-1983), who was head of that landed gentry family of Hannay of Kingsmuir.
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The engagement was announced 16 February, 2023, between Alexander Robert Giles Caldin (born circa 1984), son of (Peter) Giles Caldin, of Salford, Oxfordshire, and his wife the former Rachel M. Roberts, and Isobel Camilla Honoria Harrison-Allen (born 23 May, 1990), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Hugh David Rowland Harrison-Allen (born 1950), and his wife the former Amanda Jane Ommanney (born 26 Feb, 1953), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Major Peter Richard Ommanney (1911-1995), and his wife the former Joan Isobel Paterson (1920-2005).
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The engagement was announced 16 February, 2023, between Evangelos Fotopoulos, son of Mr and Mrs Michael Fotopoulos, of Johannesburg, South Africa, and Antonia Leonora D. Foyle (born 6 July, 1988), scion of that landed gentry family, and book sellers, younger daughter of Anthony George Eugene Foyle (born June, 1950), of Earlston, Berwickshire, and Mrs Foyle.
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Prudence Baillie-Hamilton (nee Wykeham-Musgrave), who died 12 February, 2023, aged 91, was a scion of that landed gentry family; born in July, 1931, daughter of Commander Wenman Humfrey Wykeham-Musgrave, RN (1899-1989), head of that landed family, by his wife the former Elizabeth Ada Swift (1910-1998); and married 3 April, 1954, James Angus Buchanan-Baillie-Hamilton (1927-2011), scion of the Earls of Haddington, son of John Edmonstone Buchanan-Baillie-Hamilton (1874-1957), and his wife the former Bridget Everitt Baker (1891-1971), by whom she had issue, two sons, Charles (born 27 Aug 1957), and Simon (b 13 Aug 1963), and two daughters, Jane (b 14 July, 1955), and Sally (b 3 June, 1961).
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Jonathan Hay Marland died 17 January, 2023.
He married in 1979, Penelope Margaret Fox (born 21 August, 1953), daughter of the Venerable Benjamin George Burton Fox, MC, TD (1914-1978), and his wife the Hon Margaret Joan Davidson (1922-2008), daughter of the 1st Viscount Davidson, GCVO, CH, CB, PC (1889-1970); by whom he had issue, two sons, Edward and David.
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The engagement was announced 14 February, 2023, between Matthew T. Dathan, son of Martin & Philippa Dathan, of Stourbridge, West Midlands, and Harriet Claire Line (born 14 Nov, 1992), daughter of Michael Robert Line, of Warsash, Hampshire, and his wife the former Primrose Miranda Margaret Harvey (born 26 June, 1953), descended from the Rycroft baronets.
Maj Sir Richard Rycroft, 5th Baronet > Alice Juliana Rosamond Rycroft > Primrose Miranda Margaret Harvey > Harriet Claire Line
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John Woodman (Johnnie) Blair, died 6 February, 2023, aged 86.
He was born circa 1936, son of Arthur Blair, of Clint House, Stenton, Dunbar, East Lothian; married 1975, Claire Lucy Ford (born 3 Aug, 1949), scion of the Ford baronets, daughter of Harold Frank Ford (1915-1994), and his wife the former Lucy Mary Burnet; by whom he had a son, Charles (born 1980), and two daughters, Zepherine (born 1978), and Molly (born 1985).
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Cordelia Isabel Marie Brown [nee Kerr], wife of Edward Charles Alexander Brown [born 1986], and scion of the Marquesses of Lothian, gave birth to a daughter, Lily Tabitha Letty, 1 February, 2023, a sister for Isla Annie Isabel, who was born 13 November, 2020.
Cordelia is a daughter of William Walter Raleigh Kerr [born 17 Aug, 1950], and his wife the former Griselda Mary Hamilton-Baillie [born 7 Nov, 1950], scion of the Earls of Haddington.
Edward Brown is a son of Lieutenant-General Christopher Charles Brown, CBE [born 1955], and his wife the former Leigh Margaret Kennedy.
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The Hon Mrs Christopher Roxbee Cox (née Ardagh), died 4 February, 2023.
She was the former Rosemary Joyce Ardagh, daughter of Frederick Day Ardagh (1893-1939) and his wife the former Ethel Joyce Griffin (1897-1990); and married in 1955, Christopher Withers Roxbee Cox (1928-2018), son of the life peer the Baron Kings Norton (1902-97), and his wife the former (Doris) Marjorie Withers (1902-80), by whom she had two sons, Martin & Philip.
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Hugh Hudson, the film director, died 10 February, 2023, aged 86.
He was born Hugh Donaldson-Hudson, 25 August, 1936, scion of that landed gentry family, son of Lt Michael Donaldson-Hudson (1900-1965), and his wife the former Jacynth Ellerton (1897-1987), descended from the Earls of Bradford; and married 1stly 1977 (div 1995), Susan Michien (born 1946), daughter of Alastair Milne Michie (1921-2008), the painter & sculptor, and his wife the former Hazel May Greenham (1923-2006); and married 2ndly, 2003, Mariam-Georgina d'Abo (born 27 Dec, 1960) (the actress Maryam d'Abo), daughter of Peter Claude Holland d'Abo (1917-1995), of that landed gentry family, and his second wife the former Nino Kvinitadze
Hudson's film debut Chariots of Fire was an international triumph. He leaves a son, Thomas, from his first marriage.
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Ann, Lady Heathcote, who died 30 January, 2023, was the second wife, and widow, of Brigadier-General Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 9th Baronet, CBE.
She was the former Ann Hatton, daughter of Wing Commander J.A. Hatton, OBE, and married 1stly, 14 May, 1948, Brigadier James Frederick Charles Mellor, DSO, OBE (1913-1976), and his wife the former Betty Marquand; married 2ndly, 2 April, 1984, Brigadier-General Sir Gilbert Simon Heathcote, 9th Baronet (born 21 September, 1913). Her second husband died 15 Apr, 2014, aged 100.
Lady Heathcote leaves issue from her first marriage.
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Cecilia Louise Somerville Hamilton (née Catt), who died 24 January, 2023, aged 82, was a descendant of the Barons St John of Bletso; born in 1940, daughter of Major Charles Erling Bernard Catt (1908-42), and his wife Cecil Elinor Katherine Margaret Somerville (1913-1999), scion of the Somerville baronets; and married 30 July, 1966, William Alexander Hubert Hamilton (born 22 Feb, 1941), scion of the Hamilton baronets, of Preston, son of Robert William Hamilton (1905-1995), and his wife the former Eileen Hetty Lowick (1916-1997), by whom she had a son, Alexander (born 25 June, 1967), and a daughter, Anna (born 16 May, 1969).
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The engagement was announced 11 February, 2023, between Thomas W. Hall, son of Mr & Mrs Nigel Hall, and Octavia Eugenia Threlfall (born 1993), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Hugh Threlfall (born 1961), and his wife the former Guisela Gray.
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The engagement was announced 11 February, 2023, between the Hon Joseph Thomas Shaw (born 9 March, 1996), fourth and youngest son of the 4th Baron Craigmyle (born 19 Oct, 1960), of St Catherine, Somerset, and his wife the former (Katharine) Alice Floyd, and Alexandra J.T. Turner, only daughter of Mr & Mrs David Turner, of Chelsea, London.
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Louisa Alexandra Matilda Montagu-Pollock [nee Matheson, born 1989], wife of Archer William Montagu-Pollock [born 1986], gave birth to a daughter, Eliza Delia, 5 November, 2022, a sister for Jack Michael, who was born 13 October, 2020.
Louisa is a scion of the Matheson baronets, daughter of Lt-Col Sir Alexander Matheson, 8th Baronet (b 26 Aug 1954), of Brightwalton, Berkshire, by his wife the former Katharine Davina Mary Oswald (descended from the Marquesses of Exeter).
Archer is a scion of the Montagu-Pollock baronets, second son of Jonathan David Montagu-Pollock (born 1947), of Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire, by his wife the former Deirdre Clare Binding.
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Jonathan Lawrence Compton died 18 January, 2023, aged 69.
He was born in 1953, son of Alfred John Alwyne Compton (1918-2015), and his wife the former Diana Slocock (born 1922); and married 28 November, 1981, Caroline Mary Close-Smith (born 17 March, 1954), descended from the Lords Kinloss, daughter of Henry Temple Close-Smith (1918-2011), scion of that landed gentry family, and his wife the former Cicely Margaret Hill (1924-2014), descended from the Viscounts Powerscourt, by whom he had issue, a son, Edmund (born 1990), and two daughters, Emily (born 1984), and Rosalind (born 1986).
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The Hon (Leslie) Bruce Hacking, who died 31 January, 2023, aged 82, was a scion of the Barons Hacking (Peerage of the UK, cr 1938), born 16 June, 1940, second son of the 2nd Baron Hacking (1910-1971), and his wife the former Daphne Violet Finnis (who died 21 June, 1998); and married 23 Sept, 1967, the Hon Fiona Margaret Noel-Paton, daughter of the life peer, the Baron Ferrier, by whom he had issue, a son, Matthew (born 1969), and a daughter, Joanna (born 1972).
The Hon Bruce Hacking was a page of honour to the Duke of Portland at the 1953 Coronation.
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Diana, Lady Lewthwaite (née Tomkinson), who died 30 January, 2023, aged 79, was the widow of Sir David Lewthwaite, 5th and last Baronet.
She was born in 1943, daughter of William Robert Tomkinson (1909-1980), and his wife the former Helen Mary Blane (1913-2000), and was a granddaughter maternally of Sir Charles Blane, 4th & last Baronet (1879-1916); and married 11 Oct, 1969, David Rainald Lewthwaite (born 26 March, 1940), son of Sir Rainald Lewthwaite, 4th Baronet (1913-2003), and his wife the former Margaret Elizabeth Edmonds (died 1990). Her husband succeeded his father in the baronetcy, 15 Apr, 2003, and died 28 July, 2004.
Lady Lewthwaite leaves issue, two daughters, Emma Victoria (born 26 Nov, 1971), and Mary-Claire (born 11 Dec, 1972).
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The engagement was announced 9 February, 2023, between Marcus John F. Fountaine (born 1990), scion of that landed gentry family, second son of Charles Andrew Fountaine (1953-2003), of Narford Hall, Norfolk, head of that family, and his wife the former Susan Jane Oliver (born 1955), and Verity C. Snell, daughter of the late Christopher Snell, and Mrs Snell, of Dulverton, Somerset.
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Richenda Dawn Greenwood (née Gurney), who died 30 January, 2023, was a scion of the Gurney landed gentry family, born in 1930, daughter of Brigadier Cecil Hay Gurney, CBE (1901-1999), a descendant of the 17th Earl of Erroll, and his wife the former Elnyth Merryll Segar-Owen (1903-93); she married 27 January, 1962, Major Paul Carwithen Greenwood (1931-2013), by whom she had issue,
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The engagement was announced 8 February, 2023, between Benjamin Buckingham, son of the late Martin Buckingham, and Mrs Buckingham, of Warham, Norfolk, and Antonia Ursula Fenwicke-Clennell (born 1991), scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of Nicholas Fenwicke-Clennell (born 28 February, 1959), of Little Maplestead, Essex, and his wife the former Susan Elizabeth Gould (born 1982).
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Elizabeth Margery Felicity Lister (nee Davies), died 25 January, 2023, aged 89.
She was born 16 December, 1933, and married 16 March, 1956, Roderick Villiers (Roddy) Lister (1930-2020), scion of that landed gentry family, son of Algernon Hamilton Lister (1887-1964), and his wife the former Marjorie Joan Wacher (1893-1989), by whom she had issue, two sons (Thomas Peter) Hugo (born 6 June, 1959), and (Frederick) Rupert Llewelyn (born 13 July, 1961), and a daughter, Camilla Charlotte Felix (born 3 Mar 1966).
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Fleur Caroline Douetil (née Mountain), who died 22 January, 2023, aged 89, was a scion of the Mountain baronets.
She was born 22 February, 1933, daughter of Sir Brian Edward Stanley Mountain, 2nd Baronet (1899-1977), and his wife the former Doris Elsie Lamb (1906-2000); and married 21 July, 1955, Dane Peter Douetil (1927-2014), son of Capt Philip Victor Douetil (1894-1938), and his wife the former Dorothy Violet Grinling (1892-1986), by whom she had three sons, Dane (born 1960), Guy (born 1963), and William (born 1966), and a daughter, Nicola (1957-1993).
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Ann Leonora Dirom Vyvyan-Robinson, who died 22 January, 2023, aged 90, was the widow of Cecil Courtenay Vyvyan-Robinson (1928-2022), scion of the Vyvyan baronets.
She was a daughter of Victor Berwyn Jones (1898- ), of Stonehouse, Gloucestershirem and married in 1955. Her husband died 14 April, 2022, aged 93. She leaves a son and three daughters.
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The Hon Diana Heimann, who died in Cape Town, 30 January, 2023, was a daughter of the Rt Hon Iain Macleod, MP, PC, briefly Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Heath administration in 1970.
Diana Hester Macleod was born in 1944, daughter of the Rt Hon Iain Norman Macleod (1913-70), who died in office at 11 Downing Street, by his wife the former Evelyn Hester Blois (1915-1999), scion of the Blois baronets, and a granddaughter maternally of the 3rd Baron Hampton. Following the death of her husband she was raised to the peerage for life as Baroness Macleod of Borve.
Diana Macleod married in 1968, David Heimann, by whom she had issue,
Anna Elizabeth Neave [nee Steadman, born 1988], wife of Sebastian Airey Stuart Neave [born 1989], scion of the Neave baronets, gave birth to a son, Arthur Digby Roland, 16 January, 2023, a brother for Christopher Robert Airey [Kit], who was born 10 June, 2020.
Sebastian is a son of the Hon William Robert Sheffield Neave [born 1953], of East Orchard, Dorset, by his wife the former Joanna Mary Stuart Paton [born 1957], and is a grandson of the assassinated Conservative MP, the Rt Hon Airey Neave, MP, PC [1916-1979], by his wife the former Diana Giffard [1919-92], who following her widowhood was created a peer for life as Baroness Airey of Abingdon.
Anna Neave is a daughter of Timothy R. Steadman, by his wife the former Alison C. Spankie.
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Sophia L.H. More-Molyneux (nee Lintott), wife of Alexander G. More-Molyneux, scion of that landed family, gave birth to a daughter, Boudicca Ete Lilou, a sister for Cressida, Rocco, Aubrey and Zsa Zsa.
Alexander is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Michael More-Molyneux, of Loseley Park, Guildford, and Sophia is the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Guy Lintott, of Shroton, Dorset.
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The engagement was announced 4 February, 2023, between the Hon Alexander Thomas Hugh Clifford (born 24 Sept, 1985), elder son and heir of the 14th Baron Clifford of Chuldeigh (b 17 Mar, 1948) (Peerage of England, cr 1672), of Ugbrooke Park, Chudleigh, Devon, by his former wife (Muriel) Suzanne Austin, & Lucy Jane Lenygon (born 1986), daughter of Mr Nicholas J. Lenygon (born 1954) and Mrs Sarah J. Lenygon (nee Murray).
It will be Alexander Clifford's second marriage. His first to Dr Caitlin Blake-Lane, daughter of Mr & Mrs Roger Blake-Lane, of Toorak, Melbourne, Australia, which took place in 2017 ended in divorce two years later.
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Edwina Rose Fetherston-Dilke [nee Bagge, born 7 March, 1985], wife of George Michael Fetherston-Dilke [born 1985], scion of that landed gentry family, gave birth to a daughter, Audrey Rose, 30 January, 2023, a sister for Margot Stella, who was born 11 March, 2021.
George is a son of Michael Fetherston-Dilke [born 28 December, 1948], and his wife the former Rosemary Anne Keith [born 18 April, 1951].
Edwina Fetherston-Dilke, a scion of the Bagge baronets, is a daughter of [Alfred] James Stephen Bagge [born 7 December, 1952], of Stradsett, Norfolk, and his wife the former Victoria Imogen Lyndon Skeggs.
Sir John Bagge, 6th Bt [1914-90] > Alfred Bagge [b 1952] > Edwina Bagge [b 1985] > Audrey Rose Fetherston-Dilke (born 2023)
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Anne Georgiana, Lady Coote, who died 25 January, 2023, aged 94, was the widow of Sir Christopher Coote, 15th Baronet (1928-2016).
She was born Anne Georgiana Handford, 29 November, 1928, second daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Donald James Handford (1889-1980), of Conham, co Wiltshire, and his wife the former Elinor Marianne D'Arcy (1890-1976), scion of the Barons D'Arcy de Knayth; and married 23 August, 1952, Christopher John Coote (born 22 Sept, 1928), son and heir of Sir John Ralph Coote, 14th Baronet (1905-1978), and his wife the former Noreen Una Tighe (who died 4 March, 1996).
Her husband succeeded to his father's baronetcy, 23 January, 1978, and died 29 November, 2016.
Lady Coote leaves a son, Sir Nicholas Coote, 16th Baronet (born 28 Jul 1953), and a daughterm Vanessa (born 10 Aug, 1955).
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Sir David Gwynne Evans-Tipping, 5th Baronet (who died not use the title), died 31 January, 2023. He was 79.
He was born 25 November, 1943, son of Sir Francis Loring Gwynne-Evans, 4th Baronet (1914-1993), and his 1st wife the former Elisabeth fforde fforde-Tipping, and succeeded to the baronetcy (created 1913), on his father's death, 29 December, 1993.
Sir David married in 2003 (Francoise) Lucy Saldes. There was no issue of the marriage, and the baronetcy now devolves upon his nephew, Guy Edward Francis Evans-Tipping (born 10 May, 1978).
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Skye Pryor (nee Trayler Graham, born 1983), wife of James Charles Edward Pryor [born 1979], scion of that landed family, of Weston, gave birth to a daughter, Grace Williamina Vyvyan Graham, 30 January, 2023.
James Pryor is the fifth son of Stephen Charles Archibald Pryor [born 24 November, 1941], by his wife the former Caroline Mary Louise Vyvyan [born 1942], scion of the Vyvyan baronets.
Skye is a daughter of Ranald I.M. Graham, by his wife the former Carolyn D. Trayler [born 1948].
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The Countess of Longford, who died 21 January, 2023, aged 83, did not use her aristocratic title and was known as Valerie Pakenham, the writer, who achieved considerable success with her books.
She was born Valerie Susan McNair Scott, 13 November, 1939, the third daughter of Major Ronald Guthrie McNair Scott (1904-1995), of Huish House, Old Basing, Hampshire, by his wife the former Hon Mary Cecilia Berry (1906-1996), and was the granddaughter of William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879-1954), proprietor and editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph from 1928 to 1954.
Prior to her marriage she worked in journalism in London with the publishers Condé Nast and the Daily Mail.
Valerie claimed “always to have hated proper writing”, but nevertheless achieved considerable success with her books, many exploring the history and culture of Ireland. This was her adopted homeland where, with her husband Thomas, she restored his family seat Tullynally Castle and its gardens, in Co Westmeath, opening them to the public.
She married 23 July, 1964, Thomas Frank Dermot Pakenham (born 14 August, 1933), who declined the use of a courtesy title, eldest son of the 7th Earl of Longford, KG, PC (1905-2001), and his wife the former Elizabeth Harman, CBE (the writer, biographer Elizabeth Longford, who died 23 October, 2002). Her husband succeeded his father, 3 Aug, 2001, as 8th Earl of Longford (Peerage of Ireland, cr 1785), Baron Silchester (UK, cr 1821), and 2nd Baron Pakenham (Peerage of the UK, cr 1945), but does not use the titles.
Following her marriage to Pakenham in 1964 her life switched from England to Ireland. On the death three years earlier of his uncle, Valerie Pakenham’s new husband had inherited what she once described as his family’s ancestral “huge, damp and semi-ruinous” Gothic castle. Thomas’s father had decided to forgo the inheritance and skip a generation to avoid double death duties.
At Tullynally Castle, Valerie continued to write: she was author of The Battle of New Orleans Major-General Sir Edward M Pakenham (1965); Out in Noonday Sun: Edwardians in the Tropics (1985); Maria Edgeworth’s Letters from Ireland (2017); and Exploring Ireland’s Middle Kingdom (2021).
With her husband Thomas, she co-wrote A Traveller’s Companion to Dublin (1988) and The Big House in Ireland (2001).
Valerie Pakenham is survived by her husband and two sons, Edward (born 6 Jan, 1970), and Frederick (born 27 Nov, 1971), and by two daughters, Anna Maria (born 26 July, 1965), and Eliza (born 3 Nov, 1966).
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Sophie Elizabeth Dundas [née Garnier, born 1988], wife of Ralph William Dundas 3rd of Airdbheith [born 1988], head of that landed gentry family, and descended from the Barons Walsingham, gave birth to a son, Geordie Hector, 28 December, 2022, a brother for Frank William, who was born 21 June, 2019, and for Douglas James, who was born 23 Oct, 2020.
Ralph Dundas is a son of the late [Robert] Alexander Dundas of Airdbheith [1947-2003], by his wife the former Sarah Rosalind Wilson [born 1953], a granddaughter maternally of Sir James Lithgow, 1st Baronet [1883-1952].
Sophie Dundas is the second daughter of Maj [James] Hugh Garnier [b 7 Apr 1948], by his wife the former Katherine Puckle.
Douglas's Walsingham lineage:-
8th Baron Walsingham-->Hon Lavender de Grey-->Maj Hugh Garnier-->Sophie Garnier--> Geordie Dundas
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Sir Patrick Laurence Delaval Cotter, 7th Baronet, died 11 January, 2023. He was 81.
He was born 21 November, 1941, only son of Laurence Stopford Llewellyn Cotter (1912-1943), and his wife the former Grace Mary Downing, and was a grandson of Sir James Cotter, 5th Bt (1887-1924).
He succeeded to the baronetcy (cr, of Rockforest, co Cork, 1763) on the death of his uncle, Lt-Col Sir Delaval Cotter, 6th Bt, 2 April, 2001.
He married in 1967, Jane Potter, daughter of George Potter, by whom he had a son, Julius Laurence George Cotter (born 4 January, 1968), and two daughters, Jemima Grace Mary Cotter (born 1970), and Jessica Lucy Kathleen Cotter (born 1972).
Lady Cotter survives him. The baronetcy now passes to his only son.
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The Baroness Berners, who died 23 January, 2023, aged 93, was the sixteenth holder of the peerage (created by writ in the Peerage of England, 24 May, 1455).
The peerage was created for her ancestor Sir John Bourchier, KG, younger brother of Henry [Bourchier], 1st Earl of Essex, and 4th son of Sir William Bourchier, 1st Count of Eu, by his wife Lady Anne de Stafford, suo jure Countess of Buckingham, Hereford and Northampton, widow of Thomas and Edmund [de Stafford], 3rd and 5th Earls of Stafford, and 1st dau. of Thomas "of Woodstock", 1st Duke of Gloucester (by his wife Lady Alianore de Bohun, suo jure Countess of Essex, 1st dau. and cohrss. of Humphrey [de Bohun], 7th Earl of Hereford, 12th Earl of Essex and 2nd Earl of Northampton), 8th son of King Edward III.
She was born Pamela Vivien Williams, 30 September, 1929, the elder daughter of Harold Williams, JP, and his wife Vera Ruby Tyrwhitt, in her own right the (15th) Baroness Berners (1901-1992). On her mother's death, 20 February, 1992, the barony of Berners fell into abeyance between her two daughters, Pamela, and Rosemary (born 20 July, 1931). On 30 June, 1995, the abeyance of the barony was terminated in favour of Pamela.
She married 1 March, 1952, Capt Michael Joseph Sperry Kirkham (1925-2017), 2nd son of Joseph William Kirkham (1893-1949), of Parwick Lees, co Derby, by his wife the former Annie Elizabeth Sperry (1892-1978), by whom she had issue, two sons, the Hon Rupert William Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 18 Feb, 1953), and the Hon Robin Raymond Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 1 Dec, 1958), and a daughter, the Hon Caroline Rosemary Tyrwhitt Kirkham (born 6 May, 1956).
The elder son, the Hon Rupert Kirkham now succeeds as 17th Baron Berners. He married 12 Feb 1994, Lisa Carol Judy Lipsey, daughter of Col Edward Gibson Lipsey USAF, of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, by whom he has issue.
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Serena Graham-Watson [nee France-Hayhurst], wife of Capt Florian Ncholas Graham-Watson, [born 6 December, 1986], late the Irish Guards, gave birth to a daughter, Primrose Amélie, 20 January, 2023, a sister for Arnaud James (born 25 July, 2018), and for Wilfred Robert (29 January, 2020).,
Florian Graham-Watson, sometime equerry to HRH The Prince of Wales, scion of the Graham-Watson landed gentry family, is son of Mr Andrew FitzJames Graham-Watson (born 1957), of Longworth, Oxfordshire, by his wife the former Brigitte Claude Marie Jeanson, of Paris.
Serena Graham-Watson is a daughter of Mr & Mrs James France-Hayhurst, of Bunbury Heath, Cheshire.
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