Ettie, Lady Desborough
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Ettie, Lady Desborough
Ethel Anne Priscilla ( Ettie ) Grenfell (Fane), Lady Desborough (1867-1952), Wife of William Henry Grenfell, Baron Desborough. Ettie, Lady Desborough, was one of the great Edwardian society hostesses, central member of the Souls, and mother of Julian Grenfell (war poet) and Gerald William (Billy) Grenfell, both killed during the First World War. Date: 1907
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Media ID 14235948
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Aristocracy Aristocrat Aristocrats Billy Classes Desborough Ethel Ettie Fane Grenfell Grenfells Julian Souls Upper
EDITORS COMMENTS
Ettie, Lady Desborough (Ethel Anne Priscilla Grenfell, née Fane; 1867-1952): A Portrait of Elegance and Tragedy in Edwardian Society This portrait captures the enchanting beauty and sophistication of Ettie, Lady Desborough, a central figure in Edwardian high society. Born Ethel Anne Priscilla Fane, she would later marry William Henry Grenfell, becoming Lady Desborough. The Grenfells were an influential and affluent aristocratic family, and Ettie quickly became a prominent hostess, gracing the pages of society columns and playing a pivotal role in the exclusive club known as The Souls. The Souls, a select group of aristocrats and socialites, were renowned for their extravagant parties and lavish lifestyles. Ettie's charm and charisma made her a beloved member, and her home, Desborough House, was a frequent venue for their gatherings. Her elegance and grace were not limited to her social circle, as she was also a devoted mother to her two sons, Julian and Gerald William (Billy) Grenfell. Tragically, both of Ettie's sons served in the First World War and were killed in action. Julian, a talented war poet, was killed in 1915, and Billy, a decorated soldier, was killed in 1916. The loss of her sons cast a shadow over Ettie's life, yet she continued to uphold her role as a pillar of the aristocracy and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. This evocative portrait, taken in 1907, offers a glimpse into the world of Edwardian high society, a time of opulence, elegance, and heartbreaking loss. Ettie, Lady Desborough, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of a bygone era, her beauty and strength resonating across the decades.
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