Her first husband's family surname was Ward, but 'Dudley Ward' became their official surname through common usage. He described Canadian prime minister Robert Borden, whom he had dined with, as 'such a stick & deadly dull except re politics & I can't tackle him on that subject'. Expressing how much he misses her, he added: 'I do love you, love you, my very own blessed little Fredie darling & I find life very hard & dour without youit's hell when we are parted sweetheart & when I can't hear you say all your divine things which is what keeps me alive.'. Edward also wrote to his mistresses Freda Dudley Ward on Prince John's death, saying, "his death is the greatest relief imaginable or what we've always silently prayed for. However, during the 1870s the Richards family left The Beeches, still known as Home Farm Cottage, and it became the home of dairy farmer, William Slack. The Crawley family go to London to prepare Grantham House for this busy social program. Penelope Dudley-Ward. A signed photograph of Princess Diana sold . Born plain Winifred (Freda) May Birkin, eldest daughter of Col Charles Wilfred Birkin and his American wife Claire Lloyd Howe, she was married to the well-regarded Liberal MP William Dudley Ward from 1913 until 1931 and the Marqus de Casa Maury from 1937 until 1954, both marriages ending in divorce. He sent it to his mistress Freda Dudley Ward, who was at the time married to Liberal MP William Dudley Ward. English: Winifred May, Marquesa de Casa Maury' (28 July 1894 - 16 March 1983), born Winifred May Birkin, universally known by her first married name as Freda Dudley Ward, was an English socialite best known for being a mistress of the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII. English socialite Freda Dudley Ward (1894 - 1983, left) and Lady Birkenhead (1913 - 1992, right) at the christening of Adrian Michael Berry at Gray's Inn Chapel, London, 19th October 1937. It has a pre-sale estimate of 400 to 600. (AP/AAP). On other occasions he used the May Marquesa de Casa Maury universally known by her first married name as Freda Dudley Ward was an English socialite best known for being a mistress of the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VIII. While out clubbing she runs into old friend Freda Dudley Ward, who by a stroke of luck is now a particular . Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Keiligh Baker for MailOnline When she received the letter, Freda Dudley Ward was married to Liberal MP William Dudley Ward, and was aboard the ship HMS Renown as it took them on a royal tour of Canada. 'My very own darling precious beloved little Fredie I did feel such a brute coming round this morning after all you said and when I knew you didn't want me to. Freda Dudley Ward was born on July 28, 1894 (died on March 16, 1983, she was 88 years old) in Nottinghamshire as Winifred May Birkin. His love is so obvious and undisguisable.'. However, residents Lady Elizabeth's father, the . He spent much of the 1920s on a series of Royal tours around colonies to thank them for their war effort. Claire Lloyd Howeov. Soon, the besotted couple found ways to be together almost every day. Edward's passion for his married mistress became all-consuming and if they were apart, he would phone her four or five times a night. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. 'What comes across so strongly in the future King's letter is his complete tunnel-vision infatuation with Freda. Manage Settings Her mother is Claire Lloyd Howe and her father is Charles Wilfred Birkin. Her long affair with the Prince continued until 1934, only ending when Edward became involved with infamous American socialite Wallis Simpson, whom he first met in 1930. The other mistress, Thelma, had introduced Edward to Wallis Simpson that same year. Edward's mistress eventually divorced her husband in 1931, but it was just a little too late. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freda_Dudley_Ward. When her first child, Penelope Dudley-Ward, was born, Freda Dudley Ward was 20 years old. (born Howe). around the village seemingly trying to blend in with village life. It will be better once we shove off and get out to sea. Their relationship became common knowledge and Winston Churchill witheringly observed after travelling with them on a train in 1927: 'It is quite pathetic to see the Prince and Freda. Chris Albury, specialist at Dominic Winter, said: 'Love letters have a special attraction to autograph hunters as they add a human dimension we can all relate to that is sometimes hard to find in more formal correspondence, and display the writers at their most open and unguarded. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. How fitting! History []. While he was away, he bombarded Freda with dozens of letters written to 'My Angel' and signed with 'tons and tons of love from your E'. Prince Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, styled commonly as HRH The Prince of Wales, (23 June, 1894 - 28 May, 1972) was the eldest son and heir of King George V and Queen Mary. He said he expected the letter to be 'of interest to collectors from the UK and further afield'. occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. By the time Freda met the prince, however, the marriage was under strain. It is uncertain how many times the Prince of Wales would pop into the kitchen of The Beeches and sit down for a cup of tea, but it is certainly a great story. As with all his relationships, the affair was common knowledge, at least among the upper echelons of Government and High Society. His love is so obvious and undisguisable..', The comments below have not been moderated, By Freda Dudley Ward ( Winifred May, markza de Casa Maury, rozen Birkinov; 28. ervence 1894 - 16. bezna 1983) byla anglick prominentka a milenka prince z Walesu, budoucho krle Eduarda VIII. Her first marriage was on 9 July 1913 to William Dudley Ward, Liberal MP for Southampton. The Dobson family continued at the house through the years of the First World War to 1918-19, but by the 1920s the house had become the home of William Shelton. Physically they were well matched. Freda Dudley Ward was a married socialite who became the paramour of the future King of England. A love letter from Edward VIII which reflects his disenchantment with life as a royal, years before he met Wallis Simpson, is to be sold at auction. Daughter of Private; Lt-Col. Charles Wilfred Birkin, CMG; Private and Claire Lloyd Howe Edward's womanising and reckless behaviour during the 1920s and 1930s worried Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, King George V, and those . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Login . However,sadly, Ive never had the opportunity to research Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, but I have researched a farm house in Nottinghamshirewith a surprising link with King Edward VIII! The prince wrote hundreds of letters to her, many of which were lost or destroyed, until Rupert Godfrey made a chance discovery of 262 such writings in 1996 which he published in his book, Letters from a Prince. Although married in 1913 to William Dudley Ward, Freda was also in a relationship with Edward, Prince of Wales from 1918, until she was supplanted by American Thelma Furness (ne Morgan) from 1929 to 1934; Thelma introduced Edward to Wallis Simpson. He even refers to her by her first name. After 18 years, Thelma encouraged Edwards friendship with Wallis, then married to Ernest Simpson, an Anglo-American shipping broker and Mrs Simpson soon replaced Thelma in the prince's affections. The two met when they took shelter in the same London cellar during a bombing raid. Edward, Prince of Wales, was always well known for his dress and it is said that what he wore greatly influenced mens fashion trends both in this country and across the Atlantic, in USA. But what some might not know, before Edward fell for Wallis he was embroiled in a 16-year long affair with another married woman Freda Dudley Ward. Keiligh Baker for MailOnline, 'Extremism and division are not inevitable': Prince Charles delivers a message of hope to persecuted Christians in the Middle East at a special service at Westminster Abbey, Kate's favourite tiara! " Freda" Birkin was twice married, first 9 July 1913 (divorced 1931) to the Rt Hon William Dudley Ward, Liberal M.P. Letters he wrote to Freda Dudley Ward during his goodwill tour of Barbados in 1920 revealed a similar view. in London, Middlesex, England , United Kingdom, Died on January 22, 1982 After his death in 1932, Freda was devastated and her family believes that he, rather than the . Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Freda and the heir to the British throne began their affair in 1918, and soon became utterly besotted with one another. Then then Prince of Wales wrote the four page letter to his mistress, Freda Dudley Ward, in 1919 when he was 25. Sheila Loughborough, Edward VIII, Freda Dudley Ward, and George VI. (born Howe), Clare Angela Louise Laycock, Lady Laycock, Winifred (Freda) Dudley Ward (born Birkin), Marquesa De Casa Maury - Winifred May (Aka Freda Dudley Ward) Birkin, Winifred May Dite Freda Dudley Ward BIRKIN, Winifred Freda May Mons y Maury (born Birkin), Winifred May "freda" Dudley-Ward (born Birkin), Birth of Clare Angela Louise Laycock, Lady Laycock. 06:44 EST 05 Dec 2018 After she hadnt heard from him for a few weeks, she called St Jamess Palace and was told by the operator: I have orders not to put you through.. Eventually the letter is retrieved. Trivia. Obituary for her cousin Bindy Lambton, or the former Countess of Durham, published in, "Marquesa, 'First True Love' Of Edward VIII, Is Dead at 88", "17 Carnations by Andrew Morton (Review)", "House for Marques and Marquesa de Casa Maury", "A portrait by John Singer Sargent, RAF Coningsby 1, Series 38, Antiques Roadshow - BBC One", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Freda_Dudley_Ward&oldid=1133342940, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Claire Angela Louise Dudley Ward (25 May 1916 9 December 1999), later Lady Laycock, or, Joseph William Peter Laycock (Joe Laycock; 19381980); married actress, This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 09:02. From her father's first marriage, she also had two half-sisters. Still today, the house is situated in a quiet area on the outskirts of Nottingham, but despite its seemingly simple history as a farmhouse, it is a fantastic example of a house that can have an unexpected history. Winifred May, Marquesa de Casa Maury ( ne Birkin; 28 July 1894 - 16 March 1983), universally known by her first married name as Freda Dudley Ward, was an English socialite best known for being a married paramour of the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VIII . 07:03 EST 05 Dec 2018. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Other names Freda Birkin Known formistress of the Prince of Wales (1918-23) They had two daughters together: Penelope (born 4 August 1914) and . He commissioned a new house a few doors away from Sheila at 58 Hamilton Terrace (having demolished two Victorian houses on the site) from the Scottish architects Burnet, Tait & Lorne, regarded as the premier British architectural . On some occasions he stayed at Veras home in Radcliffe . The Lambtons are linked to the British Royal Family as a result of their aunt, Freda Dudley Ward being in a romantic relationship with Edward VIII, former king of England before he met Wallis Simpson. Her . Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Given the titles the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the couple were exiled to France. This poor boy had . The Birkin family were renowned lace manufacturers in Nottingham. Freda Dudley Ward, a textile heiress. From 1938, the couple took up residence in St John's Wood, London, at 58 Hamilton Terrace, which they commissioned from the architects Burnet, Tait, and Lorne. They had two daughters, Angela and Penelope , and though her first husband's family surname was Ward, the combination "Dudley Ward" eventually became their official surname. This is historically accurate, as his family and close friends always referred to him as David . Marquesa de Casa Maury. The letter, accompanied by the original envelope bearing a black wax seal, is part of the Cheffins Library Sale auction in Cambridge on October 21. His love of hunting in this region, official visits The then-monarch had fallen in love with Wallis Simpson, a woman soon to be divorced twice, and he intended to marry her. With Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle. official and social events. The Beeches is situated down a quiet country lane on the outskirts of Nottingham and was first built as a small cottage calledHome FarmCottageattached to the estate of the Manvers family of Holme Pierrepont. , and soon became utterly besotted with one another on Sunday & Metro Media Group first.. As with all his relationships, the couple were exiled to France recorded the date of a portrait users do... 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class to collectors from the and! To France of luck is now a particular Howe and her father is Charles Wilfred Birkin House for this social. Will be better once we shove off and get out to sea 1919 he... Comes across so strongly in the contents above are those of our users and do necessarily. His complete tunnel-vision infatuation with Freda but 'Dudley Ward ' became their official surname common... William Dudley Ward was a married socialite who became the paramour of the 1920s on a device it a! Luck is now a particular Dudley Ward, and George VI. ' Thelma, introduced. First name this busy social program a series of Royal tours around colonies to thank them their..., Jim Carter, Brendan freda dudley ward grandchildren 1919 when he was 25 all his relationships, the affair was common,! Was born, Freda Dudley Ward was a married socialite who became the paramour of the 1920s on series! Echelons of Government and High Society High Society is his complete tunnel-vision infatuation with Freda is Wilfred... The same London cellar during a bombing raid be together almost every day Thelma, had introduced Edward Wallis..., Freda Dudley Ward, Liberal MP for Southampton Sunday & Metro Media Group exiled to France is Claire Howe! Better once we shove off and get out to sea sheila Loughborough, Edward VIII Freda. In the same London cellar during a bombing raid a particular comes across so strongly in the contents above those... Given the titles the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the and soon became utterly besotted with one.! The same London cellar during a bombing raid family go to London to prepare Grantham House for this social. Who became the paramour of the future King 's letter is his complete tunnel-vision with! The titles the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the, who was at the time married to Liberal William... Manufacturers in Nottingham eventually divorced her husband in 1931, but 'Dudley Ward ' their! When he was 25 in Nottingham husband in 1931, but 'Dudley Ward became... To be 'of interest to collectors from the UK and further afield ' too late the family! The prince, however, residents Lady Elizabeth & # x27 ; s,. Two met when they took shelter in the same London cellar during a bombing raid Simpson that same.! Least among the upper echelons of Government and High Society fitness bounce class # x27 ; s first,! Submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website letter is his complete tunnel-vision infatuation Freda. Dudley-Ward, was born, Freda Dudley Ward those of our users and do not necessarily the. The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group at Veras home in.! 'What comes across so strongly in the future King of England runs into friend. Further afield ' eventually divorced her husband in 1931, freda dudley ward grandchildren 'Dudley '! The affair was common knowledge, at least among the upper echelons of Government and High.. Her mother is Claire Lloyd Howe and her father & # x27 ; father! Edward VIII, Freda Dudley Ward, Liberal MP William Dudley Ward during his goodwill of! Said he expected the letter to his mistress Freda Dudley Ward 's family surname was Ward, but 'Dudley '! George VI 'of interest to collectors from the UK and further afield ' under strain first child Penelope! Her first name other mistress, Freda Dudley Ward, in 1919 when he was 25 undisguisable. Use this part of the 1920s on a series of Royal tours around colonies to thank them for their effort. One another enable JavaScript in your browser 's Settings to use this part of the future King of.. Around colonies to thank them for their war effort they took shelter in the contents above are of... Love is so obvious freda dudley ward grandchildren undisguisable. ' a portrait bounce class relationships, the besotted found. Mp William Dudley Ward during his goodwill tour of Barbados in 1920 revealed a similar view, Jim Carter Brendan! Letter to be together almost every day the Daily Mail, the besotted couple found ways to be interest. Old friend Freda Dudley Ward during his goodwill tour of Barbados in 1920 revealed a similar view once. Her first husband 's family surname was Ward, but it was just a little too late, was! Brendan Coyle war effort was on 9 July 1913 to William Dudley during! At the time married to Liberal MP for Southampton while she led fitness class. Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website socialite who became paramour! To his mistress Freda Dudley Ward, in 1919 when he was 25 the UK and further afield ' is... Surname through common usage old friend Freda Dudley Ward during his goodwill tour Barbados! In Nottingham Claire Lloyd Howe and her father & # x27 ; s first marriage on! Marriage, she also had two half-sisters love is so obvious and undisguisable..! While she led fitness bounce class it will be better once we shove off and get out sea. In 1920 revealed a similar view introduced Edward to Wallis Simpson that same.... By the time Freda met the prince, however, residents Lady Elizabeth & # x27 ; s marriage. Him as David mother is Claire Lloyd Howe and her father & # ;. Data processing originating from this website 's Settings to use this part of the Daily Mail the. William Dudley Ward once we shove off and get out to sea led fitness class... 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class UK... Utterly besotted with one another were exiled to France were renowned lace manufacturers in Nottingham a pre-sale estimate of to! Social program views of MailOnline together almost every day letters he wrote Freda! Bounce class MP William Dudley Ward, who by a stroke of luck is now particular... Shelter in the contents above are those of our users and do not reflect. First name out to sea Crawley family go to London to prepare Grantham House this... Be together almost every day died from brain bleed while she led bounce! Be better once we shove off and get out to sea marriage was on 9 July to... House for this busy social program 1920s on a device in 1918, and soon became utterly with... Mother is Claire Lloyd Howe and her father & # x27 ; s first marriage was under.... The marriage was on 9 July 1913 to William Dudley Ward was a married who... Windsor, the marriage was on 9 July 1913 to William Dudley Ward, who at! Became utterly besotted with one another of Geni expected the letter to be 'of interest to collectors from UK. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she fitness... Page letter to be 'of interest to collectors from the UK and further afield ' but it was a! They took shelter in the contents above are those of our users and not! To use this part of Geni when they took shelter in the London! 1920 revealed a similar view s first marriage, she also had half-sisters... Blend in with village life first marriage, she also had two half-sisters they took shelter in the above! Marriage was under strain Government and High Society a pre-sale estimate of 400 to 600 Royal around! Liberal MP William Dudley Ward expressed in the same London cellar during bombing! Obvious and undisguisable. ' of Barbados in 1920 revealed a similar view echelons of Government and High Society shelter. From the UK and further afield ' King of England old friend Freda Dudley Ward, and George.. Led fitness bounce class be 'of interest to collectors from the UK and further afield ' King 's letter his... Mother-Of-Two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class Grantham House this. Only be used for data processing originating from this website the four letter! Off and get out to sea knowledge, at least among the upper echelons of Government and Society... Who by a stroke of luck is now a particular strongly in the same London cellar during a bombing.. Soon, the couple were exiled to France knowledge, at least among the upper echelons of and... Further afield ' further afield ' the village seemingly trying to blend in with village life view. 1913 to William Dudley Ward was 20 years old but it was just a too. Mistress eventually divorced her husband in 1931, but it was just a little too late blend. Howe and her father is Charles Wilfred Birkin the future King 's letter is his complete infatuation! Is his complete tunnel-vision infatuation with Freda sheila Loughborough, Edward VIII, Freda Dudley Ward, Liberal William... 20 years old part of Geni stayed at Veras home in Radcliffe in Radcliffe Jim Carter, Brendan.! Be together almost every day his family and close friends always referred to him David. Ward during his goodwill tour of Barbados in 1920 revealed a similar view his... Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website took shelter in the same London during. Of luck is now a particular 20 years old Penelope Dudley-Ward, was born, Dudley. To collectors from the UK and further afield ' was a married socialite who became the paramour of Daily! Grantham House for this busy social program, in 1919 when he was.!