As the Viscountess Glentworth celebrates her 100th birthday on the 19th of May, 1903, she stands as the oldest titled lady in England, with a life story deeply intertwined with the unfolding tapestry of European history in the 19th century. Born at the turn of the 19th century in 1803, Lady Glentworth is the last surviving daughter of Mr Heary Villebois, with her sisters being Lady Sykes, Mrs. Burmb, and Mrs. Henry Bathurst. Her life’s journey was marked by two marriages, the first to the Viscount Glentworth in 1836, and the second to Colonel Hugh S. Baillie in 1847. It’s important to note that she obtained her title by courtesy and currently resides in Marham with her nephews and niece.

A Century of European History

Lady Glentworth’s life spanned a century marked by significant European events. As she entered the world, Europe was undergoing a profound transformation. The Napoleonic Wars raged, reshaping the political map of the continent. Through her youth and early adulthood, she witnessed the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Congress of Vienna, and the emergence of new European power dynamics.

Her formative years were deeply influenced by the rapid industrialization of the 19th century. She saw the advent of the railway, the telegraph, and the spread of steam-powered machinery, which would revolutionize manufacturing and transportation across the continent.

In the mid-19th century, Lady Glentworth’s life took a personal turn as she embarked on her second marriage, but Europe was experiencing a series of momentous historical events. The revolutions of 1848 swept through several European cities, driven by demands for political and social change. These revolutions, while often crushed, sowed the seeds for future reform movements.

Her life continued to be intertwined with the course of European history as she saw the unification of Italy and the consolidation of the German Empire in the late 19th century. These developments transformed the map of Europe, leading to the formation of powerful nation-states.

By the turn of the 20th century, Europe was on the brink of a new era. The First World War, though still in her future, loomed as tensions between major European powers escalated. Lady Glentworth’s centennial celebration in 1903 marked a life that had spanned a century of profound change in Europe, from the tumultuous days of the Napoleonic Wars to the cusp of a new era marked by geopolitical uncertainty.

A Century of Living with Resilience and Wit

Despite the monumental historical events that shaped the continent around her, Lady Glentworth’s longevity stands as a testament to the power of resilience, inner strength, and a positive outlook on life. Her sharp mind, renowned wit, and sense of humor have remained undiminished through the years, serving as an inspiration to all who know her.

In Marham, where she currently resides with her nephews and niece, Lady Glentworth enjoys the company of family and friends, who cherish her not only for her age but for the wealth of experience and history she carries within her. Her life is a living testament to the inexorable march of time, and her remarkable journey serves as a bridge connecting the annals of European history with the present day.

Lady Glentworth, the oldest titled lady in England, is a treasure not only for her longevity but for the living history she represents. As she celebrates her 100th birthday, she stands as a living link to the past, offering a glimpse into the significant events and profound transformations that shaped Europe in the 19th century.

Morning Leader – Tuesday 19 May 1903