Short answer: The Mitford Sisters were a group of six British sisters, known for their unique and controversial lives in the early to mid-20th century. They included Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica and Deborah. Their political views and affiliations varied greatly, with some leaning towards fascism while others supported communism. They all eventually achieved notability in their own right as writers, activists, socialites and more.
The Mitford Sisters Step by Step: Uncovering the Secrets Behind This Fascinating Family
One of the most fascinating families to come out of England in the early 20th century is undoubtedly the Mitford sisters. Born into aristocratic English society with an eccentric mother and a father who was a Baronet, the six Mitford sisters – Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah – have captured public imagination for many reasons.
Their lives and reputations spanned from high-society scandals to controversial politics and were instrumental in shaping popular culture during their time. In this blog post, I’m taking a step-by-step look at this remarkable family that has inspired books, films, and documentaries alike.
Step One: The Early Years
The Mitford sisters grew up on well-heeled estates surrounded by a circle of privileged individuals that included royalty such as Princess Diana’s grandfather. They attended exclusive schools, including one run by their mother Lady Redesdale herself.
However, even at a young age, the girls’ individual personalities started to take shape. Nancy became known for her sharp wit and literary talent while Diana was described as beautiful but heartless. Meanwhile, Jessica had socialist leanings that would eventually lead her down a more radical path later in life.
Step Two: Controversial Marriages
The Mitfords made headlines when two of them married men associated with fascist movements during World War II; Diana marrying Oswald Mosley (Italy’s former leader) while her sister Unity Wahlberg married British Union leader Sir Oswald Mosley.
Meanwhile in contrast Pamela (the elder daughter), chose an entirely different path away from London society altogether marrying Derek Jackson then moved to Rotherfield Peppard where he becomes his father’s heir for Canadian born Robert Grimpar (“Grim”) Jackson Estate/Woundale Farm which she transformed completely into one of Britain’s most celebrated farmhouses.
Step Three: Literary Success
Despite their grandiose roots within aristocratic society each Mittford had literary talent; Nancy was an established novelist, famous for books such as “The Pursuit of Love” and “Love in Cold Climate.” Meanwhile, Jessica immortalized her outspoken political beliefs with the book Hons and Rebels. Deborah too went on to write several books including a memoir about running Chatsworth House.
Step Four: Infighting
However, things were not always rosy between the sisters, who often found themselves at loggerheads with each other. During World War II Nancy stopped talking to Diana after she married the fascist leader Mosley; the Conservative Nancy disagreed with both Diana’s politics and marriage choices which in later life would become a scandal which isolated this member of their family.
Meanwhile, Unity became friends with Adolf Hitler himself during a visit to Germany before war broke out; which resulted in her attempted suicide when England declared war on Germany on September 3rd – 1939. Eventually recovering but suffering brain damage she spent the next nine years living with her mother before passing away from meningitis in 1948.
Step Five: Legacy
Despite all of their individual quirks and controversies each
The Mitford Sisters FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About These British Icons
The Mitford sisters were a group of six extraordinary women who captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. A uniquely fascinating family, they have stood the test of time and continue to intrigue people to this very day. And if you’ve ever found yourself curious about these British icons, then look no further than this comprehensive FAQ on everything you need to know about the Mitford sisters.
Who Exactly Were The Mitford Sisters?
Born in England between 1904 and 1920, the Mitford sisters were six daughters from a wealthy aristocratic family with roots in both English and Scottish nobility. They became celebrities during their time due to their beauty, wit, charisma, and scandalous lives. The sisters were:
- Nancy – known for her writing skills as an author of numerous novels like “Love In A Cold Climate.”
- Pamela – widely regarded as being kind-hearted and unassuming.
- Diana – infamous for marrying English fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley.
- Unity – best recognized by her close association with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party.
- Jessica – commonly known as ‘Decca’, she became attached to socialism.
- Deborah – famous for her marriage to Andrew Cavendish who later inherited Chatsworth House.
Why Are They So Famous?
As mentioned above, the Mitford sisters’ fame stems from their striking personalities which often led them to make headlines across the globe. Their eccentricities and fascinating lifestyles attracted public attention, leading them all down paths that at times left their reputation somewhat tarnished.
Moreover, each sister had her unique character traits that made her stand out individually. For instance, Nancy was sharp-tongued yet witty while Unity had connections with Hitler himself; this made everyone more curious about their private lives.
What Scandals Did The Mitford Sisters Experience?
Oh boy! It would be easier to try listing what scandals they weren’t associated with rather than what they were involved in. Perhaps the most notorious scandal was that involving Diana’s marriage to Sir Oswald Mosley, the man behind the British Union of Fascists party.
Her affiliation with Hitler’s Nazi regime and providing him with financial support drew considerable disapprobation from society as a whole and caused an irreparable rift in her relationship with her sister Jessica. Unity’s involvement with similar groups only heightened such criticisms and sparked significant concerns about their political views’ morality.
Other scandals include Nancy having affairs while married, Pamela leading a life isolated altogether from the public or press, and Decca eloping with her husband-to-be to fight in the Spanish Civil War–an act that shocked England at large.
How Did Their Lives Come To An End?
Their lives did not end similarly; some of them outlived all others. When she had cancer, Diana received almost no sympathy in England after WWII; by contrast, she became more outlandish due to lack of interest but moved elsewhere in Europe- Paris. She then passed away aged 93 years old.
The final surviving member was Deborah who passed away
Top 5 Facts About the Mitford Sisters That Will Leave You in Awe
The Mitford sisters are one of the most fascinating and legendary families in British history. They were born into a privileged aristocratic family, but each of these women went on to lead extraordinary lives and became icons in their own right. From being authors and political activists to socialites and Nazis sympathizers, they certainly made their mark on the world. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the top five facts about the Mitford sisters that will leave you in awe.
1. They Almost Caused an International Incident
In 1935, Diana Mitford married Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. This caused a great deal of controversy at the time because fascism was seen as dangerous and anti-democratic. However, when the couple decided to get married in Germany instead of Britain, it caused an even greater scandal.
Adolf Hitler attended their wedding as a guest of honour. The press coverage was incendiary with headlines such as “Mitford Sisters Wed Nazis.” To add insult to injury, Unity Mitford (Diana’s younger sister) had become besotted with Hitler during her visits to Munich and promptly moved there after she learned Diana and Mosley were having relations from her father through one terse cable message: “All is over.” She took up residence at the infamous Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten on Maximilianstraße where she spent hours waiting for a chance encounter with him.
2. They Had a Double Agent in Their Ranks
Jessica Mitford was perhaps best known for her activism against fascism and communism but what is less well known is that she worked as a double agent during World War II for MI6. She used her position as a journalist for The Atlantic Monthly magazine to send information back to London about fascist sympathizers living in America.
Her role within MI6 was never publicly acknowledged until recently when declassified documents came to light some 60 years later revealing that Mitford had been a key asset for the agency, working as a conduit between other agents and her fellow writers and literary figures.
3. They Had Strained Relationships
The relationship between the six sisters was often tumultuous. Unity’s adoration of Hitler caused a permanent rift between the siblings, while Diana’s fascist links made things difficult in the aftermath of World War II. Both Jessica and Deborah distanced themselves from their childhood friends’ Nazi sympathies. Meanwhile, Nancy – one of the most famous Mitford sisters who became a best-selling author – led a bohemian lifestyle that stood at odds with her sisters’ conservative values and attitudes.
4. They Were Involved In Some Of The Most Significant Events In History
Perhaps one of the reasons why we are still so fascinated by the Mitford sisters is because they were directly involved in some of the most significant events in history throughout their lifetime. From fascism to communism, from both world wars to civil rights movements in America, these women found themselves surrounded by pivotal moments frequently making headlines on all major international newspapers.
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