The Galton Sisters
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The Galton Sisters
From the Barwicker No. 101
March 2011
In the mid-1800s two sisters were born in London. Little did they
know in their early years that one of them would marry into an Italian
banker's family and the other would become Lady of the Manor at
Parlington and Lotherton.
The sisters were Evelyne Isabella Galton (born 1853) and Laura
Gwendolen Douglas Galton (born 1859). When they were children,
their father inherited Himbleton Manor in Worcestershire and they
spent most of their childhood in the countryside. Gwendolen was
considered a delicate child, so it was ideal for her to live away from
London and the dreadful smog which often covered the Capital. Along
with her paternal cousins and their families, they would take it in turns
to spend much time keeping their widowed grandmother company at
her home at Hadzor. The family also stayed with their cousins the
Nightingales in Hampshire. A governess was employed to teach the
girls the accomplishments of the female gentry and they enjoyed
riding their ponies in the surrounding countryside.
Although six years separated their ages they were great companions
and when Evelyne married in 1875 and went to live in Florence,
Gwendolen missed her considerably. Evelyne sent Gwendolen detailed
letters about the grandiose style of living at the Fenzi Villa named
'Rusciano' in Florence. The household had its own liveried coachmen,
postillians and footmen. Gwendolen took every available opportunity
to visit Florence and it was there that she first heard the narrative
Italian songs, the Stornellii. She would invite the singing minstrels into
the court yard of Evelyne's villa and give them a drink in return for
which they would teach her the words. She had a good singing voice
and in later years used to go into the local primary school in Aberford
and sing to the children.
Gwendolen loved to travel and prior to her marriage wrote two novels
viz La Fenton and A Step Aside, the latter being published during her
first year of marriage. She wrote a non-fiction book entitled Among
Pagodas and Fair Ladies which was an account of her travels through
Burma.
Gwendolen, still single, met Col. Frederick Richard Trench Gascoigne
and married him in February 1892. Before their marriage the Colonel
took Gwendolen and Evelyne to see his Scottish estate at Craignish.
Gwendolen's marriage was a much quieter affair than that of her sister.
Evelyne had twelve bridesmaids who were dressed in white muslin
dresses trimmed with sashes and scarves. The Italian colours were
tastefully introduced in their headdresses.
Frederick and Gwendolen had no bridesmaids but did have two page
boys dressed in crimson plus and blue velvet with brocaded waistcoats
and matching hats.
Evelyne had three children, twin daughters born in 1876 and a son
born in 1880. However she also had a series of tragedies in her life. In
June 1882 1 her youngest daughter, Cammilla Maria Christina
Ernestina Augusta contracted diphtheria and died. Her husband died as
a result of a shooting accident whilst cleaning his gun aged 30.2
Gwendolen had two children Alvary born 1893 and Cynthia born
1898.
In 1891 Evelyne founded an English Grammar school in Florence. She
decided to do this as the Italians were impressed by English education
and the number of English and Americans living in Florence was
increasing annually. The paper reported 'it was expected that the boys'
football and cricket matches will make a great sensation in the City of
Flowers ,3
Evelyne married the Merchant Banker, Leonard D Cunliffe, in 1898(4)
and in 1901 they had nine servants to look after a thirty-seven room
house! Evelyne was a frequent visitor to Lotherton and the sisters
remained close throughout their lives. Evelyne died at Lotherton Hall
in October 1928 and her grave is alongside that of her sister and Col.
,Gascoigne in the new section of Aberford Church yard.
I am very grateful to Michael G Copeland for supplying additional
information.
Sources:
(1) The Standard 28 June 1882
(2) Times 11 September 1883
(3) Leeds Mercury 28 August 1891
(4) Morning Post 28 January 1898
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