Social Victorians/People/Muriel Wilson

Also Known As

• Family name: Wilson, member of the Wilsons of Tranby Croft (Arthur Stanley Wilson)
• Related to the Wilsons of Warter Priory, the family of her uncle, her father's brother

Overview

Muriel Wilson was in the social network of the Prince of Wales and took part in house parties and the amateur theatricals often associated with them. Beautiful, athletic and wealthy, though not from an aristocratic family, she does not seem to have been strongly concerned with marriageability, although her name was connected with a number of eligible men. The newspapers reported on her social life and comings and goings. She did not marry until she was past 45.

Acquaintances, Friends and Enemies

Friends

• Ethel Leginska, Ethel Liggins (Mary Wilson and Muriel Wilson were patrons, Muriel a friend as well, apparently)
• Luis Pinto de Soveral (Bass), romantically linked
• Helen Vincent
• Willoughby de Eresby (engaged to)
• Marquess of Waterford (engaged to)
• Duke of Marlborough (which one?)
• Robert Walter Goelet
• Winston Churchill
• a Miss Horner, 1908
• Somerset Maugham (1939, French Riviera)

Organizations

• The Wilsons' steamers line
• Wilson's Cricket Club: "almost as much in the eyes of the members of the firm a branch of their business as any other department," including both the Tranby Croft and Warter Priory families.
• Hull Amateur Dramatic Society, both Muriel and Clive Wilson active (c. 1897)
• Richard Edward Warde M.C., Scots Guards

Timeline

1886 May 7, Friday, Muriel Wilson taking part in the program for a benefit. Mr. Clive Wilson was a “sable attendant.”

1887 January 15, a children’s fancy-dress ball at Tranby Croft, recently hosted by Muriel Wilson, who was dressed as a twin baby with Mrs. Lycett Green.

1887 February 8, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Miss Susan West (Tottie) Wilson and Mr. J. G. Menzies.

1887 October 12, Muriel Wilson declared the benefit children’s bazaar open. Mr. A. Wilson calls her “his little daughter.”

1889 January 17, Thursday: Muriel Wilson was part of hosting a “juvenile fancy dress ball at the Artillery Barracks, in aid of the Children’s Hospital.”

1889 February 27, Muriel Wilson opened the Bazaar in Hull:

At noon to-day Miss Muriel Wilson, daughter of the Sheriff (Mr Arthur Wilson), opened the seventh annual bazaar which is promoted by Mrs Taylor and the nurses of the Victoria Children's Hospital, Story-street. Year after year Mrs Taylor and those under her at the hospital have arranged a bazaar, to augment the Samaritan Fund. That fund is devoted to supplying instruments and other surgical appliances to the poor patients after they have undergone operations; and in certain instances sending the children into the country or to the sea-side. The tradesmen throughout the town contributed in a small way to provide articles suitable for the occasion, and the spectacle presented at the hospital to-day, was a bright and attractive one. Various apartments were made use of for stalls which were laden with fancy and useful articles and refreshments. The stall-holders were Mrs Frost, Mrs Moorby, Miss E Clark, Mrs Hare, Mrs Murley, and Miss Murley, and several young ladies. At twelve o'clock Mr J. H. Hill, in the presence of a large number of ladies, asked Miss Wilson open the bazaar and that young lady doing said: — I am very obliged to you for asking me to open this bazaar. My mother tells me that the committees have made me a life member, and I thank them very much for it. I shall always take a great interest in this hospital and the poor people brought here. I hope you will make a lot of money to-day. I declare this bazaar to be open (applause) —The stall-holders then proceeded to dispose of their articles, and the bazaar will again opened [sic?] tomorrow.

1890s

1890 September, the Royal Baccarat Scandal: the party at Arthur Wilson's house at which people played bacarrat, Sir William Gordon-Cumming was accused of cheating, it got talked about and scandal ensued. A gossipy column in Harper’s Bazaar in 1902 says "Immediately after this unfortunate affair, the Princess of Wales (now Queen Alexandra) showered marked favors upon Mrs. and Miss Wilson, who became leaders in the most exclusive circles of the British aristocracy."

1891 January 1, Thursday, from the Hull Daily Mail, an early example of Muriel Harris participating in “entertainments”:

The Anlaby Church Choir Concert on Thursday proved very succcssful and attracted a large audience. The programme was arranged with more than usual judgment; it was not too long, and its quality was certainly above the average. It was as follows: — Opening chorus, "Happy New Year," the choir; song, Mr. Bilton; song (harp accompaniment), "Rose Marie," Miss Frankland; recitation, "Betsy and I are out," Miss Muriel Wilson; song, Mr Carmichael; plantation song, "The old banjo," Mrs Travers and choir; song, "Venetian song," Mrs J. G. Menzies; "Down the river," Choir; song, "Beauty's eyes," Mrs Travers; duet, "Tell me where do fairies dwell," Mrs Menzies and Mrs Lycett Green; song (harp accompaniment), Mrs Frankland; song (in costume, with banjo accompaniment), Mr Bilton; part song, with gipsy dance by Miss Muriel Wilson, Choir; "Good night," Choir. We must add that encores were frequent, and that they were well deserved. We congratulate the promoters on the excellent entertainment they provided.

1891 February 23, Monday, Muriel Wilson rode with the Duke of Clarence and Avondale and others with the Holderness Hounds (full bibliographic info on 1891). The Duke of Clarence and Avondale is Prince Albert Victor (Albert Victor Christian Edward, the Prince and Princess of Wales's eldest son), who died 14 January 1892.

1891 March 31, a serious fire broke out in Muriel Wilson’s room, spreading to much of the house, which was saved by and large. She and her maid were there and must have had some trauma. Lots of detail in the story about the fight against the fire.

1891 June 6, Saturday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding of Miss Helen Lilian Royds Greene (her cousin) and Mr. Basil Charlesworth. Muriel’s gift to the bride was a “Honiton lace handkerchief.”

1892, Muriel Wilson's debutante coming out into society.

1892 February 24, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in her brother's wedding: Mr. Arthur Stanley Wilson and Miss Filmer (full details, including bibliographic, in 1892).

1892 May 16, Monday, Muriel Wilson was presented at court at a Queen's Drawing-room held by Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (full details, including bibliographic, are on 1892).

1892 May 23, Muriel Wilson was a debutante, this was her coming-out year. She attended a debutante ball at Chesterfield House for Miss Nellie Bass (details in 1892).

1892 June 3, Friday, a ball at the Wilsons’ Grosvenor Street house in London: "Miss Muriel Wilson looked so charming in white satin, as did her sister-in-law, Mrs. Jack Wilson."

1893 April 12, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid for Miss Helen Sheffield in her wedding to Lord Arthur Hugh Grosvenor (eldest surviving son of the Duke of Westminster).

1893 November 31, Muriel Wilson took part in the Holderness Hunt, as did Kennith Wilson, though their father did not.

1893 December 12, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson took part in tableaux vivants at the Newland Bazaar (details in 1893).

1894 July 20, Friday, Muriel Wilson was at a country-house party at Easton Lodge, home of the Earl and Countess of Warwick (details, including bibliographic, are in 1894).

1894 July 23, Monday, Muriel Wilson attended a ball at Stafford House (details in 1894).

1894 July 26, several members of the Wilson family, including Muriel Wilson and Mrs. Arthur Wilson, attended the wedding of Mr. Gerald Dudley Smith and Lady Barbara Coventry (details in 1894).

1894 August 18, Muriel Wilson and Hon. Gilbert (I believe) Willoughby de Eresby announce their engagement, wedding set for November sometime (details in 1894). An announcement that it had been cancelled appeared on 18 September 1894 with more discussion on 6 October 1894.

1895 January 24, Thursday, Thursday, Muriel Wilson was at the Eridge Hunt Ball (detail in 1895).

1895 January 31, Thursday, Thursday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding between Allwyn Dudley Smith and Theodocia Elizabeth Egginton [sp?] at Tranby Croft church (detail in 1895).

1895 February 1, Friday, Muriel Wilson is listed as having attended a bal poudré at Warwick Castle. Countess Warwick was dressed as Marie Antoinette. Muriel Wilson was part of the house party as well (details in 1895).

1895 June, Muriel Wilson was at the celebration for the founding of the Trafalgar Bicycle Club in South Kensington (details in June 1895).

1895 June 15, Saturday, Leicester Chronicle, Muriel Wilson’s cousin Milicent Wilson married Charles Hartopp in London on 10 June 1895, and she was present, though not a bridesmaid. The list of people who attended and also those who sent gifts suggests that Charles Henry Wilson, M.P., Milicent’s father, was very well connected.

1895 June 27, Thursday, Thursday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the marriage of her brother, Mr. Kenneth Wilson, to Miss Hackett, niece of Lady Hindlip (details in 1895).

1895 July 22, Monday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding of T. E. M. Swinnerton-Pilkingten and Lady Kathleen Cuffe (details in 1895).

1895 July 25, Thursday, Thursday, Muriel Wilson and her mother attended the wedding of Mr Reginald Bernhard Loder and the Lady Margaret Hare, elder daughter of the Earl and Countess of Listowel (details in 1895).

1895 October 18, Friday, the beginning of a week-end country-house party at the house of the Earl and Countess of Warwick; this was an annual event, which the Prince of Wales and Muriel Wilson attended (details in 1895).

1895 November 29, Friday, Muriel Wilson's bicycle-riding:

"Vanity Fair," writing about ladies who cycle, says it is the fashion now to ride "high," and consequently it is necessary for a woman to leap into her saddle as she starts, instead of beginning in the older humdrum fashion. Very few are content until they can ride without touching their handles; and to show that they can do they very often ride with their hands clasped loosely behind them. Miss Muriel Wilson always makes a sensation when she rides into Hull with her hands behind her, or holding up a crimson parasol. Another fashion is for two people to ride hand in hand, and this resulted in rather an amusing accident last week.

1895 November 30, Saturday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding of Miss Ida Forbes to Sir Archibald Edmonstone, of Duntreath (details in 1895). The Aberdeen Press says, “Miss Muriel Wilson, daughter of Mrs. Wilson of Tranby Croft, without whose name no list of bridesmaids at a society wedding nowadays seems complete.” Muriel Wilson was one of 8 bridesmaids; the others were Miss Gathorne Hardy, Miss Flo Farquharson, Miss Dudley Ward, Miss Graham Murray, Miss Lutzow, and Miss Millicent James.

1895 December 21, Saturday, gossipy mention of how many weddings Muriel Wilson has been bridesmaid in: "Miss Muriel Wilson seems to have inherited from Lady Wolverton (nee Lady Edith Ward), the privilege of being the stock bridesmaid of the year."

1895 December 26, Thursday, Boxing Day, Muriel Wilson took part in the Holderness meet at the Beverley Grand Stand on Thursday 26 December 1895:

The annual meet at the Beverley Grand Stand took place on Thursday, when there was an immense concourse of people on foot and in conveyances, but not so many of the regular habitues of the hunt on horseback. A very large contingent came from Hull, about 500 arriving by one train. The morning was fine with a very keen wind. The Master’s establishment was represented by Mr Arthur Wilson, Mr and Mrs J. Wilson, Mr Clive Wilson, and Miss Muriel Wilson. A few of the country gentlemen were out, and a sprinkling of ladies. The general assembly was the largest of the kind on Westwood, if we except the year in which the late Duke of Clarence was out with the pack.

For the hunt with the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, see 23 February 1891, above and in 1891.

1896 April 27, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid the wedding of Lady Angela St. Clair Erskine and James Stewart Forbes.

1896 May 23 (or the weekend before, so Saturday May 16?), Muriel Wilson is at a weekend country-house party at Warwick Castle. Was Algernon Gordon Lennox involved in the Royal Baccarat Scandal? "Among the guests entertained by the Earl and Countess of Warwick at Warwick Castle for the weekend were Sir John Willoughby, the Countess of Rosslyn, Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox, Miss Muriel Wilson, and Miss Tufnell."

1896 June 12, Muriel Wilson is at Epsom for the races in Mr. and Mrs.’s D’Arcy’s private stand, which they had lent to Lord and Lady William Nevill, who then “entertained a large party on the Derby and Oak days” (details in 1896).

1896 June 29, Muriel Wilson was present (among those who “accepted invitations to this function”) at the wedding of Lady Sophie Cadogan and Sir Samuel Scott at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street., W., London. The Prince and Princess of Wales were there, as were “hundreds” from “Society.” The list of notable guests, which includes Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Muriel Wilson, precedes the groom’s name in the story (some details in 1896).

1896 July 4, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports gossip that Muriel Wilson is engaged to the Marquess of Waterford: "It is rumoured (says the Daily Courier) that an engagement will soon be announced between the Marquess of Waterford and Miss Muriel Wilson. Lord Waterford only came of age this year. Miss Wilson is much admired, and was one time engaged to Lord Willoughby de Eresby."

1896 July 13, Monday, Muriel Wilson attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace given by Queen Victoria. Several thousand people were there, it looks like (a few details in 1896).

1896 September 9, a portrait of Muriel Wilson was published in The Sketch in an article about the artist, Amalia Kuussner.

1896 October 12–14, Muriel Wilson at the Holderness Hunt, her father having a fall:

Owing to the very stormy weather these hounds were unable to make anything out on Monday, when the meet was at Rise Park, and the day was practically a disappointing one. Yesterday was a decided improvement so far as the weather was concerned, wind and rain having in great measure subsided, and scent being much better. The master, his three sons, and daughter, Miss Muriel Wilson, were up at the meet at Cottingham Castle, where the company was more select than numerous. Foxes, as on the previous day, were plentiful. Two were drawn from the home cover, and the sticks yielded a brace. One was killed in Bentley Wood, and whilst the hounds were despatching him another bolted out the wood. The runs were chiefly in the neighbourhood of Bentley, Risby, and Cottingham, the ground in places, owing to the late rains, being heavy going. The Master got a fall at a small drain, and rolled over, but luckily was no worse. Two or three nice runs were had during the day.

1897, Muriel Wilson’s skill on a bicycle: "Mrs Harcourt Williams in The Complete Cyclist (1897), informs us that: 'The very good riders all pride themselves upon being able to ride without touching their handles; and Miss Muriel Wilson, another smart cyclist, has been seen again and again in Hull with one hand thrust into her coat pocket and the other engaged in holding up her parasol.'"

1897 January 13, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson, along with Mrs. Wilson, attended the Warwickshire Hunt Ball (a few details in 1897).

1897 February, Muriel Wilson was part of a group who visited Dublin Castle to visit the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Cadogan (details on 1897).

1897, end of February, Muriel Wilson and her mother attending balls (some details in 1897).

1897 May 15–17, Saturday–Monday, Muriel Wilson was at a weekend house party at Warwick Castle with people like Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox, A. J. Balfour, Lord Rosebery, Mr Asquith, and Mr Buckle, editor of The Times (details in 1897).

1897 May 28, Muriel Wilson attended an afternoon party at Mrs Donald’s: "Quite the most picturesque figure in the room at Mrs Donald's afternoon party on Friday (says a London gossip) was Miss Muriel Wilson, a tall, splendid-looking girl, dressed all in black, with a lacey-white vest, and roses in a black tulle picture hat."

1897 May 30, Sunday, Whitsuntide:

It will be remembered that theatricals were given at Buxton by the house party staying at Chatsworth during Whitsuntide [around 30 May 1897], and on that occasion as now Miss Muriel Wilson, who has been described as an Oriental beauty, took a prominent part and scored distinct success. At Buxton one of the plays presented was entitled, "The Commission," and practically the same company which appeared then will tread the boards again on Friday night. Miss Muriel Wilson is sure of a hearty reception. She is a talented amateur actress, and is quite at home on the Chatsworth stage. The Wilsons of Tranby Croft and their kinsfolk, the Wilsons of Warter Priory, vie with each other when at home in the splendour and elaboration of their amateur dramatic entertainments. Not long since they performed "Caste" and did it well, Miss Wilson playing "Polly."

1897 June 1, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson attended a dinner party hosted by the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Sarah Wilson (details in 1897).

1897 June 5?, Saturday, Muriel Wilson attended a fancy-dress ball hosted by Mrs. Isabel Oppenheim in which women came dressed as flowers; Muriel Wilson was dressed as a dandelion (details in 1897).

1897 June 12, Saturday, Muriel Wilson attended a house party at Chatsworth, country house of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (details in 1897 and on the page reporting gossip about the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July fancy-dress ball).

1897 July 2, Friday, Muriel Wilson, accompanying Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry Wilson and their daughter Enid Wilson, as well as Muriel Wilson's brother Mr. Clive Wilson attended the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball at Devonshire House. (Muriel Wilson is #242 in the list of people who attended.)

1897 July 31, Saturday, Muriel Wilson and Mrs. Arthur Wilson attended the wedding of Mabel Caroline Wombwell and Henry R. Hohler, as did Miss Enid Wilson (details in 1897).

1897 August 2, Muriel Wilson is mentioned as one of the beautiful unmarried women in England:

Vanity Fair asks what country in the world could show a more beautiful bevy of women than England? When Hady Helen Vincent, with her sister, Lady Cynthia Graham; when Lady Warwick, with her sisters, the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Westmorland; and when Lady Mar and Kellie, Lady de Trafford, Princess Pless, Lady De Grey. Lady Naylor-Leyland, the Duchess of Portland, Lady Alington, Lady Sophie Scott, Lady Chelsea, Mrs Algernon Burke, Lady Henry Bentinck, Mrs Willie Grenfell. Mrs Rupert Beckett, Mrs Arthur Paget, and Countess Clary are gathered together it is a sight to make an old man young; while Mrs Gerard Leigh and her sister, Lady Yarborough, and Lady Powis, Lady Norreys, Mrs Farquharson, Mrs Willie James, Lady Dalkeith, Mrs Pretyman, Mrs Gervase Beckett, Lady Rossmore, Lady Sarah Wilson, Lady Colebrooke, Lady Hartopp, Mrs Willie Walker, and Lady Milton are almost equally admired.

The many pretty girls include Miss Enid and Miss Muriel Wilson, who still head the list of unmarried beauties. Lady Beatrice Butler, Lady Alexandra Hamilton, Miss Kennard, Miss Madeline Bourke, and Miss Leila Crichton; whileamong [sic] the debutantes Lady Evelyn Crichton and Lady Vivian's daughters have had a very great success, and Lady Alice Montagu, petite and charmingly pretty, has been so much admired. The daughters of Lady Gosford. Lady Verulam, Lady Leitrim, Lady Inchiquin, and Lady Grey have also been admired, well as Lady Helen Stewart, Lady Katherine Scott, and Miss Chaplin.

1897 August 18, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson at an entertainment of the Spring-bank Orphanage at Tranby Croft:

Mrs Arthur Wilson yesterday entertained the children of the Spring-bank Orphanage at Tranby Croft. The amusements included cricket, swings, a cocoa-nut court, a steam roundabout, and races. At 5.30 there was an excellent tea. After this sports and amusements were resumed, until the time for departure, when the children gathered in front of the house, and sang a hymn.

Among the ladies and gentlemen who most actively seconded Mrs Wilson’s efforts to promote the success of the afternoon's proceedings were — Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr Clive Wilson, Mrs K. Wilson, Mr and Mrs Travers, the Rev J. Foord, and Mr J. Atkinson (Cottingham).

1897 October 5, Tuesday, the Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck, the Duke of Teck, and Alexander of Teck and retinue visited Henry James Tufton, 1st Baron Hothfield of Hothfield in Appleby. Muriel Wilson was in the houseparty to which the Tecks were travelling. Also in the party were "the Hon. John and Lady Ierne Tufton, Mr. and Mrs. William Portal, Mr. Arthur Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, Sir George Arthur, Bart., Mr. and Mrs. Charles Van Raalte; the Hon. Rosamond Tufton, the Hon. Sackville Tufton, the Hon. Charles Tufton, Captain George Tufton, Lady Clementine Walsh, and Mr. Leo. Trevor." Hothfield hosted a garden party the next day but otherwise the visit was “of a strictly private character.”

1897 October 16?, Saturday, Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Muriel Wilson were invited to the wedding of Lord Waterford and Lady Beatrix Fitzmaurice and seem to have attended. Their gifts were, to her, a “red leather writing pad”; Muriel Wilson and Kenneth Wilson also are listed as having given a gift to him, a “brocaded stationery case and blotting book.” Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and Alexandra, Princess of Wales as well as many celebrities and familiar names attended and sent gifts.

1897 November 1, Monday, Muriel Wilson, along with a number of the members of her family, took part in the Holderness Hunt (details in 1897).

1897 November 17, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson took part in the meet of the Duke of Rutland’s hounds (details in 1897).

1897 November 24, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson is at one of the parties for the Derby, at Rangemore, and well dressed (Derby in November?? Should be July? So this is another race?) (details in 1897).

1897 December 11, Muriel Wilson was injured in a roller-skating accident:

ACCIDENT MISS MURIEL WILSON.

Whilst roller skating on Saturday at the Assembly Rooms, Beverley, Miss Muriel Wilson slipped and injured one of her ankles. She was conveyed to the residence of her brother, Mr Kenneth Wilson, and Dr Gregory was sent for. He attended to her injuries, and on Sunday she was taken home to Tranby Croft. It is feared that one of the bones is fractured.

1898 January 3, Monday, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and Alexandra, Princess of Wales visit Chatsworth; Muriel Wilson is there, an early example of these Christmas/New Year’s gatherings in which she took part in the entertainment (details in 1898).

1898 February 1, Tuesday, Captain John Alan Daniell and Miss Ida Maitland Wilson married. The report says that Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid. Her gift, a “cut glass silver top scent bottle,” was to the bride.

1898 February 22, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson attended the ball at which Lord Rosebery’s daughters debuted (details in 1898).

1898 May 17, Tuesday, Daisy Countess Warwick and Muriel Wilson were at the May Drawing Room (details in 1898).

1898 May 18, Sunday, Muriel Wilson has been unwell: "Miss Muriel Wilson, says a London contemporary, this morning, has been rather unwell, and there is some talk of her going to Harrogate for a change."

1898 July 26, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson was a guest at the wedding of Miss Keith Fraser to Lord Stradbroke, as were her mother, Mrs. Arthur Wilson, and Enid Wilson, who was chaperoned by Lady Hartopp (details in 1898).

1898 July 29, Friday, Muriel Wilson was with the Mr and Mrs William James’s party at West Dean Park for the Goodwood Meet (sports event, racing?); the party also included the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (details in 1898).

1898 August 11, Thursday, Muriel Wilson took part in a garden party for the benefit of the Hull Waif and Stray Home:

Fine weather yesterday favoured the festivities at Tranby Croft, the residence of Mr. Arthur Wilson, M.F.H., in aid of the Church of England “Waif and Stray” Home in Clarendon-street, Hull. The garden party was a splendid success, many driving from Hull to be present at the function. Mrs. Arthur Wilson displayed her characteristic interest in the local charities by making the event as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. The feature the day was a May-pole dance, the dancers including Miss Muriel Wilson, Miss Joan Wilson, Mrs. Alwyn Smith, Miss Lottie Egginton, and Miss Bessie Sanderson. Portions of the house, the swimming baths, and hot-houses were thrown open for admission at a nominal charge. Tea was provided in the grounds, the proceeds going to the Home. Here Mr. Clive Wilson superintended an American bar. There were many willing helpers, and the Hull Artillery Band performed a select programme of music during the proceedings. The gain to the Home is expected to be very considerable.

1898 August 26, Friday, Muriel Wilson listed as a “Saloon passenger” on the S. S. Britannic, White Star Line, New York to Liverpool or, in this case, Liverpool to New York.

1898 November, the Duke and Duchess of Portland hosted a visit of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and a ball in Welbeck, which Muriel Wilson attended (details in 1898).

1899 January 9, Monday, “Black and White Ball” in Hull, Muriel Wilson attended, as did a number of the members of her family.

1899 January 25, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson attended the Holderness Hunt Ball (details in 1899).

1899 February 2, Thursday, Muriel Wilson, along with a number of members of her family, attended the wedding of Mr. Edward J. Upton and Miss Mary Kathleen Reckitt in Ferriby, Howdenshire (details in Arthur Stanley Wilson).

1899 April 25, Tuesday, "Miss Muriel Wilson is at Harrogate, and undergoing a course of treatment at the Harlow Carr Baths."

1899 May 2, Tuesday, the Prince of Wales visited Ruthin Castle, in Wales, for the Chester races. Ruthin Castle was the home of Cornwallis-West, and Muriel Wilson was a part of the house party that made up the reception for the prince (details on 1899).

1899 May 6, Saturday, a private viewing at the Royal Academy and a portrait of Muriel Wilson by Sir William Richmond:

One of the prettiest portraits is that of Miss Muriel Wilson, by Sir William Richmond. She is decidedly a very lovely girl, and looks her best painted by this clever artist in a lovely shade of pearl satin, which has a kind pink hue about it, something like a sunset cloud, while over her shoulders a lace fichu falls gracefully, with a drapery of palest blue and lilac chiffon. There were several other charming portraits of pretty women, but none that quite came up to this of Miss Muriel Wilson. Speaking of the pictures apart from the gowns, there is not, so far as I could judge from somewhat cursory view, any single one to taken by itself as the picture of the year.

1899 May 8, Monday, Muriel Wilson and Mrs. Arthur Wilson were at the opening of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Wagner’s Lohengrin. The Prince of Wales was there, as were a number of notable celebrities (a few details on 1899).

1899 June 21, Wednesday, the Illustrated London News reported on a bazaar to raise money for the Charing Cross Hospital. Many celebrities were present. A number of celebrities had their portraits drawn, including Muriel Wilson (details on 1899).

1899 July 4, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson was at a garden party hosted by Lady Rothschild and Mrs. Leopold Rothschild after the end of the Women’s Congress (details on 1899).

1899 July 6, Thursday, Muriel Wilson was present at the wedding of Joan Wilson and Guy Fairfax in London (details on the Wilson-family page).

1899 September 22, Friday, Muriel Harris is in New York, staying at the Waldorf, arrived on the Majestic, "on a holiday visit to see the Dewey celebrations and the Cup races."

1899 September 27, Wednesday, Muriel Wilson in New York, a reference to American "personal journalism," and a good example of an editorial voice in a newspaper report:

We are sorry for the newspaper readers of New York, sorry for the New York journalists, sorry for American civilisation, sorrier still for Miss Muriel Wilson, Tranby Croft, a name familiar in connection with a famous gambling scandal in which the Prince of Wales was unlucky enough to figure. The special correspondent of the "Daily Mail" cables to his journal from New York the startling news, news which the world has been awaiting in breathless anxiety, that Miss Wilson has arrived by the Majestic on a visit to see the Dewey celebrations and the Cup races. She is staying at the Waldorf, and it must be a comfort to Europe to know that she is a source of constant attraction. The evening papers publish large portraits of the young lady, as though she were a Cabinet Minister or a convicted criminal. "Elaborate and intimate details" of the girl's life are likewise published. That they are incorrect we doubt not, but that is a mere detail of no account whatever to the journalists, of still less account to the intelligent and refined populace catered for. Lists of the men to whom the young lady has been engaged have been published. She herself knows nothing of these prospective matrimonial arrangements, the men concerned are equally ignorant. That is their fault or their misfortune, and the newspapers could not be expected to condone their shortcomings. Finally, we are told by cable, as though President Kruger or Mr. John Dillon were the celebrity dealt with, that one the most humorous sights at the Waldorf just now is to watch Miss Wilson reading the papers with “an expression of amused wonder on her face." No doubt Yankee belles wear expressions of amused wonder differently. But they may learn better things from Miss Wilson. Some things are done well in America, some too well, and amongst these we would include personal journalism."

1899 December 4, Monday, Muriel Wilson, as well as Kenneth Wilson and Enid Wilson, took part in the Holderness Hunt.

1900s

1900 February 15, Thursday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding of her cousin Enid Wilson and the Earl of Chesterfield in London (details in 1900).

1900 February 17, Saturday, Lady Greville writes about the amateur theatricals Muriel Wilson is involved in (details on 1900).

1900 February 21–22, Hull Daily Mail story on Café Chantant, a benefit for "wives and families of the soldiers from the East Riding now at the front" and how much people spent, hosted by Mrs. Arthur Wilson, though the writer gives Muriel Wilson a lot of attention.

1900 June 12, Tuesday, Muriel Wilson and Mrs. Kenneth Wilson were at Ascot: "Mrs Kenneth Wilson was wearing grey voile, with a black hat and malmaisons, at Ascot yesterday, and chaperoned Miss Muriel Wilson, who wore a dress of mauve crepon and a round hat lined with white."

1900 July 27, Friday, the Prince of Wales had dinner at the Mrs. Arthur Wilsons’; Muriel Wilson was there as well (details on 1900).

1900 July 28, Thursday?, Muriel Wilson was present at the wedding of Lady Randolph Churchill and Mr. George Cornwallis-West (details on 1900).

1900 August 24: approximate on her name in the story but not the headline, the Dublin Evening Telegraph reports this rumor of Muriel Wilson's engagement to Count Albert Neusdorf:

Miss Marie [sic?] Wilson is said to be the most beautiful girl in England, and her engagement is therefore something of note. Count Albert Neusdorf may be considered as a brilliant match for Miss Wilson, to whom his engagement is reported. He is the godson of the late Prince Consort, and likewise a cousin, as a such is treated by the Queen, [of] the Prince of Wales, and by the remainder of the royal family. His elder brother is the Prince of Dietrichstein-Nicolsburg.

Miss Wilson is one of the most famous beauties of London society, and was in America for a few weeks at the time of the Dewey Parade and the America cup races. She is the daughter of Mrs Arthur Wilson, of Tranby Croft, and was on the eve of making her debut at the time of the famous baccarat scandal, which took place beneath her parent’s roof. She has been twice previously engaged, once to Lord Athlunmey, and on the other occasion to Lord Willoughby, son and heir of the Earl of Ancaster.

As wife of Count Albert Neusdorff, she will continue to make her home in England, as the Count is First Secretary and Counsellor of the Austro-Hungarian Embassy, besides being a Knight Grand Cross of the Queen’s Victorian Order.

1900 November 9, Muriel Wilson was at a debutante dance for a Miss Helyar (details in 1900).

1901 January 4, Muriel Wilson rescued a man who missed a train by holding on to him, this report is by the St. James’s Gazette, one among many about this incident: "A RESCUE BY MISS MURIEL WILSON. At Doncaster yesterday morning a gentleman connected with the Foreign Office, on entering the London dining car train, which was in motion, missed his footing, and fell with his legs between the footboard and platform. With great presence of mind Miss Muriel Wilson, who was in the carriage, took hold of the gentleman, and held him bodily until the train was brought to a stand."

1901 February 23, Muriel Wilson, along with many other people, was at wedding of Hugh Richard Arthur, 2nd Duke of Westminster and Constance Edwina Cornwallis-West (details on 1900).

1901 April 18–20, Muriel Wilson and Mrs. Beerbohm Tree took part in 3 performances of Masks and Faces, organized by Mrs. Arthur Wilson in aid of the local fund of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association (details on 1901).

1901 July 19, Friday, Muriel Wilson attended a concert with Mrs. Arthur Wilson at the Wilson house in Grosvenor-place in London (details on 1901).

1901 October 25, Muriel Wilson seems to be in Paris:

By the American mail just received, we have an account in a Paris telegram from the special correspondent of the "New York World” of Miss Muriel Wilson's "debut with foils." It is as follows: —

Muriel Wilson, the famous English beauty and leader of high society, joined the Anglo-American Fencing Club of Paris this week, and her debut with the foils yesterday proved a notable social event, at which the very elect of the "smart set” were present.

Miss Muriel, clad entirely in black satin, with a scarlet heart embroidered on her jacket, looked exceedingly handsome in a short skirt.

As a new member she was bound to accept a challenge to fence from one of the members designated by the club, and afterward herself to challenge two members.

Mrs Spalding de Garmendia, a Baltimore girl and crack swordswoman, was chosen by the club to first meet the new member. She easily defeated Miss Muriel, who plainly was nervous.

But later Miss Muriel gained poise and "bested" successively Jack Lorrimer, whom she first challenged, and then Miss Eustis, a daughter of the late United States Ambassador, and one of the most brilliant American fencers here.

The meeting terminated in a five o'clock tea, Miss Muriel appearing in an extremely "chic" street dress and bonnet, which formed a perfect contrast to the jaunty fencing garb she had worn few moments before.

1902 January 18, Saturday, Muriel Wilson was a bridesmaid in the wedding of Miss Dorothy Margaret Helyar and Captain Godfrey Clement Heneage.

1902 March 5: "On one occasion when Miss Muriel Wilson and some friends were watching the tables at Monte Carlo, she asked her father for some money to put on. He handed her £20, which she put on one stake. In answer to some remonstrance on her want of economy, she remarked: “This is not my way; I’ll either win all or lose all at one cast.” It is at the tables alone that she has ever known what failure means. — 'The Onlooker,' to-day."

1902 April 3, Muriel Wilson said to be the leading lady in a new theatrical company:

The news that Miss Muriel Wilson is to be "leading lady” in the new theatrical company which the Marquis of Anglesey is about to form will cause little surprise to her friends, who know that acting is a perfect passion with Miss Wilson, and she is considered quite the best amateur actress in Society circles. No country house theatricals are complete unless she is to be seen in the leading role, and her rich dark brunette style is most effective on the stage. Miss Wilson is the only daughter of the Tranby Croft family [not true], but the daughters of Mr and Mrs Charles Wilson are almost as famous as Miss Muriel Wilson herself, one of them being, of course, the Countess of Chesterfield. The future actress is almost in as great request as a bridesmaid, and there is no girl in Society who is so much sought for by hostesses as she. In spite of her popularity Miss Wilson has never married, although for a short time she was engaged to Lord Ancaster's eldest son, Lord Willoughby D'Eresby. Londoners are quite in a flutter of excitement about Lord Anglesey's promised performances in London.

1902 June 7–9, Muriel Wilson was at a house party hosted by the Earl and Countess of Warwick (details on 1902).

1902 June 26, scheduled coronation of Edward VII.

1902 August 9, coronation of Edward VII.

1903 July 13, According to the Hull Daily Mail, "Miss Muriel Wilson had the honour of being invited to dance in the first Royal quadrille the State ball at Buckingham Palace given by the King and Queen in honour of the visit of President Loubet." Also, another charitable event at which she performed: "Valda Gleichen, Miss Muriel Wilson, Mrs George Cornwallis West, and Catherine Jones, the young Welsh contralto, will take part in the concert be held to-day at Wimborne House in aid of the Welsh industries.

1904, Winston Churchill proposed to Muriel Wilson, who seems to have turned him down.

1904 November 26, Saturday, guests at a ceremony distributing prizes to members of the “2nd East Riding of Yorkshire Garrison Artillery (Volunteers)”: “Major Stanley Wilson, M.P., and Mrs Wilson, Captain Clive Wilson, D.S.O., and Miss Muriel Wilson.”

1905 July 10, Muriel Wilson attended a dinner party hosted by the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador (details on 1905).

1905 September 7, Winston Churchill was still pursuing Muriel Wilson.

1907, John Singer Sargent's drawing of Muriel Wilson's head was printed as a lithograph this year.

1907 March 14, the Sheffield Evening Telegraph reported a rumor about Muriel Wilson and Prince Francis of Teck: "It was reported yesterday that Miss Muriel Wilson, the daughter of Mr. Arthur Wilson, of Tranby Croft, was engaged to marry Prince Francis of Teck, the brother of the Princess of Wales. The Hull Daily Mail is authorised by a member the family to give a point-blank denial to the rumour."

1907 September, Muriel Wilson was in Venice with Helen Vincent, and then she and Winston Churchill spent a week together in Italy (Venice and Tuscany).

1908 November 7, Muriel Wilson had the nickname “Dear Lady Rejection”: "Rumour has it (says the club window gossip of the “Liverpool Post”) that Miss Muriel Wilson, of Tranby Croft, about to bestow her hand on a peer. She one of the most beautiful women in England, and one the best talkers. Each season has been marked by refusal of eligible suitors. “Dear Lady Rejection,” as she was once nicknamed by the Duke of Marlborough, has so far refrained from marriage. The other day it was said by one who knew her well that she would not long remain single after the engagement of her dearest friend, Miss Homer, to Mr. George Lambton. The marriage of the latter pair, next month, is to be very quiet, without bridesmaids, and with only restricted reception after the ceremony."

1908 August 15, Winston Churchill wrote to say he was engaged to Clementine Hozier, and Muriel wrote back with affection and warmth.

1908 November 9, “Rumour has it that Miss Muriel Wilson, of Tranby Croft, is about to bestow her hand on a Peer.”

1910s

1916 June 3–5, the weekend, Á Court Repington was socializing:

Went to see Muriel Wilson in the afternoon to advise her about her brother, Jack, who was captured by the Austrian submarine in the Mediterranean with despatches.He is anxious to be exchanged, but she is doubtful whether it is not all best left alone. We finally agreed that I should sound the Foreign Office and see how they regard what he has done, and that she would sound Lord K.'s FitzGerald and find out the War Office view. Her little house in 25 Charles Street very perfect and in excellent taste. I thought Laszlo's last picture of her perfectly charming, and very finely painted.

Went to Lady Sarah's, and she drove me down to Maxine Elliott's. Very jolly week-end, only spoilt by vile weather. Winston Churchill and his wife, Sir Forbes Robertson and his lady, Lord Drogheda, Sir F. Sinclair, Captain Foster and his wife, Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, and Mrs. Montagu; Miss Muriel Wilson came down on Sunday.

1916 July 18, Tuesday, Á Court Repington was socializing:

Arrived rather late at Mrs. Arthur Wilson's for lunch. I sat between Muriel Wilson and Sevastopoulo. There were also there Mr. Laszlo and his wife, Lady Leslie, Lady Essex, Sir Louis Mallet, Major Baker Carr, whom I have not seen for twenty-three years, and Soveral.

Very pleasant luncheon, with a lot of chaff. Soveral in good form as usual, and very amusing. I told Miss Muriel how impossible it was to exchange her brother Jack, who was captured by an Austrian submarine from a big ship. Neither the Foreign nor War Office is at all pleased about it, and Vansittart at the Foreign Office warned me that it was best in Jack's interest to leave the matter alone, especially as he is near Vienna, and is well treated.

1916 August 19–21, Saturday to Monday, Á Court Repington was socializing: "Went down to Coombe, and found Mrs. Astor, Miss Muriel Wilson, Evan Charteris / Vansittart, M. Bardac of the French Embassy, and a few others. The General, the twins, and Somers Cocks came down on Saturday, but were recalled owing to activity in the North Sea. Mr. Balfour came down on Sunday, and also Mrs. O'Neill, a fine tennis player, who wins tournaments. A very pleasant party; Balfour played very well."

1916 August 28, Monday, Á Court Repington was lunching at the Ritz with Bertier and Pernot”; "I introduced them to Muriel Wilson and Soveral, who were lunching near us. Miss Muriel talks excellent French."

1917 July 22, Sunday, Muriel Wilson is at Coombe (the Pagets had a house there?). Charles À Cout Repington says,

Week-end at Coombe: Sir Arthur and Lady Paget, Charles Fox, Evan Charteris, Lady Mar, Sir Archibald and Lady Murray, Lady Ridley, Miss Muriel Wilson, F. E. Smith’s brother, Mr. and Miss Kerr-Clark, Baron M. de Rothschild, Tony Drexel, Mrs. Rupert Beckett, Mrs. O’Neill, the Prince and Princess Radziwill, and M. Bardac. A very pleasant party. Charles Fox came down with me, and he thrilled the guests with the stories of his imprisonment in Germany and his escape. Played tennis / morning and afternoon. Smith very good. Lady Mar and M. W. [Muriel Wilson?] played excellently, and Mrs. O’Neill as splendidly as always.

1917 August 29, The Tatler has a portrait of Muriel Wilson and says she is engaged to Lieutenant R. E Warde: "Miss Muriel Wilson, whose engagement to Lieutenant R. E. Warde, M.C., Scots Guards, has been recently announced, is one of the best-known and most popular people in society. She has done a lot of good work for the Red Cross. She is the youngest daughter of Mrs. Arthur Wilson of Tranby Croft and the sister of Lady Holford and Mrs. Lycett Green. Her father, the late Mr. Arthur Wilson, was the younger brother of the 1st Lord Nunburnholme."

1917 September 1, Muriel Wilson and Richard Edward Warde M.C. married at Analby Church.

1918 July 6–7, À Cout Repington says Muriel Wilson is now married, calls her Mrs. Ward, spelling it wrong.

1918 September 16, Monday, À Cout Repington: "Dined with Major and Mrs. Warde (Muriel Wilson), Sevastopoulo, and the bride, Lady Alastair Leveson-Gower. Reggie Pembroke and Graves joined us later. A merry party with much chaff. Mrs. Warde in great form."

Mid 20th Century

1939, Muriel Wilson and Somerset Maugham were evacuated from the French Riviera.

1958 November 27, Muriel Wilson is still alive and unmarried in 1958, reported present at a funeral for the Hon. Maud Ritchie on Thursday, 27 November 1958. Is this the right Muriel Wilson?

Regular and Recurring Events

• Muriel Wilson regularly took part in amateur theatricals, especially around Hull and at Chatsworth House around Christmas and New Year's. There are constant references to it in the newspaper articles (but see also Trevor 276–279). See also, e.g., 3 January 1893.
• She regularly took part in fund raising for charities, especially around Hull, beginning when she was quite young and continuing apparently for much of her life.
• She regularly rode in meets and hunts, especially the Holderness Hunt, although Candida (1908 August 19) says she does not like meets or races.
• For a time she regularly attended events at Warwick Castle.

Muriel Wilson as Queen Vashti. ©National Portrait Gallery, London.

Costume at the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July 1897 Fancy-dress Ball

At the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball, Muriel Wilson was dressed as Queen Vashti and walked in the "Oriental" procession.

Henry Bullingham's portrait of "Muriel Wilson as Queen Vashti" in costume is photogravure #98 in the album presented to the Duchess of Devonshire and now in the National Portrait Gallery. The printing on the portrait says, "Miss Muriel Wilson as Queen Vashti," with a Long S in Miss.

Another image of her in costume appeared in the Queen (top left on the page, the numeral 13 below the drawing, facing slightly to her right, body turned slightly to her left; the drawing is similar to her costume in her photograph, headdress and bare arms emphasized; the drawing apparently signed by “Rook").

One source says her costume was made by "the costumier in Soho-square," but another says by Mrs. Mason, who was on Burlington-street.

Muriel Wilson is listed as being with Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson, most likely her uncle Charles Henry Wilson and aunt Florence Jane Helen Wilson. (Another Mr. C. Wilson, Mr. Clarence Wilson is from a difference family, the Wilsons related by marriage to the Spencer-Churchills.)

Newspaper Descriptions of Her Costume

• Like Lady de Trafford, "as Semiramide, [she] wore Assyrian costumes and wonderful jewels, with characteristic headgear."
• She walked with the Hon. Mrs. Maquire in the Oriental procession.
• "'Vashti' was beautifully impersonated by Miss Muriel Wilson, who, however, looked rather too young for that rôle."
• "Miss Muriel Wilson made a splendid Vashti, in white crêpe and silver, with bands of diamonds in her hair, a lotus flower at one side and a pomegranate on the other."
• Accompanying the line drawing in the Queen is this description:

  Made by Mrs Mason, 4, New Burlington Street, W. … MISS MURIEL WILSON, Queen Vashti. — In cloth of silver, and a gauze veil over, elaborately embroidered in diamonds and silver; diamond girdle; white crêpe de Chine train, also embroidered; Assyrian headdress in diamonds, with lotus flower and pomegranates.

Vashti

Queen Vashti appears in the Book of Esther as a disobedient wife whose punishment is to be replaced as queen by Esther. "Feminists" in the 19th century like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Cady Stanton side with Vashti against Esther and King Ahasuerus. Poet John Brayshaw Kaye dedicated his 1894 Vashti to his daughter.

Portraits

1. 1897, Henry Bullingham, for the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball, in the book owned and digitized by the National Portrait Gallery.
2. 1900 February 21, full-page portrait photograph of Muriel Wilson by Mendelssohn, Ltd.
3. 1901 August 29, a portrait of Muriel Wilson by Lallie Charles was published in The Tatler, full page, with this biographical info: "Miss Muriel Wilson is the third daughter of Mr. Arthur Wilson of Tranby Croft. Her cousin, Miss Enid Wilson, is married to the Earl of Chesterfield."
4. 1902: The Book of Beauty (Era of King Edward VII.). A Collection of Beautiful Portraits. With Literary, Artistic, and Musical Contributions by Men and Women of the Day. Ed., [Emma Sara Williamson] Mrs. F. Harcourt Williamson, out by Feb. 1903, copyright 1902. Messrs. Hutchinson & Co. 2 editions: the first, 300 copies; the second, a limited edition of 50 copies, had 12 hand-colored plates. This is the 2nd “series” of The Book of Beauty, the first having come out from the same editor in 1896 and been successful. The first one:

   Book of Beauty (The). — Late Victorian Era: Containing many portraits, mostly by celebrated artists, drawings, musical compositions and writings, by leading Authors and other talented people, with autograph signatures to portraits and compositions. The work of selecting and arranging the portraits, music, sketches, and literary contributions done by Mrs. F. Harcourt Williamson. Of the portraits 45 are photogravures, from pictures by the late Lord Leighton, P.R.A., the late Sir J. E. Millais, P.R.A., J. S. Sargent, R.A., G. F. Watts, R.A., W. B. Richmond, R.A., Professor Herkomer, R.A., J. McNeil Whistler, Edward Hughes, Ellis Roberts, and other eminent artists. In one large volume (13 in. by 10 in.), 1 guinea nett.

5. John Singer Sargent's drawing of Muriel Wilson's head was printed as a lithograph in 1907.
6. 1911 June 20 photo of the Duchess of Wellington’s “Quadrille Party: A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” participants listed.
7. 1915, Muriel Wilson sat for a portrait by Philip de László in her Red Cross uniform.
8. 1916 November 30, probably, Muriel Wilson sat for a second portrait by Philip de László. It was finished in January 1917.
9. 1917 August 29, The Tatler has a portrait of Muriel Wilson and says she is engaged to Lieutenant R. E Warde.

Demographics

• Nationality: English

Residences

• Tranby Croft, Hull, Yorkshire
• 25 Charles Street, London
• Large villa in the south of France: Villa Maryland, Cap Ferrat

Family

• Arthur Wilson (14 December 1836 – 1909)
• Mary Emma Smith (1843 – 1927)

1. Tottie (Susannah) West Wilson (1864 – 1943)
2. Ethel Mary Wilson (1865 – 10 Apr 1934)
3. Arthur Stanley Wilson-Filmer (30 July 1868 – 12 April 1930)
4. Edward Kenneth Wilson (1869 – 1947)
5. Clive Henry Adolphus Wilson (1878 – 1921)
6. Muriel Thetis Wilson Warde (24 March 1875 – 19 October 1964)
7. 7th child? born 1876?

• Muriel Thetis Wilson (24 March 1875 – 19 October 1964)
• Richard Edward Warde M.C. (c. 1884 – 29 May 1932)

Relations: The Wilsons of Warter Priory

• Charles Henry Wilson, 1st Baron Nunburnholme (22 April 1833 – 28 October 1907)
• Florence Jane Helen Wellesley (1853 – 8 December 1932)

1. Hon. Millicent Florence Eleanor Wilson Cradock-Hartop Wellesley Duberly (1872–1952)
2. Hon. Charles Henry Wellesley Wilson (1875–1924)
3. Colonel Hon. Guy Greville Wilson (1877–1943)
4. Hon. Enid Edith Wilson Scudamore-Stanhope (10 September 1878 – 30 November 1957)
5. Hon. Joan Evelyn Jane Wilson Fairfax (1880–1960)
6. Hon. Gwladys Alice Gertrude Wilson Chaplin (1881–1971)
7. Hon. Gerald Valerian Wilson (1885–1908)

Questions and Notes

1. Muriel Wilson was part of social events beginning when she was very young: she was 11 in May 1887, the first newspaper report I find.
2. A Clive Wilson (349) and a Clarence Wilson (300) both attended the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball on 2 July 1897; Muriel attended with a Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson. Clive Wilson is her brother; the extended Wilson family had a Charles as well. Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson are listed in the Times as having Miss Muriel Wilson (242) with them. I'm assuming for now that they are the Clive Wilsons.
3. Richard Edward Warde's parents were Alexander Warde and of Mrs. Cruddas of Stoke Bishop.
4. Muriel Wilson and Richard Warde lived with her mother at Tranby Croft and in Charles Street, London.
5. Muriel Wilson inherited Maryland, the villa in the French Riviera, upon her mother's death.
6. 1903, a story about Muriel Wilson’s role in the amateur theatricals at Chatsworth in Leo Trevor’s memoir: "Since their institution Miss Muriel Wilson has always been associated in a primary degree with their success, and for the last few years has been the life and soul of these entertainments — the sun around which the lesser lights* of the amateur world have revolved. [* 'Stars' would be a more effective word, but I fear the simile would not be astronomically correct.]"
7. After the turn of the century and the coronation, general stories about Muriel Wilson began to appear, summarizing her social life and personality. I've put them here rather than in the timeline because they're not about specific events at specific points.
8. 1903 January 26, Muriel Wilson is one of the “lady bachelors” or “society girl bachelor”:

   The pantomime party, followed by supper at the Savoy, at which Lady Constance Mackenzie, the unmarried sister of the Countess of Cromartie, has been entertaining her friends before her departure for Egypt and Japan is an indication of the growing independence of the society girl bachelor, says the Sheffield Telegraph. In the States, which Lady Constance lately visited, the bachelor maid of the wealthy classes arranges her own affairs and her own entertainments, and the custom is being introduced London by the more independent among our young women. Other society girls who have shown a tendency to claim some the independence enjoyed in this age of women's Clubs, latch keys, and general emancipation are Miss Muriel Wilson and Lady Ulrica Duncombe, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Feversham. Lady Ulrica, who was a student of Newnham College, lately travelled to India alone, a feat that a generation ago would have been considered highly improper.

9. 1904 July 22, Muriel Wilson is one of the Society Giantesses:

   It has been remarked how few "little women” now figure in society. Pocket Venuses are no-longer the fashion; the beauty of today is, like the daughter the gods, "divinely tall." The Duchess of Portland, the Duchess of Sutherland. Lady Londonderry, Lady Chesterfield, Miss Muriel Wilson, Lady Grove, and Violet Talbot, the latest beauty, are all striking instances of this. No longer does a tall woman attract attention. On the contrary, everything possible is done to accentuate her height and make her big and imposing. Long flowing robes clothe her, and high heels and high tiaras help to achieve the desired effect; while athletics have played no small part in transforming the gawky girl of yesterday into the Grecian goddess of to-day. — Mrs. Hugh Adams, in "London Opinion."

10. 1904 October 8:

    The fact that the Queen and the Princesses long ago adopted an individuality of their own which they have been faithful to for twenty years makes it plain that royalty has little to do with the vagaries of Madame La Mode. Fashions (writes Mrs. Hugh Adams in “London Opinion”) are set by the pretty women of society, whose privilege is to look well in everything they put on, and whose dressmakers, realising the fact, make use of them as models to display new fashions, knowing that nine out of ten of their acquaintances will copy their style of dress in the hope of achieving the same results. Well-known beauties like the Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess of Sutherland, Lady Warwick, Lady Chesterfield, and Miss Muriel Wilson, have as much influence upon fashion in England to-day as the Empress Eugenie had in Paris during the Second Empire.

11. 1905 January 28, Saturday, there’s a story about Muriel Wilson in Woman at Home:

    Miss Muriel Wilson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilson, of Tranby Croft, near Hull, and has been the beauty now many a season, says the Woman at Home. Like her cousins, Lady Chesterfield, Mrs. Guy Fairfax, and the other daughters of Mr. Charles Wilson, Warter Priory, Miss Wilson has been much in the world: has, indeed, been far more constantly en evidence than they. Tall, handsome, and Oriental [sic] looking, her dark beauty was made familiar to visitors of the Royal Academy a few seasons ago by the brush of Sir William Richmond, who painted her to the life. Miss Wilson is one of the most accomplished girls in society; full of pluck, she is a thorough sportswoman, and speaks French like Parisienne, excels as an amateur actress, and as an all-round conversationalist.

12. 1905 September 1, Muriel Wilson is listed among the sportswomen of society, and Lady Violet Greville is not, which means I assume that either she wasn’t that good a shot or not in society, or maybe both. Also, of course, she'd be older at this point.

    Each season sees new recruits in the ranks of Society sportswomen. Princess Charles of Denmark is a skilled shot, and as a child was taught to shoot at a target. Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg, formerly Grand Duchess of Hesse, and niece to King Edward, is another famous markswoman. [new paragraph] The Duchess of Bedford is a splendid shot, and so is the Duchess of Newcastle, who killed many head of big game in the Rocky Mountains. The Marchioness of Breadalbane is a first-rate rifle shot and deer-stalker. Lady Loch shoots well, and many fine stags have fallen to her rifle. Lady Sandhurst and the Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke must also be included among noted deer-stalkers. Lady Hindlip is another big game shot, and brought down and brought home a giraffe from her recent travels in East Africa. Lady Delamere has also secured some notable trophies from the African jungle. [new paragraph] Lady Wolverton, Lady Helen Stavordale, Lady Vivian, and Lady Juliet Duff are all good markswomen, and Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson is, of course, second to none as a noted sportswoman. She has shot stags in Scotland, big game in the jungles of Ceylon, and wild hogs on the plains of South-West Texas. Lady Beatrice Pole-Carew is another splendid shot, and the list also includes Lady Elena Wickham, sister to the Marquis of Huntly, Lady Constance Scott, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, Mrs. Asquith, and Miss Muriel Wilson. [new paragraph] Mrs. Alan Gardner, daughter of Sir James Blyth, has killed big game in the four quarters of the globe; and Mrs. George Cornwallis West shoots as well as she writes or plays on the piano. The Hon. Mrs. Lancelot Lowther is a good rabbit shot, and Violet Lady Beaumont and the Countess of Warwick are deadly with partridges and pheasents.

13. 1907 February 7, Muriel Wilson is mentioned as “the most written about Society girl of the day” and is fluent in Italian. (Clive Wilson married Signora Magherini the week before.)
14. 1908 August 19, The Tatler’s “Open Letter” to Muriel Wilson:

    Dear Miss Wilson, — Most of these letters are addressed to married women, while as it happens you still retain the benefits of freedom. But times have changed, and during the last decade there has arisen in our midst a certain set of smart single women who have now become definite factors in our social economy, and among these you are a leading light, and have made for yourself quite a record position. Well, you had a good start as the beautiful and much-loved youngest daughter of Mr. Arthur Wilson of Tranby Croft, one of the best-known and best-liked of modern millionaires. [new paragraph] First, I must admit that you are exceptionally handsome, and were once very aptly described as “obvious and splendid as a bird of paradise." For you are tall and dark with an almost Eastern glow in your eyes and a rose-and-white brilliancy of complexion. [new paragraph] And you attract notice wherever you go, even in New York, where the beaux and belles, as they still style themselves, are apt to be captious as regards the good looks of Englishwomen. And you are one of the lucky ladies that look well at all times and upon all occasions. Not only at Court and at balls and dinners but when walking with the guns, playing with your dogs, or wearing a blue serge in Bond Street at ten in the morning. [new paragraph] Many of our smart women are content with being beautiful, but you are not and have countless other aims and aspirations. You are extremely well read and intensely musical, and for many years past have been widely known for your dramatic talents. True I have heard you say that you hate acting, but all the same you turn your talents to good account at country houses and for charity entertainments. If I remember aright you scored your first great success at the tableaux given for the war fund in the winter of 1899 at His Majesty's Theatre. Mr. Tree is said to have been struck by your talent and peculiar adaptability, and there is no doubt that had your lines been cast in different places you would now be one of London's leading ladies. Indeed, there has been more than one rumour that Miss Muriel Wilson would soon become a professional. And success has been well deserved, for you worked with a will and have taken many lessons from first-rate teachers, among others from Madame Cavalazzi-Mapleson, with whom you used to rehearse before the winter performances at Chatsworth. This last word recalls to mind the locale of your former triumphs and makes me wonder whether you will or not reappear on the scene in the reign of the new Duchess of Devonshire. You are a clever linguist, know Italian well, which you learnt in Italy, and are, with perhaps the exception of Lady de Grey and Lady Mary Pepys, the only English woman who can speak Parisian French to perfection. [new paragraph] This makes a long list of accomplishments, but your social success is — apart / from beauty — no doubt due to the fact that you have a ready wit, can talk well, and are always bright and amusing. Then you play bridge cleverly and are a first-rate sportswoman and automobilist. And you show a calm and admirable recklessness at Monte Carlo. [new paragraph] Writing the above reminds me that I once heard a funny story in this same connection. A friend told me that you were at the tables with your father, Mr. Wilson, and asked him for some money to gamble with. He handed you £20, which you promptly put on in one stake, and when remonstrated with for your want of caution you made answer, "That is not my way: I'll either win all or lose all at one cast." This sounds fine, does it not? but to my mind is a bit of the "do-or-die" ethics which now prevail in our smartest set. Indeed, your whole nature seems to sound the latest note of modern manners and customs. You are a charming woman, still single, but always with the "married lot," and you now go about "on your own" and seem to enjoy quasi rank as a smart and gay young matron. This is a type that was unknown to our grandparents, yet there can be no doubt that it takes first place and adds much to the gaiety of nations. [new paragraph] But I want to do you full justice, and will now describe some of your best points and one or two winning traits in your character. In some ways you show a fine nature. You are kindly and generous, your heart is in the right place, you show a quick and ready sympathy, and in a quiet way do many a good turn to the poor or suffering. And there is such a grace in that “quiet way," for nowadays any kindly deed we do is far too often proclaimed from the housetops. The Wilson wealth, as we all know, is derived from Hull, where your father is one of the heads of a prosperous line of steamships, and there is much to admire in the loyal way in which you deal with the Hull / tradespeople. Many women in the smart set with far less ample resources would have every rag they wore from the best dressmakers in London and Paris. But you employ local faiseurs who, indeed, seem to turn you out in first-rate style and in a most becoming manner. Even your Court gowns often hail from Hull and your smartest hats are put together by the hands of a home grown modiste. This line of action shows a keen sense of justice and one supposes a certain grain of self-sacrifice. [new paragraph] And another fact, and a curious one, is that you seem to have a decided distaste for racing and race meetings. You are never seen at Newmarket and rarely put in an appearance at Doncaster. The turf has no place in your thoughts, and this is strange in the case of a woman who lives in the inner set of smart society. In fact, you “chuck” Doncaster in a pointed manner and often make tracks for Venice early in September. And your love for Venice is deep and real, and more than once you have rented an apartment in that queen of cities. A straw shows which way the wind blows, and a wish for the higher life can be proved by such small indications. [new paragraph] Also I ought to say that you have immense pluck and presence of mind and more than once might have won the medal of the Royal Humane Society. [new paragraph] Well do I remember the scene on the platform when you saved a man’s life at a railway station. Some said he was a Cabinet minister and someone else a market gardener, but the facts were these. A young Foreign Office clerk had been staying at Tranby Croft for a week-end and was returning to town with the house party. You and he went into the refreshment-room for a cup of tea at an intermediate station. Somehow you both let the warning bell pass unheeded and rushed back to catch the train when it was already in motion. You sprang in first, but the man who followed you missed his footing, and had it not been for your pluck in seizing his hands and — this showed great physical strength — holding him up in your arms he must have gone under the wheels and met with his death or a frightful accident. [new paragraph] Well, now I have described a brave, beautiful, and most talented woman, and all of us wonder why she remains unmarried. It is now a few years since you came out, and everyone knows that you have had countless admirers. Indeed, your engagement to a certain handsome young serene highness was announced only to be promptly contradicted by Mr. Arthur Wilson. [new paragraph] By the way, I wonder how many people know that for a second name you bear the classical one of Thetis. And I forgot to say that you are fond of dogs. You fancy big ones, and an old sheepdog is your chosen companion. Really, in spite of smartness, the simple life has for you some marked attractions. — Believe me your sincere admirer, Candida. [new paragraph] Next week, THE MARCHIONESS OF LANSDOWNE

15. Some notes and summary of The Tatler’s “Open Letter” for c. 20 August 1908 by "Candida": 1.) Beautiful, well read “intensely musical” “widely known for your dramatic talents”; 2.) 1st success: “tableaux given for the war fund in the winter of 1899 at His Majesty’s Theatre.” Mr. Tree impressed. Worked with Madame Cavalazzi-Mapleson as acting teacher? Singing teacher? Winter performances at Chatsworth. 3.) Knew Italian and Parisian French.

Bibliography

• Attwood, Gertrude M. The Wilsons of Tranby Croft. East Yorkshire: Hutton Press, 1988.
• Cleggett, David A.H. The Filmers and the Wilsons, 1255-1968. Privately printed, 2005.
• "Ms Muriel Thetis Wilson of Tranby Croft." Lot 5. Chiswick Auctions https://chiswickauctions.co.uk/lot/151208-lot-5/.