Portrait of Mrs. Waldorf Astor, nee Nancy Langhorne, painted by John Singer Sargent in 1908. Source: http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/766112

The first woman to ever hold a position in the british parliament was Nancy Astor in 1919. She was an american-born beauty who moved to England after a divorce in America. Her family was very wealthy which made her a good social fit for her new acquired husband, Waldorf Astor, one of the richest men in England. Due to the death of Waldord Astors father, there was a vacant seat in parliament that Astor could not take. Therefore, someone of high position was needed to fill the seat. Waldaorf Astor wanted his wife to take the position so that he could possibly come back once he was able. After campaining hard, Nancy Astor won the election with a majority of over 5000. 


Event date


The middle of the month Autumn 1919

Event date


Event date

Parent Chronology





Vetted?
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