Ann Fleming facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ann Fleming
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Fleming in 1957
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Anne Geraldine Mary Charteris
19 June 1913 Westminster, London, England
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| Died | 12 July 1981 (aged 68) Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, England
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| Known for | Socialite |
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| Children | 4 |
Ann Geraldine Mary Fleming (born Charteris, 19 June 1913 – 12 July 1981) was a well-known British socialite. A socialite is someone who is famous for being part of high society and attending many social events. She was married three times. Her last husband was the famous writer Ian Fleming, who created the James Bond novels.
Contents
Ann Fleming's Life
Early Years and Family
Ann Charteris was born in Westminster, London, on 19 June 1913. Her parents were Frances Lucy Tennant and Captain Guy Lawrence Charteris. She was the oldest daughter in her family. Her grandfather was Hugo Charteris, 11th Earl of Wemyss. Her grandmother, Mary Constance Wyndham, was also a well-known social figure.
Ann had a sister named Laura Spencer-Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Her brother, Hugo Charteris, became a novelist. Ann was taught at home by governesses. She loved literature and reading.
Marriages and Social Life
As a young woman, Ann became a debutante. This meant she was introduced to high society. In 1932, she married Shane O'Neill, 3rd Baron O'Neill. He was an aristocrat, meaning he belonged to a noble family. He was also a financier, someone who manages money. They had two children together.
Later, Ann became close to Esmond Cecil Harmsworth. He was the son of Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere. His family owned the Daily Mail newspaper. Ann's first husband, Shane O'Neill, died in 1944 during the war. In 1945, Ann married Esmond Harmsworth, who had become Lord Rothermere.
As Lord and Lady Rothermere, they hosted many parties. Their friends included famous artists like Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. The choreographer Frederick Ashton was also part of their social group.
Life with Ian Fleming
Around this time, Ann also became close to Ian Fleming. Ian Fleming had left the navy and started working as a journalist. He worked for The Sunday Times. Ian had built a house called Goldeneye in Jamaica. He would spend three months there each year. Ann often joined him in Jamaica.
In 1951, Ann's marriage to Lord Rothermere ended. The next year, in 1952, she married Ian Fleming. They had one son named Caspar. He was born in August 1952. It is said that Ian Fleming wrote his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, because he was worried about getting married.
Ann received money from her previous marriage. Ian Fleming also looked for more ways to earn money. His James Bond books became very popular right away.
The Flemings bought a house in London. They often entertained guests there. Later, they moved to Sevenhampton in 1963. They rebuilt a house there and called it Sevenhampton Place. Ian Fleming did not always enjoy social events as much as Ann did. However, their homes attracted many famous writers like Evelyn Waugh and Cyril Connolly.
Later Years
Ian Fleming passed away in 1964. Their son, Caspar, died in London in 1975. Ann Fleming passed away at Sevenhampton Place on 12 July 1981. Both Ann and Ian Fleming are buried at the church of St James in Sevenhampton.
