Gladys, Baroness Swaythling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gladys, Baroness Swaythling
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Gladys Helen Rachel Goldsmid
December 4, 1879 |
| Died | August 1, 1965 (aged 85) London, England
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Gladys, Baroness Swaythling (born Gladys Goldsmid; 1879–1965) was an important person in the British Jewish community. She was known for her kindness and for giving money to good causes. This is called being a philanthropist. She was also the wife of Louis Montagu, who was the 2nd Baron Swaythling. She received special awards like the OBE and DStJ for her work.
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About Gladys Swaythling
Gladys Helen Rachel Goldsmid was born in Belfast on December 4, 1879. Her parents were Colonel Albert Edward Williamson Goldsmid and Ida Stewart Hendricks.
On February 9, 1898, she married Louis Samuel-Montagu. She became Baroness Swaythling on January 12, 1911. This happened when her husband inherited the title of Baron Swaythling.
Helping Others During Wartime
Before she got married, Gladys was an "Officer of Public Instruction" in France. This meant she helped with education there.
During the First World War, Baroness Swaythling volunteered to help. She worked with the Wounded Allied Committee. This group helped soldiers who were hurt in the war. She also helped people who had to leave their homes in Belgium because of the war. These people were called Belgian refugees.
Gladys Swaythling also worked with the Ladies London Association. From 1921 to 1962, she was a Vice-President of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This organization helps protect children from harm.
After Her Husband's Death
After her husband passed away, Baroness Swaythling continued her important work. She was involved with the Electrical Association for Women for 30 years. She was the treasurer from 1931 to 1938. Then, she became the president from 1938 to 1957. This group helped women learn about and use electricity safely.
During the Second World War, she again volunteered to help refugees. She also inspired the creation of the International Wine and Food Society. This group celebrates food and wine from around the world. Swaythling was also the President of the Southampton Branch of the Alliance Française. This group promotes French language and culture in Great Britain.
Awards and Family
Gladys Swaythling was recognized for her many good deeds. She received several awards during her life. She was appointed a Dame of Grace, Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. She was also given an O.B.E., which stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire. These are special honors given for important contributions to society.
She was also a Fellow of two important groups:
- The Royal Geographical Society
- The Royal Photographic Society
Gladys and her husband had four children:
- Stuart Albert Samuel Montagu, 3rd Baron Swaythling
- Ewen Edward Samuel Samuel Montagu
- Ivor Goldsmid Samuel Montagu
- Joyce Ida Jessie Samuel-Montagu
Gladys, Baroness Swaythling, died in London on January 8, 1965. She was the great-aunt of the famous comedian Christopher Guest.
