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Margot Rufus Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading facts for kids

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Margot Irene Rufus Isaacs (born January 11, 1919 – died April 19, 2015) was an important British lady who worked for many causes. She was known as the Marchioness of Reading.

Early Life

Margot was one of three daughters. Her parents were Percival Augustus Duke and Violet Mappin. She also had a half-brother, Sir Charles Mappin. His mother was Violet, from her first marriage into the Mappin & Webb family.

Margot went to Benenden school. She became well-known as a beautiful young woman. She was even the face of Pond's face cream.

Marriage and Family

In 1940, Margot married Michael, Viscount Erleigh. He later became the 3rd Marquess of Reading.

They had four children:

  • Simon Isaacs, 4th Marquess of Reading
  • Lady Jacqueline Rufus Isaacs
  • Lord Antony Rufus Isaacs, who became a film producer
  • Lord Alexander Rufus Isaacs, who became a lawyer

The family lived at Staplefield Grange in Sussex.

Interests and Causes

Margot was a very active person. She was one of the first women in Britain to get a pilot's licence. This meant she could fly airplanes! She also took part in a big car race, the Round Britain car rally, in 1952.

She wrote a history novel called Anne of the Sealed Knot. This book was about her ancestor, Anne Duke, who lived during the English Civil War.

Margot cared deeply about social issues. She thought about becoming a politician for the Conservative party. She also became a strong supporter of animal rights. She worked to protect animals like camels, through the Wild Camel Protection Foundation, and bears.

Later Life

The Marchioness of Reading spent her later years at Glebe Farm House in Oxfordshire. She passed away on April 19, 2015. Her funeral was held at St Mary's Church in Chipping Norton.

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