Marjorie Sinclair, Baroness Pentland facts for kids

Marjorie Adeline Gordon Sinclair, Baroness Pentland (born December 7, 1880 – died July 26, 1970) was an important woman who worked to help others. She was the daughter of John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, who was the first Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair, and Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair.

Marjorie was known for her dedication to improving housing for people in the UK. She also received special honors for her work.

Early Life and Time in Canada

Marjorie was mostly taught at home by private teachers. When she was 13, in 1893, she went with her parents to Canada. Her father had been appointed the Governor-General of Canada, which is like a representative of the King or Queen.

Even as a child, Marjorie was very active. She started and edited a magazine for young people called Wee Willie Winkie. She loved learning about Canadian history. She helped her parents with historical plays called "Tableaux Historiques" in Montreal, Quebec. She also took part in a historical fancy dress ball in Ottawa, Ontario and a Victorian Era ball in Toronto, Ontario. Marjorie helped create the May Court Club in Ottawa and was the first "May Queen" chosen to lead it.

Life in England and Marriage

After returning to England, Marjorie continued her creative pursuits. She wrote a play based on a book called Fortunes of Nigel by Scott and gave lectures. Her official introduction to society, called a "coming out ball," was held at Haddo House in Scotland in 1899. She then made her debut in London society in 1901 and was presented at Court shortly after. In 1903, she was even considered as a candidate for the School Board in Methlick, Aberdeenshire.

On July 12, 1904, Marjorie married John Sinclair, 1st Baron Pentland. He was born in 1860 and passed away in 1925. They had two children together:

• Henry John Sinclair, who later became the 2nd Lord Pentland (1907–1984)
• Hon. Margaret Ishbel Sinclair (1906–1976)

Advocacy and Recognition

In 1914, Marjorie traveled to India with her husband. While visiting a place called Travancore, a cookbook titled Culinary Art Sparklets was dedicated to her by Beatrice A. Vieyra.

Marjorie was recognized for her contributions to society. In 1917, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This is a very high honor. She was also invested as a Dame of Grace, Order of St. John of Jerusalem (D.G.St.J.).

She was a strong supporter of better housing for people in the UK. For many years, she was good friends with Anne Muriel Lupton. Both Marjorie and Anne were vice-chairmen of the London Housing Centre, an organization focused on housing. Marjorie's mother also cared deeply about housing issues and supported the work of both her daughter and Anne Lupton.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1884, Marjorie's parents hosted a dinner at Haddo House to honor William Ewart Gladstone, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time. An artist named Alfred Edward Emslie painted this special event. In 1953, Marjorie presented this painting to the National Portrait Gallery, London, so many people could see it.

When Marjorie's mother passed away in 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother reportedly sent a message of sympathy to Lady Pentland.

Marjorie Sinclair, Baroness Pentland, passed away on July 26, 1970, at the age of 89.