Martha Grey, Countess of Stamford facts for kids
Martha Grey, Countess of Stamford (born around 1838 – died August 21, 1916) was an important woman from Cape Town, South Africa. She was born as Martha Solomons. Her mother, Rebecca, had been freed from slavery and was well-known in Cape Town. People sometimes called her "Queen Rebecca" because she said she was related to the British royal family. Martha's father was named Solomon and came from Wellington.
Meeting Harry Grey
In 1864, Martha met a man named Reverend Harry Grey. He was a clergyman from Cheshire, England. Harry was also a distant cousin of the Earl of Stamford, a noble title in England. Harry had been sent to Cape Town by his family. They paid him to live abroad because they disapproved of some of his habits.
Marriage and New Title
Martha and Harry married in 1880. They made their home in Wynberg, Cape Town. Before they were married, Martha and Harry had two children, John and Frances. After their marriage, their third child, Mary, was born.
Later, the 7th Earl of Stamford passed away. This meant that Harry Grey inherited the title and became the 8th Earl of Stamford. Because of this, Martha became the Countess of Stamford.
Life as Countess
Harry Grey, the 8th Earl of Stamford, died in 1890. Martha was left with enough money to live comfortably. However, she and her children faced a lot of unfair treatment. English settlers in Cape Town often showed prejudice and snobbery towards them because of their race.
Martha was inspired by her mother, Rebecca, who believed strongly in education. Martha decided to use her wealth to help her local community. She provided money to start a school in Wynberg called Battswood School. This school later grew into the Battswood Training College, which helped train new teachers.
Later Life and Legacy
Martha, the Dowager Countess of Stamford, passed away in 1916. She was buried in Wynberg, alongside her husband Harry and their daughter Frances. Martha Grey is remembered for her strength and for her important contribution to education in South Africa.
