Nancy Astor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nancy Witcher Langhorne
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Portrait of Nancy Astor by John Singer Sargent, 1909
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| Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton |
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| In office 28 November 1919 – 5 July 1945 |
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| Preceded by | Waldorf Astor |
| Succeeded by | Lucy Middleton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 May 1879 Danville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | 2 May 1964 (aged 84) Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, England |
| Political party | Coalition Conservative |
| Spouses | Robert Gould Shaw II (m. 1897–1903; divorced) Waldorf Astor (m. 1906–1952; his death) |
| Parents | Chiswell Dabney Langhorne Nancy Witcher Keene |
| Residences | Cliveden and Grimsthorpe Castle |
| Occupation | politician |
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor (born May 19, 1879 – died May 2, 1964) made history. She was the first woman to become a Member of Parliament (MP) and take her seat in the House of Commons. This happened in the United Kingdom.
Nancy Astor was born in the United States. She moved to England when she was 26 years old. She later became a British citizen.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to England
Nancy Witcher Langhorne was born in Danville, Virginia. Her father was a businessman. She grew up in a large family. In 1897, she married Robert Gould Shaw II. They had one child together. However, they divorced in 1903.
After her divorce, Nancy decided to move to England. She arrived in 1905. In England, she met and married Waldorf Astor in 1906. Waldorf Astor was a wealthy man. He was also involved in politics. They had five children together.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Waldorf Astor was a Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton. This is a place in England. In 1919, Waldorf inherited a special title. He became a "Viscount." This meant he had to move to the House of Lords. The House of Lords is another part of the UK Parliament.
Because Waldorf moved to the House of Lords, his seat in the House of Commons became empty. Nancy Astor decided to run for the seat. She was part of the Conservative Party. On November 28, 1919, she won the election. This made her the first woman to be elected as an MP. She was also the first woman to actually take her seat in the House of Commons.
What Did She Do as an MP?
Nancy Astor served as an MP for Plymouth Sutton for many years. She worked from 1919 until 1945. As an MP, she worked on many issues. She was known for supporting women's rights. She also cared about children's welfare. She pushed for laws to help families.
She was a strong speaker. She often spoke about social issues. She wanted to improve living conditions for people. She was also interested in education. Her time in Parliament opened the door for other women. It showed that women could be leaders in politics.
Her Legacy
Nancy Astor retired from Parliament in 1945. She had served for 26 years. She showed that women could hold important political roles. A special blue plaque was put up in London in 1987. It remembers her at St. James's Square. This plaque honors important people and places.
Nancy Astor was a pioneer. She helped change how people viewed women in leadership. Her work paved the way for future female politicians. She passed away on May 2, 1964.
Images for kids
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Nancy's childhood home, the Langhorne House in Danville, Virginia.
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Portrait of Nancy Astor by John Singer Sargent, 1909
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Charles Sims, Introduction of Lady Astor as the First Woman MP, c. 1919, The Box, Plymouth
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Astor as sketched in 1922 by Marguerite Martyn of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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A statue at Cliveden, overlooking 42 inscribed stones dedicated to the dead of World War I. Sir Bertram MacKennal's figure represents Canada with the head reputedly modelled by Lady Astor
See also
In Spanish: Nancy Astor para niños
