Ruth Wood, Countess of Halifax facts for kids
Ruth Alice Hannah Mary Wood, Countess of Halifax (born Primrose), was a British woman who loved horse racing. She was born on April 18, 1916, and passed away on August 31, 1989. She made history in December 1977 by becoming one of the first three women ever chosen to join the Jockey Club. This important club helps run horse racing in Britain. Her half-sister, Priscilla Hastings, and Helen Johnson Houghton were the other two women who joined with her.
Early Life and Family
Ruth was the only child of Neil Primrose and Lady Victoria Stanley. Her father, Neil Primrose, was a politician. Sadly, he died in 1917 when Ruth was very young.
Her mother, Lady Victoria, married again in 1919 to Malcolm Bullock. He was a member of Parliament (an MP) for the Conservative Party for many years. An MP is someone elected to help make laws for the country. Malcolm Bullock later received a special title and became a baronet.
Ruth's half-sister, Priscilla Hastings, was born in 1920. Sadly, their mother, Lady Victoria, died in an accident in 1927 while out hunting. Lady Victoria left Ruth a special collection of paintings of racehorses by a famous artist named George Stubbs.
Marriage and Becoming a Countess
In 1936, Ruth Primrose married Charles Wood. When her husband's father passed away in 1959, Charles inherited the title of Earl of Halifax. This meant he became the Earl of Halifax, and Ruth became the Countess of Halifax.
They had three children:
- Lady Caroline Victoria Wood (born 1937, died 2014)
- Lady Susan Diana Wood (born 1938)
- Charles Edward Peter Neil Wood, 3rd Earl of Halifax (born 1944)
A Love for Horse Racing
The Countess of Halifax and her husband were very involved in horse racing. They owned a horse named Shirley Heights. In 1978, this horse won The Derby, which is one of the most famous horse races in the world. Shirley Heights was bred by the Earl and his son together.
Her husband, Charles Wood, was also very passionate about hunting. He was in charge of the Middleton Foxhounds for over 30 seasons. He passed away in 1980. The Countess and her husband are buried together in the churchyard of All Saints, Kirby Underdale.
