Sybil Fane, Countess of Westmorland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Countess of Westmorland
Sybil Fane, Countess of Westmorland, around 1900
Born	Lady Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine 20 August 1871 Mayfair, London, England
Died	21 July 1910(1910-07-21) (aged 38) Marylebone, London, England
Spouse(s)	Anthony Fane, 13th Earl of Westmorland ​ (m. 1892)​
Children	Vere Fane, 14th Earl of Westmorland Lady Enid Turnor Hon. Mountjoy Fane Lady Gloria Fane
Parent(s)	Robert St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn Blanche Adeliza Fitzroy
Relatives	Millicent Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland (sister) Lady Angela Forbes (sister) Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick (maternal half-sister)

Sybil Mary Fane, Countess of Westmorland (born August 20, 1871 – died July 21, 1910) was a well-known British lady from a noble family. She was famous for her beauty and for being part of high society in England during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Early Life and Family

Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine was born on August 20, 1871, in Mayfair, a fancy part of London, England. Her father was Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn, and her mother was Blanche Adeliza Fitzroy.

Sybil had two sisters, Millicent and Angela. She also had a half-sister named Daisy, who was from her mother's first marriage.

A Daring Beauty

Sybil was known for being very beautiful. She wasn't afraid to use makeup, which was quite unusual and bold for women in her social class at that time. She was also part of a special group of friends called "The Souls." This group included smart and artistic people who enjoyed talking about art, literature, and politics.

Marriage and Children

On May 28, 1892, Sybil married Anthony Mildmay Julian Fane, 13th Earl of Westmorland. An "Earl" is a noble title, and his wife is called a "Countess." After their wedding, Sybil became the Countess of Westmorland.

They had four children:

• Vere Fane, who later became the 14th Earl of Westmorland
• Lady Enid Victoria Rachel Fane
• Mountjoy John Charles Wedderburn Fane
• Lady Violet Gloria Sybil Fane

A Famous Ball

In July 1897, Sybil went to a huge, fancy party called the Duchess of Devonshire’s Ball. This ball was held in London to celebrate Queen Victoria's 60 years as queen, known as her Diamond Jubilee. It was one of the most amazing parties ever thrown by noble families.

Guests were asked to dress up as characters from history or myths from before 1815. Sybil chose to dress as Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth. She carried a gold cup and had a large, stuffed eagle on her shoulders, just like in a famous painting.

Photographers were at the ball to take pictures of the guests in their costumes. These photos still exist today! Another guest, Consuelo, Duchess of Marlborough, later said that Sybil was the most beautiful person at the ball, especially with her red hair and the eagle on her shoulder.

Inspiration for a Character

Sybil, Countess of Westmorland, was so interesting that she inspired a character in a book! She was the idea behind "Lady Roehampton" in the novel The Edwardians by Vita Sackville-West.

Later Life

Sybil, Countess of Westmorland, passed away in London on July 21, 1910, when she was 38 years old. She was buried at Rosslyn Chapel.

Images for kids

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  Sybil Fane, Countess of Westmorland, dressed as an allegory of Great Britain - Lafayette Studio, February 1900

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  Sybil Fane, Countess of Westmorland, 1905

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  Sybil’s husband, Anthony Fane, 13th Earl of Westmorland, 1893

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  Lady Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine before she became Countess of Westmorland in 1892