Alexandra Harriet, Baroness Colebrooke

From FreeBMD: Registration of birth of Female Paget in 1865

April to June 1865: Registration of birth of Female Paget; in St George Hanover Square, London (Volume 1a, Page 279)

From British Newspaper Archive: Morning Post Tuesday, 4 April 1865 Page 8 Births

Births: Paget. — On Thursday, 30 March 1865 [ult.], at 42 Grosvenor place, Lady Alfred Paget, of a daughter. [42 Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, London SW1W 0AE 51.4985684, -0.1472997]

From MyHeritage: Lord Alfred Paget: 1871 England & Wales Census

2 April 1871 Census for residents of [The Cottage?], Bushy Park, Hampton, Surrey, England Bushy Park, Richmond upon Thames, London 51.414758, -0.340496

• Lord Alfred [Alf] Paget, head, single, male, aged 58 [born about 1813], in Old Burlington Street, London; Colonel in the Army, and clerk to Her Majesties' Household
• Cecilia Paget, wife, single, female, aged 52 [born about 1819], in Felbrigg, Norfolk
• Alexandra Paget, daughter, single, female, aged 6 [born about 1865], in London; Scholar
• 7 siblings, 1 tutor, 1 governess, 12 servants

From The Aberystwyth Observer 22 June 1889 Page 6 Epitome of News

The marriage of Mr. Edward Arthur Colebrooke, elder son of Sir Thomas Edward Colebrooke, Bart., with Alexandra Harriet, daughter of Lady Alfred Paget (and goddaughter of the Princess of Wales), was celebrated on Monday afternoon at St. Peter's Church, Vere-street. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, with the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maud, and Prince Albert Victor, was present. The six bridesmaids — all children - were Miss Dorothy and Miss Lettice Paget (nieces of the bride), Miss Nancy Paget and Miss Dyke (cousins of the bride), Lady Edith Villiers, and Miss Beresford. They were dressed in white muslin, with silk sashes, and fancy straw hats trimmed with white poppies and lisse. Each wore a diamond and pearl bangle, the gift of the bridegroom, and carried a posy of pink roses. The bride arrived at the church punctually at 2.30, accompanied by Colonel Paget, her brother, who led her to the altar, and afterwards gave her away. The bride was handsomely attired in white satin trimmed with silver passementerie, and having a sash at one side of crêpe de Chine fringed with silver. She wore a few orange blossoms in her hair, and a Brussels lace veil. Her jewels included a diamond and emerald brooch, the gift of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and a diamond and pearl heart-brooch, the bridegroom's gift. The service was choral. The Rev. W. Page Roberts, M.A., officiated, assisted by the Rev. Hugh Astley.

From Evening Express Friday, 31 May 1895 The State Ball

The ball given by her Majesty at Buckingham Palace, London 51.50083, -0.14194 on Thursday evening 30 May 1895 was a magnificent spectacle, the showy uniforms and orders of the gentlemen and the gorgeous robes of the Oriental guests combining with the jewels and charming toilets of the ladies to produce a splendid scene. The flowers used to trim the gowns were not only an exact imitation of nature, but were perfumed with the scent of the real flower, and the effect was so true that one almost expected to see the petals fall with the movement of the dancers. ...

... Lady Colebrook was attired in ivory satin, with a sash of delicate pink chiffon fastened with diamonds, and a spray of Malmaison carnations on the shoulder.

From New Zealand Herald Wednesday, 26 June 1901 King Edward And His Court

Lady Colebrooke is devoted to the fine arts. She has made her mark as a sculptress and is at present exhibiting a head in the Paris Salon. She is, as well, a wonderful carpenter.

From Oamaru Mail Saturday, 2 November 1901 Cities Built On Fortunes

The marriage jewellery of Lady Colebrooke was manufactured from gold discovered without much difficulty [from Leadhills in Dumfries].

From Bruce Herald Friday, 27 June 1902 Society Whips.

Lady Colebrooke is almost the only English woman who can drive a Russian droshky, with three horses abreast.

From Otago Witness Wednesday, 24 September 1902 Illustrated Fashions, Introductions. Queen Alexandra's God-daughters.

An interesting little group of youthful matrons and debutantes, all popular and well-known in society, hare the privilege of being god-children to both King Edward and Queen Alexandra. Among them the foremost place must be given to that charming and brilliantly clever daughter of the house of Paget, now known as Lady Colebrooke, who, had her lines been cast in less pleasant places, might have obtained world-wide fame as a sculptress.

From Otago Witness Wednesday, 19 August 1903 Ladies' Gossip.

Lady Colebrooke, who was one of the favoured Pagets, is perhaps the most artistic member of what may be called the Royal set, and is a fine painter. She has exhibited at the Paris Salon. Her house in Stratford Place is full of beautiful things, and she and Sir Edward Colebrooke are among the most exclusive hosts and hostesses in the more thoughtful section of the great London world.

From Hawke's Bay Herald Wednesday, 6 April 1904 Opinions Differ

... those in the know declare that smart society rarely sacrifices pleasure to principle; and that a popular hostess studies the success of her entertainment rather than the political beliefs of her visitors. But these same experts maintain that Lady Colebrooke is a force to be reckoned with; her dinners are serious as well as brilliant; and she might even revive the salon, had not bridge and motoring banished the art of conversation.

From County Observer and Monmouthshire Advertiser Saturday, 14 October 1905 Royal Visit to Alloa.

The Duke and Duchess of Connaught, accompanied by Princess Patricia, arrived on Monday afternoon, 9 October 1905, at Alloa, where they will be the guests of the Earl of Mar and Kellie at Alloa House, Alloa, Clackmannanshire 56.11222, -3.78389 for a few days. ... In the evening Lord and Lady Mar gave a dinner party, the guests including the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, ... and Sir Edward and Lady Colebrook.

From The Rhondda Leader Saturday, 28 October 1905 Page 8 Personal Gossip

Lady Colebrooke, who entertained the president and members of the Paris Municipal Council at Stratford House, the Oriental Club, 11 Stratford Place, Westminster, London W1C 1ES 51.5154, -0.1495 on Thursday night, 26 October 1905, is a daughter of the late Lord Alfred Paget, and is one of the most prominent hostesses for the Liberal party. She is a great favourite with the King and Queen, and their Majesties were sponsors at the christening of her son. Lady Colebrooke's hobby is wood-carving, and at Abingdon, Sir Edward Colebrooke's country place, she has had a workshop specially fitted up.

From Academy architecture and architectural review Published 1905 Volume 27 Page 65

Lady Colebrooke's wood-carving workshop at Glengonnar House, Abington, Lanarkshire 55.48250, -3.69778 - view from the garden - Traill and Stewart Architects

From New Zealand Herald Saturday, 31 March 1906 Items Of Social News.

Sir Edward Colebrooke's wife, who was a daughter of Lord Alexander Paget, has been one of the most lovely women of her generation. When Prince's Skating Club was first started in London, she and Lady Minto were by far the two finest feminine exponents of the graceful art. Lady Colebrooke has been much in Park, and it was she who was credited with having introduced into smart society the at-one-time-prevalent fashion of tight-skirts.

From The Cardiff Times Saturday, 20 October 1906 King's Visit to Lanarkshire

The King's visit to Lord and Lady Colebrooke at Glengonnar House, Abington, which began on Monday, 15 October 1906 extends over the week. Nothing in the nature of a public function accompanies the visit, his Majesty's desire being to enjoy a secluded holiday.

Abington has all, or nearly all, the advantages of civilisation, with few or none of its drawbacks. The population is a little over 700. The place nestles in a wooded valley, through which runs the river Clyde, here a pure stream. It is forty miles from Edinburgh and fifty from Glasgow.

Lord Colebrooke, who has just celebrated his forty-fifth birthday, succeeded his father in 1890, and became Sir Edward Arthur Colebrooke, fifth baronet. The baronetcy was created in 1759 by George II, and was converted into a peerage less than a year ago by the reigning monarch.

Last May his lordship filled with distinction the office of Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly in Edinburgh. Unlike his father, the late Sir Edward Colebrooke, who represented Lanarkshire in Parliament for many years previous to the Redistribution Bill of 1884, he has not closely identified himself with politics.

Lady Colebrooke is a daughter of the late Lord Alfred Paget. C.B., and is a much esteemed hostess at her house in Stratford Place during the London season. His Majesty attended Lady Colebrooke's christening, and was present at her marriage.

Lord and Lady Colebrooke had the honour of entertaining the Prince of Wales at Glengonnar in 1903. The house is a handsome one, and the estates cover about 30,000 acres.

From Otago Witness Wednesday, 12 December 1906 Ladies' Gossip

It is said that Lady Colebrooke hopes to revive the glory of the political "salon." Certainly, during the past, and, it is hoped, during the coming session, she has entertained brilliantly and valiantly in the Liberal cause. How far sincerity to the cause leads her I hardly know, and, obviously, I dare not say, but when a woman is a born hostess it is easy enough to entertain rightly, whatever the cause may or may not be. Lady Colebrooke has the reputation of being a very clever woman; she has hobbies and accomplishments galore, besides being an expert whip and a collector. Wood-carving is one of the most favoured of her hobbies, and at Glengonnar she has a complete workshop, fitted up in a building in one of the woods near the house, and here she turns out screens and tables and cabinets of no mean order of merit. Stratford House, Lord and Lady Colebrooke's London home, is in the best Adams' style, and is celebrated for its Wedgwood hall, its rooms of panelled mahogany, and its fine collection of Battersea enamel snuff-boxes.

From New Zealand Herald Saturday, 5 January 1907 Items Of Social News.

The King's recent hostess at Glengonnar House, Lanarkshire, is a strikingly handsome and very interesting woman. She is passionately fond of horses, and a good judge of them, and she has not only taste in art, but has herself exhibited at the Paris Salon. Wood-carving is one of her hobbies, and she has a regular workshop in the grounds of Glengonnar. Lady Colebrook is a god-daughter of the Queen, and a daughter of the King's old friend, the late Lord Alfred Paget. His Majesty, then Prince of Wales, was present at her wedding. Sir Edward and Lady Colebrooke are now the parents of a son, aged thirteen, and two daughters.

From New Zealand Herald Saturday, 21 March 1908 Items Of Social News.

In connection with the granting by the King of a house in Windsor Park to Lord and Lady Colebrooke, it is interesting to note that Lady Colebrooke is the goddaughter of both Their Majesties. Lady Colebrooke, who has had the life-long friendship of her Royal god-parents, is a member of the Paget family; being one of the fourteen children of the late Lieutenant-General Lord Alfred Paget.

From Evening Post Tuesday, 27 July 1909 Women In Print.

Lady Colebrooke, who is famous alike for her beauty, accomplishment, and skill as a political hostess, possesses a wonderfully complete carpentry and wood-carving shop at Abington, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Here she has not only turned out some clever pieces of work, but she has taught some of the village girls on her husband's estate how to fashion wood by hammer and chisel. Lady Colebrook is a clever sculptor, too, and has exhibited at the Paris Salon. She shares with her husband a love of all that is artistic and beautiful, and to add to all these varied accomplishments she can drive a four-in-hand and a Russian droshky-and-three.

From Abergavenny Chronicle Friday, 15 April 1910 Thirteenth Dreadnought

The Colossus, the thirteenth and greatest of our Dreadnoughts, was launched on Saturday 10 April 1915 from Scott's yard at Greenock, on the Clyde. The ceremony was performed by Lady Colebrooke, and all the shipyards had declared holiday, as this was the first Dreadnought built on the Clyde. ...

From Goulburn Evening Penny Post (New South Wales) Saturday, 12 August 1911 Page 2 Lord Deman's Successor.

Lady Colebrooke, who is a daughter of the late General Lord Alfred Paget, is a well-known Liberal hostess, and in the world of art has won for herself some distinction as a sculptor.

From Lady Alexandra Colebrooke - the Young American GI statue Sotheby's Wednesday, 11 July 2018

This handsome portrait of a Young American GI was carved in New York by the British female sculptor Lady Alexandra Harriet Colebrooke (née Paget), whose godfather was King Edward VII. Her father was General Lord Alfred Paget.

From American women and the world war by Ida Clyde Gallagher Clarke Page 33

War Relief Organizations

Lady Colebrooke is American chairman for Lady Helmsley's Fund in London. This charity, organized by Lady Helmsley, is in aid of artists of the musical and dramatic professions suffering through the war. It has three main objects. One is to provide paid engagements for dramatic and musical artists in straightened circumstances, another is to encourage British music, and the third is to provide high-class free concerts for wounded soldiers and sailors in hospitals in and near London. Since the formation of the Committee in November, 1914, more than 550 concerts have been given resulting in 4,000 engagements and payments to artists of more than $22,500.

From: PDF Queensland parliamentary debates 30 August 1916

Mr. Bebbington: I am not saying who turned them down, but I say that a slur was thrown upon our workmen that never ought to have been. We want to know why our men were not allowed to do the work. If a few inexperienced women can make shells, why cannot our expert workmen make them? I say if those ladies went down into the munition works and worked there nine hours a day, it should shame the men who sit opposite to-night and the language they use. This is an extract from the "Farmer and Settler" -

"More than 600,000 women are engaged upon the manufacture of munitions in Great Britain, among them being many delicately nurtured ladies who never previously had even to dress their own hair."

I am reading now about ordinary women - not trained workers - women who are working in the munition factories of Great Britain, running the trams, and doing every other class of work - work that we are told our experts are unable to do in some cases. The thing is a disgrace.

At 10.20p.m., The speaker resumed the chair.

Mr. Bebbington: Let me continue the quotation -

"One of these last-mentioned heroines, Lady Colebrooke, wife of Baron Colebrooke, a British Government official, and daughter of the late General Lord Alfred Paget, was among the first group of thirty titled ladies that in October last 'signed on' for six months work in the munition factories. She says that 'there is a new respect for women in the hearts of every true Briton, because of the work the women are doing each day for Britain. They have 'made good,' and the men know it. Lady Colebrooke, who is now enjoying a rest after her six months' arduous labours, has been retailing some of her experiences to an inquisitive American journalist, to whom she said -

" 'Britain couldn't go on now without the work that its women are doing. Personally I know it isn't easy, either. You hurt your fingers. Your back aches and your feet hurt so that you can hardly stand. But it isn't a question any longer of what you want to do, it's just what must be done. There is no room in Britain today for whimperers.

" 'I moulded iron and brass fittings. Today I can do all the work necessary to the complete finishing of a brass shell. I learned it all in six months.

" 'No woman knows until she has tried it what it means to stand before a whirling machine and make shells for nine hours at a time.'

" Lady Colebrooke smiled ruefully at her hands as she spoke. There was a dark callous surface on the tips of her fingers, and the palms of her hands were not so white and smooth as in the days when she poured tea before the war.

" 'But this is all part of the game. I'm proud of my hands. They show I am an expert worker. Incidentally, I'm proud of my trade. It certainly has thrilling possibilities that pouring tea, strangely enough, lacks.' "

Honourable members do not want to listen to this, because they know that the women of Brisbane have shamed the men down to their boots. They know that it is practically only the women in Brisbane who have been working, and until the men in Brisbane come up to the level of the men in the country they cannot expect us to respect them.

From Wanganui Chronicle Monday, 6 August 1917 Peeress As Saleswoman.

Lady Colebrooke is doing war work in the city of New York. She acts as saleswoman in a millinery shop in Fifth Avenue, gives her wages to the Red Cross, and supplies the other saleswomen with luncheons cooked by herself. Married to Lord Colebrooke in 1889, she is a member of the Paget family, and grand-daughter of the first Marquess of Anglesey. Her father, General Lord Alfred Henry Paget, who died in 1888, was for many years Equerry and Clerk-Marshal to Queen Victoria. Lord and Lady Colebrooke are grandparents. Their elder daughter married the Earl of Kimberley's nephew, Mr. Edward Hussey Packe, in 1909.

From Addison Mizner: The Architect Whose Genius Defined Palm Beach By Stephen Perkins, James Caughman

Lady Alexandra Colebrooke, a noted international hostess and good friend of King Edward VII, was widely recognized not solely for her social standing but also for her generosity of spirit and unstinting public service.

During World War I, Lady Colebrooke was involved with many charities in both England and America. When war was declared, she worked at the Vickers munitions factory in Kent and turned a lathe that produced England's first wartime shell for the British Army. She used her extensive social connections not only to support war relief organisations but to advance the careers of friends.

• Photo from Library of Congress
• Photo of Alexandra Harriet (née Paget), Lady Colebrooke by Frederick John Jenkins, after Jean Joseph Benjamin-Constant, photogravure, (1900) NPG D34023 © National Portrait Gallery, London

From British Newspaper Archive: Westminster Gazette Monday, 5 February 1923 Page 7 Social and Personal: Lady Colebrooke

Lady Colebrooke, who makes her home in Paris and Venice, and so rarely comes to England, is at present staying in Florence with Lord Colebrooke's sister, the Marchesa di Camugliano-Niccolini, who has a beautiful house there, and a country place only a few miles away. She comes to England each summer to stay with her sister, the Countess of Strafford.

From British Newspaper Archive: Liverpool Daily Post Saturday, 11 November 1944 Page 2 From a London Club window by a Club Member

Death has been taking a heavy toll this week. As a girl, the Dowager Lady Colebrooke was quite lively, and the leading lady skater on Prince's Club artificial ice rink, which was opposite the Hyde Park barracks, on the site now occupied by a motor hire business. She was brought up in the Royal set, and was a great favourite of King Edward and Queen Alexandra.

When finances became a matter of importance she opened a funny little shop in Paris, where she sold her own paintings on glass. Her friends, passing through the "City of Light," purchased freely, but never knew what to with what they bought.

Later, the aged lady lived on the Riviera, where it was regarded as a privilege to listen to her animated reminiscences of when she was young. The Duke of Argyll, who married Princess Louise, declared that Lady Colebrooke was a woman without a heart because she gave the whole of it to her husband when she happily married.

From Ancestry 19450322 probate Rt Hon Alexandra Harriet Colebrooke Baroness Le Clos de Garibondi La Bocca Cannes France d 19441019 pr Henry Arthur Whately £10587

22 March 1945 probate of The Right Honourable Alexandra Harriet Colebrooke, Baroness, of Le Clos de Garibondi, La Bocca, Cannes, France, widow, who died 19 October 1944, probate granted at Llandudno on 22 March 1945 to Henry Arthur Whately, solicitor. Effects £10586 19s. 10d.