Viscountess Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor Astor

author

Viscountess Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor Astor

1879–1964

Remembered as the first woman to take her seat in the British House of Commons, she brought wit, confidence, and controversy to public life. Born in Virginia and later a leading figure in British politics, she remains one of the most talked-about women of her era.

1 Audiobook

My Two Countries

My Two Countries

by Viscountess Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor Astor

About the author

Born in Danville, Virginia, in 1879, Nancy Astor later moved into the highest circles of British society through her marriage to Waldorf Astor. When he left the House of Commons for the House of Lords, she stood for his former seat in Plymouth Sutton and won in 1919.

That victory made her the first woman to take her seat as a Member of Parliament in Britain. She served in the Commons for many years and became famous for her sharp tongue, strong opinions, and lively public presence.

Astor's life linked American beginnings with British political power, and her story still draws interest because it mixes social history, politics, and personality so vividly. She died in 1964, but her place in parliamentary history remains secure.