Cripps, Isobel (1891–1979)
Cripps, Isobel (1891–1979)
Wife of Sir Stafford Cripps, British diplomat, who was famous in her own right . Name variations: Dame Isobel Cripps. Born Isobel Swithinbank in 1891; died in 1979; second daughter of Commander Harold William (a landowner) and Amy (Eno) Swithinbank; educated privately and at Heathfield, near Ascot; married Sir Stafford Cripps (1889–1952), in 1911; children: one son John (who became editor of the Countryman) and three daughters, including Peggy (who married Joe Appiah).
The wife of the brilliant lawyer and diplomat Sir Stafford Cripps, Dame Isobel Cripps supported her husband's political career and cared for him in his poor health. Married in 1911, Cripps accompanied her husband to the USSR, where he served as ambassador in Moscow from 1940 to 1942. During World War II, she served as president of the British United Aid to China Fund. After receiving the CBE in 1946, she toured China as the guest of General Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang (Song Meiling ). That year, she also visited Yenan at the invitation of Mao Zedong and was presented with the Special Grand Cordon of the Order of the Brilliant Star of China and the award of the National Committee of India in celebration of International Women's Year.