Longford, Elizabeth (1906–2002)
Longford, Elizabeth (1906–2002)
English historian and countess. Name variations: Countess of Longford, formerly Lady Pakenham; Elizabeth Harman Pakenham. Born in London, England, Aug 30, 1906; died Oct 23, 2002, at home in Hurst Green, East Sussex; dau. of Nathaniel Bishop Harman (ophthalmologist) and Katherine (Chamberlain) Harman; received degree in Literae Humaniores at Oxford; m. Francis Aungier Pakenham, 7th earl of Longford (writer and politician), 1931 (died 2001); children: Thomas Pakenham; Patrick Pakenham; Judith Kazantzis; Rachel Billington; Michael Pakenham; Catherine Pakenham (died 1969); Kevin Pakenham; Antonia Fraser (b. 1932, writer).
A woman of numerous interests and achievements, was twice a Labour candidate for Parliament, Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery and a Member of the Royal Society of Literature; wrote the bestselling books, Queen Victoria: Born to Succeed,Wellington: The Years of the Sword and Victoria, R.I.
See also autobiography The Pebbled Shore: The Memoirs of Elizabeth Long ford (1986).