Ward, Rachael Anne, Countess of Dudley (1868 -1920)

Rachel Anne Gurney was the second and youngest daughter of Charles Henry Gurney, partner in Saunderson's Bank in London, and Alice, daughter of the Honorable Henry Thoby Prinsep, Member of Council, the East Indies. She married, 14 September 1891, William Humble Ward, 2nd Earl of Dudley. A lady of great character and beauty, she encouraged her husband to take up a political career. He became successively Mayor of Dudley, Parliamentary Secretary Board of Trade 1895 1902, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1902 1905, and Governor General and Commander in Chief of Australia 1908 1911. She was awarded the C.B.E. in 1918, and was a Lady of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. They had four sons and three daughters.