A small selection of images showing Catherine Wendell, ( 1900-1977), 6th Countess of Carnarvon ( 1923-1936), later Mrs Geoffrey Grenfell, finally Mrs Don Momand.
Catherine was born Anne Catherine Tredick Wendell in the USA in 1900. She grew up in New York and the Kittery, New Hampshire. After her father died in 1911, Catherine went to live in Sandridgebury, near St Albans, the home of her mother's aunt and uncle.
The photographs show Catherine with Porchey Carnarvon at their wedding at St Margaret's Westminster in 1922. Also one with Porchey at the races. Both loved horse racing. Other photographs show Catherine in her own right at various times in her life. She is pictured with close friend Poppy Baring going to a 1930s wedding. There is also a photograph of Catherine as a young girl from the time she was growing up in Kittery, New Hampshire, USA, and the famous image from the christening of George Herbert, Catherine's grandson, the current 8th Earl of Carnarvon, born 1956. HM the Queen ( who also features in the picture) is George's godmother. The shawl in the picture was made by Annie Leadbetter who was housekeeper to Almina, 5th Countess of Carnarvon.
Catherine was happiest married to her last husband, Don Momand, who survived her by a few years. Catherine died in Swizerland in 1977. This short tribute marks the 40th anniversary of Catherine's death on 8 April, 1977.
