Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount AstorDL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was also a member of the Astor family.
Early life
Waldorf Astor was born in New York City. He was the eldest son of William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor and Mary Dahlgren Paul (1858–1894); his younger brothers were John Rudolph Astor (who died young) and Baron John Jacob Astor V. He spent much of his life traveling and living in Europe before his family settled in Great Britain in 1889. There Waldorf attended Eton College and New College, Oxford, where he did not distinguish himself academically but excelled as a sportsman, earning accolades for both fencing and polo. For the Oxford University Polo Club he played side on side with Devereux Milburn in successive Varsity Matches, winning by a margin of 14 goals on both occasions.
Marriage and children
In 1905, while a passenger on an Atlantic voyage returning to Britain, Astor met Nancy Witcher Langhorne, a divorced woman with a young son Robert Gould Shaw III. After a rapid courtship, the two married in May 1906. As a wedding gift, Waldorf's father gave him and his bride the family estate at Cliveden, which Nancy redecorated and modernized with the installation of electricity. Theirs proved a close marriage, and they had five children:
John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, was the second son of the first Viscount. This peerage (created 1956) was a separate creation and not to be confused with the Viscount's subsidiary title of Baron Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent. The Hon. David Astor, the Hon. Michael Astor and the Hon. Jakie Astor, younger sons of the second Viscount, all gained prominence in public life.
Socialite Brooke Astor's son is found guilty of swindling his elderly mother.
published: 09 Oct 2009
William Waldorf Astor: American Tycoon to English Lord
Live Broadcast: July 7, 2023
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
William Waldorf Astor was one of those rare beings who passed into legend during his own lifetime. The richest man in the world by the early 20th century, he was a great grandson of Johann Jakob Astor, the illiterate German butcher’s son who immigrated to New York in 1783, founded the famous Astor dynasty, and became the first American multi-millionaire.
William Waldorf Astor was a sensitive and cultured man who immersed himself in art, architecture, and literature. In the process, he created some of the finest houses, gardens, and collections in the world (and founded the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York). This richly illustrated lecture will feature Astor’s most magnificent houses, from his English country estates—Hev...
published: 07 Jul 2023
Horacio the handsnake - William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor
published: 07 Jun 2023
Astor Jury Deliberations
The jury will now decide if Anthony Marshall, son of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, is guilty of stealing millions from her estate, reports Kelly Wallace.
published: 25 Sep 2009
The Astors: America’s First “Old Money” Family
The year - 1848.
The locale - New York City, humming with life - yet the Astor mansion stood in a cold contrast - its aura of regality offering a muted hush.
John Jacob Astor - his legendary family’s first magnate - lay on his bed, life flickering like a dying candle.
---------
How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To No Money: https://youtu.be/1rWyPN6uf7Y
---------
How The World’s Richest Family Divides Their Wealth: https://youtu.be/x9bv91kiUHs
---------
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:45 1. The Astor Family’s Early History and Rise to Wealth
6:07 2. The Astors Become American “Royalty”
10:02 3. The Astors Create “High Society”
16:31 4. The Modern Astors
---------
In the rural enclave of Walldorf - nestled near the regal city of Heidelberg, now part off contemporary Bad...
published: 23 Aug 2023
Horacio the handsnake - Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor
published: 01 Nov 2020
Horacio the handsnake - William Waldorf Astor II, 3rd Viscount Astor
published: 12 Mar 2024
Nancy Astor: the first woman to sit in the House of Commons 1919-1945
On 28 November 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as MP for Plymouth Sutton. She took her seat on 1 December 1919 and gave her maiden speech on 24 February 1920. Astor served continuously until she stepped down in 1945, having retained her seat through five general elections. This film gives an insight into her interests and achievements and includes first-hand accounts from those who knew her.
published: 16 Feb 2016
Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor - 'This I Believe' (1950s) - Radio broadcast
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, CH (1879 - 1964), the first woman to be elected and to take a seat in House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
An episode of the CBS Radio Network programme hosted by Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955.
published: 03 Aug 2015
What happened to America's Gilded Age Families | The Astors
Have you ever wondered what happened to the #GildedAge families of America? Then stick around!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AdelaideBeemanWhite?fan_landing=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidebeemanwhite/
Email: [email protected]
Live Broadcast: July 7, 2023
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
William Waldorf Astor was one of those rare beings who passed into legend during his own lifetime. Th...
Live Broadcast: July 7, 2023
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
William Waldorf Astor was one of those rare beings who passed into legend during his own lifetime. The richest man in the world by the early 20th century, he was a great grandson of Johann Jakob Astor, the illiterate German butcher’s son who immigrated to New York in 1783, founded the famous Astor dynasty, and became the first American multi-millionaire.
William Waldorf Astor was a sensitive and cultured man who immersed himself in art, architecture, and literature. In the process, he created some of the finest houses, gardens, and collections in the world (and founded the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York). This richly illustrated lecture will feature Astor’s most magnificent houses, from his English country estates—Hever Castle in Kent and Cliveden House—to his stunning London home to the sublime Villa Astor on the Amalfi Coast.
This lecture will trace the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most enigmatic tycoons and the splendid houses, art collections, and gardens he created, all featured in Curt DiCamillo’s 2017 book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast.
For more from American Ancestors . . .
Follow us on Facebook: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SPF0
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Live Broadcast: July 7, 2023
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
William Waldorf Astor was one of those rare beings who passed into legend during his own lifetime. The richest man in the world by the early 20th century, he was a great grandson of Johann Jakob Astor, the illiterate German butcher’s son who immigrated to New York in 1783, founded the famous Astor dynasty, and became the first American multi-millionaire.
William Waldorf Astor was a sensitive and cultured man who immersed himself in art, architecture, and literature. In the process, he created some of the finest houses, gardens, and collections in the world (and founded the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York). This richly illustrated lecture will feature Astor’s most magnificent houses, from his English country estates—Hever Castle in Kent and Cliveden House—to his stunning London home to the sublime Villa Astor on the Amalfi Coast.
This lecture will trace the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most enigmatic tycoons and the splendid houses, art collections, and gardens he created, all featured in Curt DiCamillo’s 2017 book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast.
For more from American Ancestors . . .
Follow us on Facebook: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SPF0
Follow us on Twitter: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SQ20
Subscribe to our blog: https://hubs.ly/H0q_V700
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Become an American Ancestors member today: https://hubs.ly/H0q_TX50
The jury will now decide if Anthony Marshall, son of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, is guilty of stealing millions from her estate, reports Kelly Wallace...
The jury will now decide if Anthony Marshall, son of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, is guilty of stealing millions from her estate, reports Kelly Wallace.
The jury will now decide if Anthony Marshall, son of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, is guilty of stealing millions from her estate, reports Kelly Wallace.
The year - 1848.
The locale - New York City, humming with life - yet the Astor mansion stood in a cold contrast - its aura of regality offering a muted hush. ...
The year - 1848.
The locale - New York City, humming with life - yet the Astor mansion stood in a cold contrast - its aura of regality offering a muted hush.
John Jacob Astor - his legendary family’s first magnate - lay on his bed, life flickering like a dying candle.
---------
How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To No Money: https://youtu.be/1rWyPN6uf7Y
---------
How The World’s Richest Family Divides Their Wealth: https://youtu.be/x9bv91kiUHs
---------
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:45 1. The Astor Family’s Early History and Rise to Wealth
6:07 2. The Astors Become American “Royalty”
10:02 3. The Astors Create “High Society”
16:31 4. The Modern Astors
---------
In the rural enclave of Walldorf - nestled near the regal city of Heidelberg, now part off contemporary Baden-Württemberg, Germany - a son was welcomed into the world in 1763.
The newborn - christened John Jacob Astor - was the youngest scion of Johann Jacob Astor - a humble butcher - and Maria Magdalena vom Berg.
At the tender age of 16, John Jacob departed his home for the bustling city of London - where he fell under the tutelage of his uncle in the art of crafting musical instruments.
Our lovely English capital - in its grandeur - not only provided Astor with proficiency in English, but also a robust apprenticeship in the realm of commerce.
Now, William Backhouse Astor, Senior - named after William Backhouse, his father's merchant friend - over the course of his life would prove his mettle as a competent associate in his father's prosperous export enterprise - all while carefully injecting capital into Manhattan's fertile soil of real estate.
Emboldened by his family’s already legendary business reputation, William amplified the empire's real estate portfolio - erecting over 700 stores and homes in the growing New York City.
His real estate ventures around Central Park yielded exponential growth for the family assets.
Understand, William - an astute operator himself - not merely preserved but managed to MULTIPLY the Astor family fortune.
His diligent endeavours led to even more prosperity for their lineage - his legacy culminating in a staggering estate valued at nearly $50 million.
It was as though Midas himself had passed his golden touch onto the next Astors - and they wielded this gift with expert precision.
Our tale now settles upon William Astor Junior - the bearing carrier of his forefather's illustrious American legacy.
Yet it was actually his wife - the imposing Caroline Schermerhorn - who would seize the reins of New York's elite - sculpting the bedrock of its high society.
Born to the privileged echelons of New York's Dutch aristocracy on September 22, 1830, Caroline - or Lina, as she was affectionately known - was a Schermerhorn, offspring of the city's earliest settlers.
Her father - Abraham Schermerhorn - had made his fortune in shipping and possessed a net worth of half a million dollars, a significant sum for the time, equivalent to $13.74 million today.
Helen Van Cortlandt, née White - of the prominent Schermerhorns - was her mother.
At the same time - on the “other side of the pond” - the Astor lineage grew nobler, cultivating its prestige through the illustrious titles of Viscount Astor and Baron Astor of Hever.
First, a wealthy American Astor by the name of William Waldorf Astor, took the bold step of transplanting himself to the British soils in 1891 - later adopting the mantle of British citizenry in 1899.
As a mark of his sterling contribution to the wartime charities, he was awarded a baronage in 1916, and elevated to a viscount a year later.
Thus was the birth of the “Viscount Astor” - granted by the Peerage of the United Kingdom on a cool summer day of June 28, 1917 - forever intertwining the Astors with the annals of British nobility.
In the mid-century year of 1956, another title was fashioned within the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
This was the title of Baron Astor of Hever - awarded to the influential newspaper baron and Conservative politician - another John Jacob Astor - the fourth offspring of William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor.
In today's world, certain Astor descendants - such as William Astor, 4th Viscount Astor, persist in wielding their influence - notably in the British House of Lords.
One poignant symbol of this decline is the family's 420-acre estate - now wearing the signs of neglect due to insufficient maintenance funds.
Thus, the Astor name - once synonymous with America's affluent uppermost echelons - has faced a gradual diminution in its prestige.
While their mark on New York City's panorama and the American milieu remains indelible - their once-venerated status has taken a quiet retreat.
Institutions like the modern St. Regis Hotel and The Astor - alongside various other landmarks - indeed echo their erstwhile glory.
The year - 1848.
The locale - New York City, humming with life - yet the Astor mansion stood in a cold contrast - its aura of regality offering a muted hush.
John Jacob Astor - his legendary family’s first magnate - lay on his bed, life flickering like a dying candle.
---------
How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To No Money: https://youtu.be/1rWyPN6uf7Y
---------
How The World’s Richest Family Divides Their Wealth: https://youtu.be/x9bv91kiUHs
---------
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:45 1. The Astor Family’s Early History and Rise to Wealth
6:07 2. The Astors Become American “Royalty”
10:02 3. The Astors Create “High Society”
16:31 4. The Modern Astors
---------
In the rural enclave of Walldorf - nestled near the regal city of Heidelberg, now part off contemporary Baden-Württemberg, Germany - a son was welcomed into the world in 1763.
The newborn - christened John Jacob Astor - was the youngest scion of Johann Jacob Astor - a humble butcher - and Maria Magdalena vom Berg.
At the tender age of 16, John Jacob departed his home for the bustling city of London - where he fell under the tutelage of his uncle in the art of crafting musical instruments.
Our lovely English capital - in its grandeur - not only provided Astor with proficiency in English, but also a robust apprenticeship in the realm of commerce.
Now, William Backhouse Astor, Senior - named after William Backhouse, his father's merchant friend - over the course of his life would prove his mettle as a competent associate in his father's prosperous export enterprise - all while carefully injecting capital into Manhattan's fertile soil of real estate.
Emboldened by his family’s already legendary business reputation, William amplified the empire's real estate portfolio - erecting over 700 stores and homes in the growing New York City.
His real estate ventures around Central Park yielded exponential growth for the family assets.
Understand, William - an astute operator himself - not merely preserved but managed to MULTIPLY the Astor family fortune.
His diligent endeavours led to even more prosperity for their lineage - his legacy culminating in a staggering estate valued at nearly $50 million.
It was as though Midas himself had passed his golden touch onto the next Astors - and they wielded this gift with expert precision.
Our tale now settles upon William Astor Junior - the bearing carrier of his forefather's illustrious American legacy.
Yet it was actually his wife - the imposing Caroline Schermerhorn - who would seize the reins of New York's elite - sculpting the bedrock of its high society.
Born to the privileged echelons of New York's Dutch aristocracy on September 22, 1830, Caroline - or Lina, as she was affectionately known - was a Schermerhorn, offspring of the city's earliest settlers.
Her father - Abraham Schermerhorn - had made his fortune in shipping and possessed a net worth of half a million dollars, a significant sum for the time, equivalent to $13.74 million today.
Helen Van Cortlandt, née White - of the prominent Schermerhorns - was her mother.
At the same time - on the “other side of the pond” - the Astor lineage grew nobler, cultivating its prestige through the illustrious titles of Viscount Astor and Baron Astor of Hever.
First, a wealthy American Astor by the name of William Waldorf Astor, took the bold step of transplanting himself to the British soils in 1891 - later adopting the mantle of British citizenry in 1899.
As a mark of his sterling contribution to the wartime charities, he was awarded a baronage in 1916, and elevated to a viscount a year later.
Thus was the birth of the “Viscount Astor” - granted by the Peerage of the United Kingdom on a cool summer day of June 28, 1917 - forever intertwining the Astors with the annals of British nobility.
In the mid-century year of 1956, another title was fashioned within the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
This was the title of Baron Astor of Hever - awarded to the influential newspaper baron and Conservative politician - another John Jacob Astor - the fourth offspring of William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor.
In today's world, certain Astor descendants - such as William Astor, 4th Viscount Astor, persist in wielding their influence - notably in the British House of Lords.
One poignant symbol of this decline is the family's 420-acre estate - now wearing the signs of neglect due to insufficient maintenance funds.
Thus, the Astor name - once synonymous with America's affluent uppermost echelons - has faced a gradual diminution in its prestige.
While their mark on New York City's panorama and the American milieu remains indelible - their once-venerated status has taken a quiet retreat.
Institutions like the modern St. Regis Hotel and The Astor - alongside various other landmarks - indeed echo their erstwhile glory.
On 28 November 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as MP for Plymouth Sutton. She took her seat on 1 December 1919 and gave her maiden speech on 24 February 1920. As...
On 28 November 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as MP for Plymouth Sutton. She took her seat on 1 December 1919 and gave her maiden speech on 24 February 1920. Astor served continuously until she stepped down in 1945, having retained her seat through five general elections. This film gives an insight into her interests and achievements and includes first-hand accounts from those who knew her.
On 28 November 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as MP for Plymouth Sutton. She took her seat on 1 December 1919 and gave her maiden speech on 24 February 1920. Astor served continuously until she stepped down in 1945, having retained her seat through five general elections. This film gives an insight into her interests and achievements and includes first-hand accounts from those who knew her.
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, CH (1879 - 1964), the first woman to be elected and to take a seat in House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
...
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, CH (1879 - 1964), the first woman to be elected and to take a seat in House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
An episode of the CBS Radio Network programme hosted by Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955.
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, CH (1879 - 1964), the first woman to be elected and to take a seat in House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
An episode of the CBS Radio Network programme hosted by Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the #GildedAge families of America? Then stick around!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AdelaideBeemanWhite?fan_landin...
Have you ever wondered what happened to the #GildedAge families of America? Then stick around!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AdelaideBeemanWhite?fan_landing=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidebeemanwhite/
Email: [email protected]
Have you ever wondered what happened to the #GildedAge families of America? Then stick around!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AdelaideBeemanWhite?fan_landing=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidebeemanwhite/
Email: [email protected]
Live Broadcast: July 7, 2023
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
William Waldorf Astor was one of those rare beings who passed into legend during his own lifetime. The richest man in the world by the early 20th century, he was a great grandson of Johann Jakob Astor, the illiterate German butcher’s son who immigrated to New York in 1783, founded the famous Astor dynasty, and became the first American multi-millionaire.
William Waldorf Astor was a sensitive and cultured man who immersed himself in art, architecture, and literature. In the process, he created some of the finest houses, gardens, and collections in the world (and founded the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York). This richly illustrated lecture will feature Astor’s most magnificent houses, from his English country estates—Hever Castle in Kent and Cliveden House—to his stunning London home to the sublime Villa Astor on the Amalfi Coast.
This lecture will trace the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most enigmatic tycoons and the splendid houses, art collections, and gardens he created, all featured in Curt DiCamillo’s 2017 book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast.
For more from American Ancestors . . .
Follow us on Facebook: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SPF0
Follow us on Twitter: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SQ20
Subscribe to our blog: https://hubs.ly/H0q_V700
Access to free family history downloads: https://hubs.ly/H0q_SR30
Watch archived webinars and how-to-videos: https://hubs.ly/H0q_VLl0
Become an American Ancestors member today: https://hubs.ly/H0q_TX50
The jury will now decide if Anthony Marshall, son of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, is guilty of stealing millions from her estate, reports Kelly Wallace.
The year - 1848.
The locale - New York City, humming with life - yet the Astor mansion stood in a cold contrast - its aura of regality offering a muted hush.
John Jacob Astor - his legendary family’s first magnate - lay on his bed, life flickering like a dying candle.
---------
How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To No Money: https://youtu.be/1rWyPN6uf7Y
---------
How The World’s Richest Family Divides Their Wealth: https://youtu.be/x9bv91kiUHs
---------
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:45 1. The Astor Family’s Early History and Rise to Wealth
6:07 2. The Astors Become American “Royalty”
10:02 3. The Astors Create “High Society”
16:31 4. The Modern Astors
---------
In the rural enclave of Walldorf - nestled near the regal city of Heidelberg, now part off contemporary Baden-Württemberg, Germany - a son was welcomed into the world in 1763.
The newborn - christened John Jacob Astor - was the youngest scion of Johann Jacob Astor - a humble butcher - and Maria Magdalena vom Berg.
At the tender age of 16, John Jacob departed his home for the bustling city of London - where he fell under the tutelage of his uncle in the art of crafting musical instruments.
Our lovely English capital - in its grandeur - not only provided Astor with proficiency in English, but also a robust apprenticeship in the realm of commerce.
Now, William Backhouse Astor, Senior - named after William Backhouse, his father's merchant friend - over the course of his life would prove his mettle as a competent associate in his father's prosperous export enterprise - all while carefully injecting capital into Manhattan's fertile soil of real estate.
Emboldened by his family’s already legendary business reputation, William amplified the empire's real estate portfolio - erecting over 700 stores and homes in the growing New York City.
His real estate ventures around Central Park yielded exponential growth for the family assets.
Understand, William - an astute operator himself - not merely preserved but managed to MULTIPLY the Astor family fortune.
His diligent endeavours led to even more prosperity for their lineage - his legacy culminating in a staggering estate valued at nearly $50 million.
It was as though Midas himself had passed his golden touch onto the next Astors - and they wielded this gift with expert precision.
Our tale now settles upon William Astor Junior - the bearing carrier of his forefather's illustrious American legacy.
Yet it was actually his wife - the imposing Caroline Schermerhorn - who would seize the reins of New York's elite - sculpting the bedrock of its high society.
Born to the privileged echelons of New York's Dutch aristocracy on September 22, 1830, Caroline - or Lina, as she was affectionately known - was a Schermerhorn, offspring of the city's earliest settlers.
Her father - Abraham Schermerhorn - had made his fortune in shipping and possessed a net worth of half a million dollars, a significant sum for the time, equivalent to $13.74 million today.
Helen Van Cortlandt, née White - of the prominent Schermerhorns - was her mother.
At the same time - on the “other side of the pond” - the Astor lineage grew nobler, cultivating its prestige through the illustrious titles of Viscount Astor and Baron Astor of Hever.
First, a wealthy American Astor by the name of William Waldorf Astor, took the bold step of transplanting himself to the British soils in 1891 - later adopting the mantle of British citizenry in 1899.
As a mark of his sterling contribution to the wartime charities, he was awarded a baronage in 1916, and elevated to a viscount a year later.
Thus was the birth of the “Viscount Astor” - granted by the Peerage of the United Kingdom on a cool summer day of June 28, 1917 - forever intertwining the Astors with the annals of British nobility.
In the mid-century year of 1956, another title was fashioned within the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
This was the title of Baron Astor of Hever - awarded to the influential newspaper baron and Conservative politician - another John Jacob Astor - the fourth offspring of William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor.
In today's world, certain Astor descendants - such as William Astor, 4th Viscount Astor, persist in wielding their influence - notably in the British House of Lords.
One poignant symbol of this decline is the family's 420-acre estate - now wearing the signs of neglect due to insufficient maintenance funds.
Thus, the Astor name - once synonymous with America's affluent uppermost echelons - has faced a gradual diminution in its prestige.
While their mark on New York City's panorama and the American milieu remains indelible - their once-venerated status has taken a quiet retreat.
Institutions like the modern St. Regis Hotel and The Astor - alongside various other landmarks - indeed echo their erstwhile glory.
On 28 November 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as MP for Plymouth Sutton. She took her seat on 1 December 1919 and gave her maiden speech on 24 February 1920. Astor served continuously until she stepped down in 1945, having retained her seat through five general elections. This film gives an insight into her interests and achievements and includes first-hand accounts from those who knew her.
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, CH (1879 - 1964), the first woman to be elected and to take a seat in House of Commons of the UK Parliament.
An episode of the CBS Radio Network programme hosted by Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the #GildedAge families of America? Then stick around!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AdelaideBeemanWhite?fan_landing=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidebeemanwhite/
Email: [email protected]
Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount AstorDL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was also a member of the Astor family.
Early life
Waldorf Astor was born in New York City. He was the eldest son of William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor and Mary Dahlgren Paul (1858–1894); his younger brothers were John Rudolph Astor (who died young) and Baron John Jacob Astor V. He spent much of his life traveling and living in Europe before his family settled in Great Britain in 1889. There Waldorf attended Eton College and New College, Oxford, where he did not distinguish himself academically but excelled as a sportsman, earning accolades for both fencing and polo. For the Oxford University Polo Club he played side on side with Devereux Milburn in successive Varsity Matches, winning by a margin of 14 goals on both occasions.
Marriage and children
In 1905, while a passenger on an Atlantic voyage returning to Britain, Astor met Nancy Witcher Langhorne, a divorced woman with a young son Robert Gould Shaw III. After a rapid courtship, the two married in May 1906. As a wedding gift, Waldorf's father gave him and his bride the family estate at Cliveden, which Nancy redecorated and modernized with the installation of electricity. Theirs proved a close marriage, and they had five children:
...Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor ... Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, who was married to Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, became the first woman in the House of Commons in the chamber's history in 1919.