The first, most widely-known, Dollar Princess was Jennie Jerome, who went on to be the mother of Winston Churchill. Although rich, her father lost and gained his fortune several times over and was never as wealthy as some of the fathers whose daughters followed in pursuing a titled member of the British aristocracy.
Probably one of the most famous of those women is my focus this week - Consuelo Vanderbilt.
An only child of William Kissam Vanderbilt and Alva Erskine Smith, Consuelo was the object of her mother's lofty social-climbing ambitions. She was determined her daughter marry well and started her 'training' from a very early age. From being made to wear a steel rod down her back to being horsewhipped, Consuelo underwent an undoubtedly abusive and terrifying existence for any young girl and adolescent.
Suitors were many as Consuelo was a beauty of the Edwardian age, but none were considered good enough by her overbearing mother. Although secretly engaged to another man, her mother ordered Consuelo to accept the proposal of Charles Spencer-Churchull, 9th Duke of Marlborough. It is widely-documented that Consuelo was almost late for the wedding because of her distress and crying beforehand and people commented she was red-eyed at the ceremony.
The marriage was unhappy and difficult, but endured for 26 years until the marriage was annulled at the Duke's request and Consuelo's assent. A truly remarkable woman of strength and tenacity, and although Consuelo went through many unhappy years, she did a lot of good work, especially with regards to affected mothers and children.
A truly fascinating woman whose life has held my interest for many years...
Happy Inspiration Day!!
Rachel x
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