Nancy Astor
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor
Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit as a member of the British House of Commons, was born in Danville, Virginia.
- Profession
- Politician
- From
- Danville, Virginia
- Born
- May 19, 1879
- Years active
- 1919–1945
Early life
Born Nancy Langhorne in Danville in 1879, she moved to England and married into the wealthy Astor family.
Career
In 1919 she won a seat in the House of Commons, becoming the first woman to take her seat in Parliament, where she served for a quarter century.
Major achievements
She championed women's and children's welfare and temperance during her 26 years in Parliament.
Legacy
A Virginia-born trailblazer, Astor opened the doors of British parliamentary politics to women.
References
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