Isabella Madeline Holmes (1861-1949) was an authority on the graveyards and parks of London. Published in 1896, her book 'London Burial Grounds: Notes on their History from Earliest Times to the Present Day', remains central to understanding of the development of the capital's burial sites. She was also honorary secretary of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association.[1]
Born in Kensington, Holmes the daughter of chemist Dr John Hall Gladstone. She married Basil Holmes, a local politician and advocate of public open spaces.[2] They lived in Ealing, in West London, and had five children, Edith, Marion, Wilfred, Stephen, and Edward. Stephen Holmes became High Commissioner for Australia from 1952 to 1956.[3] Wilfred Gladstone Holmes died in 1913 while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He is memorialised in St Peter's Church, Ealing[4] and at Bradfield School.[5]
Holmes' half sister Margaret Ethel Gladstone became the wife of Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister.[6]
- ^ http://aparcelofribbons.co.uk/2012/08/london-graveyards-the-wonderful-mrs-basil-holmes/
- ^ https://london.wikia.org/wiki/Basil_Holmes
- ^ http://www.thepeerage.com/p3982.htm#i39815,
- ^ Hayes, R St Peter's Church, Ealing 1985
- ^ https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/55151
- ^ https://www.geni.com/people/Margaret-MacDonald/6000000027967984508