Mary (Smith) Wilson (1843-1927)
Mrs Mary Emma (Smith) Wilson
She was married in 1863 at St. Peter's in Leeds to Arthur Wilson who would become Deputy Chairman of the Wilson Shipping Line started by his father. Her biography from the de Laszlo Collection states: "The social ascent of the Wilson family was one of the greatest of the Victorian era. Mary, a gifted hostess, was ambitious for her husband, but also for herself." Their first house was in central Hull and then they rented Wolperton Grange in Kirkella before building Tranby Croft from 1874, "by no means beautiful (but) its surrounding gardens, however, were magnificent". It was here that the Royal Baccarat Scandal unfolded in 1890, but the reputation of the Wilsons managed to remain unscathed. In London, Mrs Wilson entertained lavishly at 17 Grosvenor Place but the pinnacle of her social success was marked when they built the Villa Maryland at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Côte d'Azur, hosting among others Prince Francis of Teck, the Earl and Countess of Darnley, and the Duke of Connaught.
The Wilsons, "were the benefactors of numerous churches and charities, and did much for the destitute people of Hull. Mrs Wilson was notably involved with the Victoria Children’s Hospital, and tirelessly raised funds for the institution". After Arthur Wilson died in 1909, his widow retired from society and settled into a much smaller house on Charles Street in London where she died eighteen years later in 1927 and is buried at Kirkella, near Hull.
The Wilsons, "were the benefactors of numerous churches and charities, and did much for the destitute people of Hull. Mrs Wilson was notably involved with the Victoria Children’s Hospital, and tirelessly raised funds for the institution". After Arthur Wilson died in 1909, his widow retired from society and settled into a much smaller house on Charles Street in London where she died eighteen years later in 1927 and is buried at Kirkella, near Hull.
