Rolleston, Elizabeth Mary (1845–1940)

views updated

Rolleston, Elizabeth Mary (1845–1940)

New Zealand political hostess and salonnière. Name variations: Elizabeth Mary Brittan, Mary Brittan. Born Elizabeth Mary Brittan, Mar 30, 1845, in Dorset, England; died June 4, 1940, in Christchurch, New Zealand; dau. of Joseph Brittan (physician) and Elizabeth Mary (Chandler) Brittan; m. William Rolleston (politician), 1865 (died 1903); children: 9.

Immigrated with family to New Zealand (1852); served as hostess to Wellington's elite, and established a popular salon.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).