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Lady Constance Best

Constance Adela Wingfield was born on 24 April 1878 in Onslow, Shropshire to Charles G Wingfiled and Jane Wingfield of Onslow Hall.

Charles was born in Llanllwchaiarn, Newtown and, in the 1891 census, was recorded as a Land owner and magistrate living off his own means. Jane Mary Anne Bridge was born in Quebec Canada. She was a widow when she married Charles in Somerset in 1865. They had two children – Constance and Chas. Ralph Wingfield (born 1874). Also living with them in 1891 was French tutor, Francois Jeunnie.

Constance married William Best in July 1903. William was born on 24 June 1874 in Paddington, London. Together they had four children: Harry George (1904 – 1975), Frank Charles (1906  – 1987), Hilda Mary (1910 – 1995) and John William (1912 – 2000).

In 1911 the family were living at Vivod Hall, Llangollen, a large home with many servants. William is described as a Landowner and retired Army Captain.

During the War Constance Best ran the Llangollen War Guild. She coordinated local groups and individuals to make supplies such as knitted socks, bandages, hats, gloves and other items to send to soldiers serving on the frontline.

Captain William Best was Chairman of Llangollen General War committee of which Constance was also a member.

William Best died on 18 April 1950. Constance lived until the age of 84 and died on 26 March 1963.

The wedding of William and Constance was mentioned in the Llangollen Advertizer on 10th July 1903:

MARRIAGE OF CAPT. W. BEST. REJOICINGS AT LLANGOLLEN.

The marriage of Capt. W. Best, of Plas Vivod, Llangollen, and late of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, only son of Capt. J. C. Best, R.N., and Mrs. Best, widely known in this part of the kingdom, attracted great interest throughout North Wales, yester- day. The happy event was celebrated at Bicton Parish Church, the interior having been attractively decorated for the occasion, in the presence of a large and fashionable gathering including representatives of the leading families of the border counties. The bride – Constance Adela, only daughter of the late Colonel Wingfield, of Onslow. Shropshire-was given away by her brother, Mr. Wingfield. She wore a white satin dress, trimmed with passementerie and a Brussels lace veil and carried a bouquet of lilies and stephanotis. She was attended by seven bridesmaids viz., Miss Cookson (cousin of the bride), Hon. Evelyn Hill, Hon. Leila Hill-Trevor, Hon. Sibyl Roche, Miss Helen Best (cousin of the bride- groom), Miss Payne-Gallwey and Miss Perkins, who wore dresses of white sun ray pleated muslin edged with lace, blue chiffon sashes and wreaths of forget-me-nots with tulle veils. The bridegroom presented each with a pearl enamel bracelet and they carried bouquets of white lilies tied with blue chiffon. The bridegroom was accompanied by Capt. O. Flower, R.W.F., as best man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Wingfield, assisted by the Ven. Archdeacon Wynne-Jones (vicar of Llangollen) and the vicar of Bicton. The happy pair subsequently left for Norway where the honeymoon is to be spent. The event was signalised by public rejoicing’s at Llangollen, many tradesmen, at the invitation of the Urban Council, decorating their premises. On Monday night a largely-attended town’s meeting, convened by Mr. E. R. Parry, chairman of the Urban District Council, had been held in the Assembly Rooms, Llangollen, to consider the steps to be taken to celebrate the marriage. The Chairman read a communication from Capt. Best and Mrs. J. C. Best expressing their desire to entertain the children of the town and Eglwyseg schools to tea on the day of the wedding.-A strong committee was formed for the purpose of carrying out the arrangements, with Mr. Parry, as chairman, Mr. R. S. Richards as treasurer, and “Mr. Oswald Thomas as secretary.-It was agreed to present the bride and bridegroom on their return home with a suitable gift, and arrangements were made for cannon firing, bell-ringing, outdoor sports, etc. An executive committee was appointed to carry out the details of the celebration which included tea for the school children in the pavilion a procession of children from the pavilion to the recreation ground, headed by a band and sports on the recreation ground. These arrangements were admirably carried out and the beautiful weather that prevailed added materially to the success of the celebration which is bound to be remembered as a red letter day in the calendar of the little ones for many a year to come. At the rent  audit of the Plas-yn-Vivod estate at Llangollen, on Thursday, Capt. W. Best was presented by the tenantry with a wedding gift in the form of a handsome silver kettle, bearing the family crest, and his own monogram. The presentation was made by Mr. John Roberts, Bache Canol, and Mr D. Jones, Tycerrig, two of the oldest tenants on the estate. The following is a complete list of the wedding presents

TO THE BRIDE
Paste ornament, Lady Mary Trevor
Folding writing table, Viscount and Viscountess Mountgarrett
Table work-box, Mrs Mainwaring
Silver framed looking glass, Sir Thomas and Lady Meyrick
Paste” luck” brooch, Lady Margaret Ormsby-Gore
Enamelled pen and pencil, Lady Payne Gallway
Inlaid revolving bookstand, Honourable Mrs Herbert Ivory
Silver paper knife, Lady Maude Vivian
Silver lamp, Mr and Mrs Perkins
Travelling clock, Misses Mimi and Cynthia Perkins
Silver buttons, Col. and Lady Mabel Kenyon
Slaney Dresden china box, Miss Murton
Silver handled knives, Honourable A. and Mrs Hood Diamond
Turquoise brooch, Sir Offley and Lady Wakeman
Silver flower stand, Lady Mary Herbert
Parisian diamond frame, Miss Cunliffe
Silver inkstand and pen tray, Mrs. Severns
Pearl and enamel brooch, Misses Peel
Jewelled pendant and chain, Mrs W. Cookson
Paste pendant, Honourable Leila Hill-Trevor
Venetian glass cup, Col. and Mrs Phillips
Sapphire and pearl muff chain, Miss Hilda and Miss Mabel Cookson
Enamel box, Miss Milbank Enamelled pen and pencil, Miss Lucy Herbert
Silver sealing wax holder, Miss R. Meyrick
Pearl and turquoise pendant, Mr and Mrs Heber Percy
Silver-mounted pin cushion, Miss Grace Peel
Silver Aneroid, Sir Bryan and Lady Leighton
Pincushion, Miss E. Turvey
Paste buttons. Mrs Atkinson
Prayer books, Mrs Moore
Silver photograph frame, Countess Sessyl D’Aix
Silver butter dish, Mr and Mrs Tayleur
Silver clock, Miss B. Tayleur
Case of Tennyson’s poems, Mr and Mrs W. Tayleur
Silver clock, Mrs Scott
Silver card case, Miss Stuart
4 Silver bon-bon baskets, Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry
Silver box, Misses Leighton
Silver scent box and bottle, Misses Harley
Pearl dog collar necklace, Winifred, Countess of Leitrim
Silver letter weight, Mr Mainwaring
Silver-mounted pincushion, Mrs Cunliffe
Silver teapot, Mr R. and Miss Sandford
Silver looking-glass and pair silver candlesticks, Honourable C. and Mrs Wynn
Old paste pendant in silver case, Misses Rouse Boughton
Pair china vases, Miss Lyon and Miss Mucklestone
Silver-mounted note book Sofa cushion, Mrs J. Griffiths
Scissors in silver sheath, Miss H. Best
Silver casket, Misses Jenkins
Silver-mounted salts bottle, Rev. W. and Mrs Wingfield
Silver tongs and sugar spoons, Miss Felix Smith
Cameo brooch, Mr and Mrs Wynne Corrie
Silver tea caddy, Major and Mrs Critchley
Enamelled pencil case, Miss M. Shakerley Lace fan, Mrs.Parker
Silver button hook and shoe horn, Mr H. Burd
Silver flower vase, Lady and the Misses Durand
Sapphire ring, Mr Leicester Warren
Silver paper knife, Lady Fermoy and Honourable Sybil Roche
China inkstand, Mr and Mrs Mainwaring
Glass and silver pen tray, Honourable Evelyn Hill
Silver flower pots and jam jars, Major and Mrs Garnett Botfield

Silver handled umbrella, Mr and Mrs Monckfcon
Silver sugar basin and cream jug, Mr and Mrs H. Heber Percy
Silver cake knife and fork, Mrs Oakeley
Gilt-mounted driving whip, Mr H. Williams
Red enamelled clock, Honourable E. and Mrs Rollo
Handkerchief box, Louie and Georgie
Gilt dessert spoons, Mr Shakerley
Silver-mounted scent bottle, The Lady Forester
Pair of occasional tables, Mr and Lady Margaret Cholmondeley
Silver flower vase, Mrs G. Kenyon
Silver purse, Col. and Mrs Wolseley-Jenkins
Silver flower vase, Rev. J. Lewis
Chinese embroiderey, Col. Collette
Butter dish, Mrs and the Misses Edwards
Ivory and silver paper knife, General Houl and Mrs Savage, Mostyn
Old silver dish, Lady Magdalen Herbert
Double reading lamp, Sir K. and Lady Brooke
Silver clock, Mr and Mrs Garnett,
Botfield Crochet, Miss E. Jones
Pair Indian brass views, Rev. and Mrs Wollaston
Cut glass bottle, Admiral and Mrs. G. Hill Cheque, Mr and Mrs R. Burton
Japanese embroidered curtain, Mr and Mrs Cooper
Oxidized silver vase, Dr Burd
2 Silver photo frames, Mr and Mrs Butler Lloyd
Marble clock, Servants and Workmen at Onslow
Pincushion, Miss L. Thatcher
Silver-mounted paper case, Mr and Mrs R. Cookson
China inkstand, Mr A. W. Gilmour
Cheque, Rev. R. Dayell
Silver inkstand, Mrs Neale and Mrs Ward
Silver box, Miss Barber-Starkey
Dozen coffee cups, Mrs Morris
2 Dresden flower pots, Honourable Mrs Steuart
Silver curling lamp, Miss Morris
2 Silver flower vases, Mrs Sparrow
White lace fan, Mrs Mitchell
Gilt mounted blotter, Honourable Ann Noel Hill
Emerald, ruby and sapphire rings, Lady Leighton Warren
Gold owl charm, Mr and Mrs Steavenson
Blue enamel necklet, Miss Leighton
Silver matchbox and calendar, Col. Robinson Silver Dr and Mrs Stawel
2 Silver-mounted scent bottles, Mr and Mrs Redman
Silver-mounted jar, Canon and Mrs Dobell
Tea basket, Sir Henry Pottinger
2 Sofa cushions, Lady Harnage
Jewel pendant, Mrs Dickinson
2 Silver flower vases, Mr and Mrs Phillips
Diamond bow tiara, Mrs Wingfield
Diamond necklace, Mr Wingfield
Gilt mounted glass bowl, Mrs Graham
Pearl bracelet and turquoise bracelet, Captain W. Best
Diamond pendant. Captain and Mrs J. C. Best
Silver string box, Mr E. K. J. Corbett
China inkstand, Mrs and the Misses Sandbach
2 Silver photo frames, Mrs Jenkins
Large silver mirror, Mr. Jenkins
Ivory and silver paper knife, Teachers and Scholars Bicton Day School
Silver case patience cards, General Cockburn
Silver glove stretcher, Mrs Cockburn
Silver clock, Miss Cockburn Mahogany chair, Mr and Mrs
Busch Enamel box, Miss Trevor
Silver case for watch, Mr and Mrs Mackintosh Walker
China tea service, China breakfast service, Shrews- bury Tradesmen
Silver-mounted pincushion, Mr and Mrs H. Chap man
Silver toilet tray, Mr and Mrs A Browne
Silver smelling bottle, Mr and the Misses Johnstone
Silver photo frame, Mrs and the Misses Hutton Harrop
Gold curb bracelet set with diamonds, Tenants Onslow Estate

THE BRIDEGROOM
Opera glasses, Mrs Kingsmill, Sydmonton, Newbury
Silver candlesticks, 0. S. Wynne, Dolgelley
Silver flower vases, Mr. Bayly, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Silver candlesticks, MrE. and Mrs Bisset, Bangor Is-y-coed
Fitted suit case, Capt. Flower, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Aneroid and Thermometer, Capt. and Mrs Fenwick, Plas Fron, Wrexham
2 Silver fruit baskets, Mrs Edwards, Trevor Hall, Llangollen
Large silver fruit basket, Mr and Mrs Lloyd Edwards, Bryn Oerog, Llangollen
Silver sugar castor, Mr Coster Edwards, Bryn Howell, Llangollen
Silver desert stands, Mrs Coster Edward, do
Glass and Pewter flower vase, The Misses Edwards, Trevor Hall, Llangollen
Silver entree dish, Mr Jervoise, Herriard Park, Basingstoke
2 Silver breakfast dishes, Col. and Mrs. Best, Charlton Ho’Salisbury
Silver inkstand and candelsticks, Mr and Mrs Price, Rhiwlas, Bala
Silver and glass spirit bottle, Major and Mrs Best, Barmouth
China bowl, Mrs Pierce, Meresyke, Ambleside
Pepper castors and mustard pot, Mr and Miss Appleton, Grapen Hall, Warrington
Silver tea caddy, Miss Kidd, Warrington
Thermometer, Mr and Mrs Currey, Ruthin
Easton embroidery, Mr and Mrs Buckton, Bruche Hill, Warrington
Silver cigarette box, Mr Darlington, Black Park Chirk
Coalport china vase, Miss Godsal, Walthamstow
Silver cigarette case, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus, Dimsdale, Cambridge
Carved Table, The Hon. H. and Mrs Eden, Llandrillo, Corwen
Silver flower vases, Capt. Gabbett, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Silver letter clip, Miss Edwards, Cottage Hospital, Llangollen
China figures, Rev R. Dickson, Parkstone, Dorset
2 Silver cups, Lord and Lady Trevor, Brinkinallt, Chirk
Silver ash tray, Mr A. Kingsmill, Grenadier Guards
Picture, Rey S. and Lady Albinia Donaldson, Eton College
Writing table and chair, Capt. Carbert-Boteler, Draycott Place, London
Picture, Mr Pownall, Mount Pleasant, Llangollen
Silver tea tray, The Misses Thomas, Llantysilio Hall, Llangollen
Gold pencil Case, Mrs. King-King
Book case, Mrs Best, Bournemouth
Ivory tusk paper Knife, Sir A. and Lady Croft, Lugwardine, Hereford
Rook Rifle, Mr Dickin, Ashley Gardens, London
Set of books in case, Archdeacon and Mrs. Wynne Jones, Llangollen
Silver ink pot, Mr and Mrs Owen Phillips, Amroth, Castle-Begilley
Cigar lighter, Major Birch, Maes Elwy, St Asaph
Books, Mr and Mrs Lloyd, Rhagatt, Corwen
Visitors’ book, Miss Andrewes, Holbein House, London
Silver tea kettle, Tenants and Employees, Vivod
2 Silver toast racks and rings, In and outdoor servants and keepers, Vivod
2 Silver menu stands, Capt. and Mrs Willes, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Silver candlesticks, Capt. Braithwaite, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Silver napkin rings, Mr. Caiverley, Crogan, Corwen
6 Menu stands, Hon. Mrs and Miss Tighe, Ashgrove Overton
China dessert service, Sir Theodore Martin, Bryntysilio Llangollon
Silver candlesticks, Capt. Hay, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
4 Silver salt cellars, Mr and Mrs Kerr, Maesmor, Corwen
Indian dressing gown, Col Wilson, Wrexham

Water colour drawing, Mr and Mrs Wayne, Bryn Llwyn, Corwen
Silver tea spoons and sugar tongs, Mr and Mrs Godsal, Iscoed, Pk-Whitchurch
Gong, Col., Mrs and Misses Bayly, Ballyarthur, Ireland
Silver match box, Mr John and Mr Humphrey Best, Barmouth
Silver dessert knives and forks, Miss Swift, Beech- field, Eastbourne
Silver blotting pad, Mr. W. Hughes, Llangollen
Silver match box, Major Chermside, Jersey
Horn drinking cups, Mr and Mrs Mostyn Owen, Erwaly, Ellesmere
Revolving book case, Mr and Mrs Bayly, Plymouth
Gold pencil, Mrs Dean, Fronieuno, Bala
Silver cigarette case, Mrs Finlay Smith
Hunting crop, Mr. John Williams, Wrexham
Parcel post weighing machine, Mrs Parr, and Mr Roger Parr, Grappenhall, Heyes
4 Silver dessert dishes, Col. and Mrs Dunn, Wrex ham
Clock for carriage, Capt. R. Price, Rhiwlas, Bala
Brass flower pot, Mrs Watkin Richards, Holmwood, Llangollen
2 Silver butter dishes and knives, Mr and Mrs Graesser, Argoed Hall, Llangollen
Silver playing card bok, Capt. Griffiths and Llan- gollen Volunteers
Silver Thermometer, Miss Chambers, Llandrillo in Rhos
Silver mounted liqueur glasses, Mr Sandbach, Cherry Hill, Malpas
Oak spirit table, Major Mantell, Capt. Lock, Capt. Rickman, Mr Phillips, Mr Walwyn, and Mr Powell, R.W.F.
Inlaid table, Mr and Mrs Hurt, Bonehill Lodge, Tamworth
Walking stick, Mr W. Edwards
Ivory scales, Mr and Mrs Evan Evans, Carnarvon
Jersey hot water can, Mr and Miss Brown,
Jersey Knitted tie, Miss A. Tottenham, Torquay
2 silver flower vases, Mr and Mrs Child, Overton
Mother of pearl studs, links and buttons, Miss Wingfield, (The Bride)
Brougham, Capt and Mrs J. C. Best
Silver sugar castors, Hon. Mrs and C. Hill
Bacon’s essays. Sir James and Lady Phillipps
Parcel post weighing machines, Col. S. Parr Lynes and Mrs Lynes
4 Silver flower vases, Capt. Cockburn, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Marble clock and ornaments, Farmers, Keepers and others,
Faraway China vase, Rev. and Mrs E. P. Wethered
Silver-mounted pipe, Mr Moss, Berwyn
Clock for Motor, cousins at Charlton House Indian silver spoon, Mr S J. Best
Silver telegraph pad, Mr and Mrs E. Godsal-Alport, Whitchurch
Silver tea caddy, Mr R. Williams-Wynn, Cefn, St. Asaph
Silver thermometer, Mr and Mrs L. Lloyd John, Corwen
Silver inkstand Silver inkstand, Mr and Mss Powys Cobb, Nythfa, Brecon
2 Silver trays, Mr Hugh Sandbach, 1st Royal Dragoons Oak and
Silver inkstand, Messrs J. Roberts and Sons, Llangollen
Silver dessert dish, Mrs Higginson, Jersey
2 Silver bonbonnieres, Mr and Mrs E. Irby
Iron stool, Messrs J. and R. Edwards, Llangollen
Silver sugar castor, Mr. K. Studd, Harley-street, London

Lady Best was mentioned often in the Llangollen Advertizer for her work with the Guild:

CLOTHING FOR THE SICK AND WOUNDED MEETING AT LLANGOLLEN, 14 August 1914
A meeting of ladies was held in the National Schools, on Tuesday afternoon, for the purpose of forming a Work Guild for War Purposes. Capt. W. Best presided, and opened the proceedings on behalf of Mrs. Best who, with the Hon. Mrs. J. C. Best, Mr. C. Richards, Misses Thomas (Llantysilio Hall), Mrs. Jagger, Mrs. Spencer, Miss Hurrell, Miss Barker, Mrs. Davies, and many others attended, the place of meeting having to be changed from the Church House, where it was originally summoned to be held, to the schools which were crowded to their utmost capacity. Capt. W. Best stated that the Vivod family had decided to give the material for the first consignment of clothes, and the garments had been cut out and, with cotton and other necessaries, were arranged in parcels ready for distribution. All they appealed for were willing hands and ready workers to do the necessary sewing. Over a hundred ladies at once came forward to form the Guild, which was composed of representatives of all denominations, there being a general desire, on the part of all present, to assist in some way or other. It was also decided to hold fortnightly meetings, in the Council Chamber, at the Town Hall, to receive the completed work, on the first and third Thursdays in each month. It was announced that Dr. Wilson has consented to give a series of instruction lectures in Nursing every Wednesday in the County Buildings during the next six week and another admirable step decided upon was to ascertain large householders in the district who are prepared to receive and nurse convalescents in their home, quite a considerable number volunteering to do this valuable work.

WAR GUILD WORK, 11th September 1914
The fourth collection of articles was held by Mrs. W. Best, on Thursday, Sept. 17th, at the Town Hall, Llangollen. The following articles for soldiers were received:  Twelve bed jackets, twenty-nine night-shirts, ten bed socks, thirty- seven day shirts, sixty-two socks, hundred and twenty-five bandages, twenty jerseys, twelve hanks, two helmets, three mufflers, one belt, one mitts and one cushion also forty-three various articles of poor clothes suitable for the Belgians. The bandages and bed socks were sent to Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild. The bed jackets and night-shirts are retained at Vivod for convalescents in this district. Day-shirts Mrs. Best also retained being doubtful whether they were needed for the troops, but in answer to her enquiry to Queen Mary’s Guild she learns that “they will be exceedingly glad of them as so many are asked for that the stock is almost exhausted.” They will therefore be sent there. Socks, jerseys and woollen comforts Mrs. Best is forwarding by parcels’ post in installments to the Welsh Fusiliers in France. For the present Mrs. Best asks socks (with heels), jerseys, day-shirts, bandages (six yards long and tightly rolled), blankets, old or new; dressing gowns old, and warm clothes of all kinds and sizes for the Belgians. Mrs. W. Best wishes to thank all the workers and donors very much for their beautiful gifts, which are all sadly needed and will continue to be. The next collection will be on Thursday, October 1st, at three to five p.m.

LIBERAL LADY W0RKERS, 30 October 1914
A splendid response to the Appeal for war comforts for our sailors and soldiers was achieved on Wednesday night, when the lady officials of the Llangollen Liberal Club met to receive the work of the members. Mrs. Best received the things at the Town Hall, on Thursday afternoon. The next collection of garments will take place on Nov. 11th when all sorts of knitted and sewn garments will be gratefully received, and a special appeal is made for flannel shirts which are in great demand at the front.

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