Countess Muriel De La Warr, nee Brassey (1872-1930), became a member of The Theosophical Society as a convinced and active suffragette. She did not pride herself on
her progressive work and her financing of the movement, according to a close friend, the Christian Socialist George Lansbury. Lansbury was one of the founders of the Daily Herald and a fervent supporter of
women’s rights. His campaigns were largely funded by Muriel. George had been a
railway contractor before his political career, just as Muriel’s grandfather
had been, Thomas Brassey (1805-1870). He laid the railways throughout the whole of the British Empire. And had as a result become
unfathomably rich. But this was not enough for Muriel. She wanted to have the
title of a countess. Therefore Muriel married Gilbert Sackville, 8th Earl De La
Warr (pronounced as: Delaware) in 1891. Gilbert belonged to the oldest of English upper-class families.
However, his family’s fortunes had dwindled, and he needed money. Muriel had enough of the stuff.
