Marie de Grey

Born on 20 January 1852, Ellen Washington Knox was the daughter of William Alexander Knox, a grocer and druggist in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Her mother was Mary née Fox.

She appears to have made her stage debut in 1865, possibly at the Court Theatre (London Evening Standard, 1 September 1865).

‘Marie de Grey’s career was one long triumph. She appeared at the leading London theatres, throughout the provinces, India, America, and Australia and New Zealand. […] Her visit to the colonies was due to a most severe attack of rheumatism. Being advised to try a warmer climate, and not wishing to relinquish her profession, Miss de Grey organised a company for India and Australasia. Few who enjoyed her many admirable performances in the colonies ever dreamt of the physical pain Miss de Grey was undergoing while delighting her audiences by her clever acting. So engrossed was she in her art that at times she became totally unconscious of bodily suffering in delineating the mental struggles of her famous impersonations of Lady Teazle and other characters’ (Otago Witness, New Zealand, 1 June 1899)

On 22 July 1882 at Chesham she married Lieutenant George Berthon Preston of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, who was born in Geneva in 1858.

‘They have been engaged to be married about twelve months — that is to say, since the appearance of Miss de Grey at the Olympic Theatre for a fortnight last July. The ceremony took place at St Mary’s Church, Chesham, and it need scarcely be said the lady looked extremely handsome in her bridal dress. Chesham is Miss de Grey’s native place, her father having been a medical man there some years ago, and she is but one of a very handsome family; her mother is a remarkably good-looking woman, and her two sisters are also very charming’ (Rochdale Observer, 5 August 1882).

In 1884 she was touring Australia with her own comedy company and garnering enthusiastic reviews. ‘The repertoire of the company includes some of the grandest old comedies that have been written, and altogether a real histrionic treat may be expected. The press has been unanimous in praising the company’ (Bendigo Advertiser, 13 August 1884).

‘Returning to England in 1886 Miss de Grey toured the provinces with her own company, playing a round of characters, including Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Rosalind, Beatrice, etc., and made her farewell appearance on the stage […] some 11 years ago, when she retired into private life. So quiet was her retirement that when the papers announced the death of “Ellen Washington Preston, wife of Captain G.B. Preston,” few people found any point of recognition; but when it was noted that Mrs Preston was once Miss Marie de Grey, many a playgoer recalled to mind the beautiful woman with a slight lisp who figured largely not only on the mimic stage, but also in English social life, where her always open purse will be much missed’ (Otago Witness, New Zealand, 1 June 1899)

Marie de Grey died, aged 43, on 21 October 1897 at 27 Redcliffe Gardens, Fulham, leaving an estate valued at £556.

‘PRESTON — On Oct. 21st, Ellen Washington Preston (Miss Marie de Grey), the beloved wife of Captain G.B. Preston, late Queen’s Bays’ (The Era, 30 October 1897).

‘DEATH OF A WELL-KNOWN ACTRESS. — The death is announced of Miss Marie de Grey (Mrs G.B. Preston), a well-known actress in London ten or twelve years ago. She was particularly successful in characters necessitating a commanding presence and imperious manner, though she often distinguished herself in parts less dependent upon height and dignity. Miss Marie de Grey organised a company of her own, and for some time played in the provinces. She was also well received during a tour she undertook in India’ (Liverpool Mercury, 2 November 1897).

The inscription on her gravestone in the churchyard of St Leonard’s in Chesham reads: ‘In memory of Ellen Washington, Beloved wife of Captain G.B. Preston, who departed this life 21st October 1897 in her 44th year. Also of her sister Alice Carnegie Divino who fell asleep March 2nd 1940. Blessed are the pure in heart.’

Photographed by Elliott and Fry of London.

Despite the 'copyright' printed in the lower margin, this portrait was not entered at Stationers' Hall.