Queen Bees – society hostesses weakening the English class system

The story of the six extraordinary hostesses who shaped British society in the inter-war years.

Queen Bees, by Sián Evans looks at the lives of six remarkable women who made careers out of being society hostesses, including Lady Astor, who went on to become the first female MP, and Mrs Greville, who cultivated relationships with Edward VII, as well as Lady Londonderry, Lady Cunard, Laura Corrigan and Lady Colefax.

Written with wit, verve and heart, Queen Bees is the story of a form of societal revolution and the extraordinary women who helped it happen.

In the aftermath of the World War I, the previously strict hierarchies of the British class system were weakened.

For a number of ambitious, spirited women, this was the chance they needed to slip through the cracks and take their place at the top of society as the great hostesses of the time.

In an age when the place of women was uncertain, becoming a hostess was not a chore, but a career choice, and though some of the hostesses’ backgrounds were surprisingly humble, their aspirations were anything but.

During the inter-war years, these extraordinary women ruled over London society from their dining tables and salons – entertaining everyone from the Mosleys to the Mitfords, from millionaires to maharajahs, from film stars to royalty – and their influence can still be felt today.

Cultural historian Sián Evans has worked for the National Trust, the V&A and the Design Museum. She is the author of several works of social history including Mrs Ronnie: The Society Hostess Who Collected Kings, The Manor Reborn and Life Below Stairs.

Queen Bees, by Sián Evans, published by Hachette Australia is available from Dymocks.

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