Marie Wilton
(1839-1921)
later Lady Bancroft

Lady Marie Bancroft died on 22 May 1921 at The Burlington Hotel in Folkestone, leaving an estate valued at £3596.

A lengthy obituary appeared in The Era (25 May 1921): 'Although a good many years have passed since Lady Bancroft, who died at Folkestone on Sunday, after a long and painful illness, at the age of 82, was one of the leading actresses of the Victoria stage, the lustre of her fame as a comedienne has been little dimmed by the passing of time. 

'Marie Effie Wilton was the daughter of Robert Pleydell Wilton, who came of an old Gloucestershire family, and was originally intended for the church, but became a travelling actor. Born at Doncaster, she began her stage career as a child of five, acting children's parts in the provinces with her father. [...] It was at the old Strand Theatre that Marie Wilton achieved her first great success, winning fame in the early extravaganzas of H.J. Byron, and laying the foundations of her claim to be one of the greatest comedy actresses ever seen in London. 

'While fulfilling an engagement at Liverpool she first met Mr S.B. Bancroft, and their marriage took place in 1867. [...]

'Her last appearance was at the great Nelle Farren benefit at Drury Lane on March 17, 1898. [...]

'Lady Bancroft was a woman of great energy, and her abilities were not confined to acting and theatre management. [...] Lady Bancroft left written instructions that she should be buried according to the Protestant faith, and she also asked that no flowers should be sent to her funeral, but that the money which might have been spent on them should be forwarded to the Actors' Benevolent Fund.'