Katharine Parsons

Born to William Frogatt Bethell at Rise Park in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 1859,[1] Katharine met the Hon.

[2] In their early married days Katharine would regularly accompany Charles on 7 am morning lakes trials of his prototype torpedoes at Roundhay Park in Leeds.

[5][6] Famed for her robust character and exceptional organisational skills, during the First World War Lady Parsons was closely involved in managing the female workforces in Tyneside converted armaments factories.

Frequent financial challenges arising from the difficulties of prompted Lady Parsons to make substantial donations to keep the fledgling Society afloat.

[3] Nevertheless, she also found much time to pursue her pastimes of riding horses, long-distance driving and entertaining guests at the family home of Ray Demesthene at Kirkwhelpington.