BIOGRAPHY

Guise-Berrow was born in Kings Norton, England on 28 February 1894 as one of 15 children born to George Guise and Susan Ann Herbert, who were married in 1882. She went to live with her aunt and uncle, Charles and Elizabeth (née Guise) Berrow, as a child, and was likely adopted by the couple, as she used the surname Guise-Berrow in a school admissions register in 1907, listing Charles Berrow as her father. She attended Worcester Grammar School For Girls.

Guise-Berrow worked as a bank clerk, and collaborated with A. M. Hodgson on several books about Shakespeare, his father John, and 16th century tapestry weaver Richard Hyckes, as well as having a meeting with Pope Pius XII. She never married nor had children, opting to travel to numerous countries around the world. Her sister Amy lived to be 95 years old.

At the age of 80, Guise-Berrow moved into a nursing home in Malvern, Worcestershire. Her 109th birthday was celebrated with a tea party for family and friends. Her health was reported to be frail, but she could still eat and drink independently. She died on 11 March 2004 at the age of 110 years, 12 days.

RECOGNITION

Guise-Berrow was noted for her longevity in a 109th birthday article published by Worcester News. Her age was verified by Jean-Marie Robine and Peter Goldblatt, and was validated by the GRG on 29 July 2005.

ATTRIBUTION

GALLERY