Jill Craigie

Jill Craigie was born on March 7, 1911 in Fulham, London, England as Noreen Joan Craigie. Her father, Arthur Charles Craigie, worked as a clerk in a theatre box office. Her mother, Sonia Elkind, was born in Russia. She married first the sculptor Claude Begbie-Clench, but this marriage did not last long: he was said to be an alcoholic. They had one daughter together. In 1938 she married the author John E F (Jeffrey) Dell, again this marriage ended in divorce. In 1949 she married the MP and author Michael Foot. He was deputy-leader (under James Callaghan) of the Labour Party from 1976-1980 and leader from 1980-1983. They were married for 50 years.