Nancy Astor was a trailblazing and influential figure in British politics. She gained prominence as the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons in England. In this post, we share many famous Nancy Astor quotes for daily inspiration.

Early Life

Nancy Astor was born Nancy Witcher Langhorne on May 19, 1879 in Danville, Virginia. Her early life was marked by a mix of privilege and tragedy.

Raised in a wealthy Southern family in the United States, she experienced the loss of her mother at a young age. In 1897, she married Robert Gould Shaw II, an American socialite, with whom she had two children. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1903.

Later in 1906, Nancy met Waldorf Astor who was an American-born Englishman and the heir to the Astor family fortune. They married in 1906, and Nancy moved to England. While in England, she became Lady Astor and ultimately Viscountess Astor.

Entering Politics

Waldorf Astor eventually decided to enter politics. And in 1910, he won a seat in the House of Commons as a Unionist candidate. Encouraged by her husband and with the support of the Conservative Party, Nancy Astor ran for a seat in the House of Commons in 1919 and won. Astor made history as the first woman to sit in the House of Commons.

Nancy’s entry into politics was groundbreaking, and she faced considerable challenges as a female. She was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, social reform, and child welfare.

Her tenure in Parliament was marked by her strong and often controversial opinions. Yet she also earned respect for her dedication to public service.

Opening Door for Women

Astor’s political career spanned over twenty-five years. She played a significant role during critical times, such as World War II. She was also known for her wit, charisma, and ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.

Nancy Astor retired from politics in 1945, paving the way for future generations of women in British politics. Despite the challenges she faced, her legacy as a pioneer and a symbol of women’s political empowerment endures.

After her retirement, she continued to be involved in philanthropy and charity work until her death on May 2, 1964.

The Legacy of Nancy Astor

Nancy Astor’s life was marked by personal challenges, political breakthroughs, and a commitment to social causes.

As the first woman to sit in the House of Commons, she left an indelible mark on British political history, and opened doors for women in a male-dominated career. Without doubt, Astor’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.

Famous Nancy Astor Quotes

Below are some memorable Nancy Astor quotes from throughout her life. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

“One reason why I don’t drink is that I wish to know when I am having a good time.”

“Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.”

“The penalty for success is to be bored by the people who used to snub you.”

“My vigor, vitality, and cheek repel me.  I am the kind of woman I would run from.”

“Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darn unsafe for women.”

“The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything — or nothing.”

“We women talk too much, but even then, we don’t tell half of what we know.”

“Pioneers may be picturesque figures, but they are often rather lonely ones.”

Nancy Astor Quotes – Final Words

Nancy Astor was a trailblazing and influential figure in British politics. She gained prominence as the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, paving the way for women in politics. Her tenure in Parliament was marked by her strong and often controversial opinions. Yet she earned deep respect for her dedication to public service.

We hope you enjoyed these famous Nancy Astor quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.