NANCY (1904-73)

Novelist, biographer and author of a notorious essay on “U” and “nonU” diction. Married to Peter Rodd (1933-58) but fell in love with the Free French officer Gaston Palewski in 1942 and moved to France, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

PAMELA (1907-94)

The “unknown” Mitford sister. A dedicated countrywoman, she married the physicist and amateur jockey Professor Derek Jackson (1936-51). Became an expert on rearing poultry and thought of writing a cookery book.

DIANA (1910-2003)

Beautiful admirer of Hitler. Married first to Bryan Guinness, then to Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. Imprisoned in Holloway (1940-43) and held under house arrest until the end of the Second World War. Moved to Ireland and later to France. The author of an autobiography, a memoir of friends and a biography of the Duchess of Windsor.

UNITY (1914-48)

Rebellious admirer of Hitler who attempted suicide in 1939 when war was declared.

JESSICA (1917-96)

Became a socialist and eloped to Spain aged 19 to marry her cousin, Esmond Romilly. Later married the American lawyer Robert Treuhaft. Civil rights activist and author of, among other works, an autobiography, Hons and Rebels, and the The American Way of Death – an exposé of the American funeral industry.

DEBORAH (1920-)

Suspected of illiteracy by her sister, Nancy. Married, in 1921 to Andrew Cavendish, who succeeded as 11th Duke of Devonshire in 1950. A passionate fan of Elvis and author of, among other books, The House: A Portrait of Chatsworth, Farm Animals, Counting My Chickens and The Chatsworth Cookery Book.

Explore Books

• Book Extracts

• Book Reviews

• Books Group

• Audio Books

Times Recommends

• And the Hippos were Boiled in their Tanks by William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac
• Sci-fi: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow and The Quiet War by Paul McAuley