Miss Jane Raby: A Life Across Six Reigns

Longevity in Context

Weekly Dispatch (London)

Statistically, reaching the age of one hundred has become far more common in the twenty‑first century. By 2024, an estimated 15,300 people in the United Kingdom were aged 100 or over, a figure unimaginable a century earlier. In the 1920s, such longevity remained exceptional, which explains the considerable interest when, on 13 June 1926, the Weekly Dispatch (London) published an article titled “LIVED IN SIX REIGNS.” It reported the death of Miss Jane Raby of Pulteney Street, Bath—cousin of Lady Methuen and sister of Rear‑Admiral Henry James Raby, V.C.—who had died at the remarkable age of 106. A native of Swansea, she had lived in Bath for seventy years, retaining full possession of her faculties and maintaining a lively interest in public affairs. Her life spanned the reigns of George III, George IV, William IV, Victoria, Edward VII, and George V.

The Raby Family in the Census Records

1841 Census — 7 June 1841

1841 Census

The earliest formal record of the family appears in the 1841 Census, the first recognisably modern census of the United Kingdom. This enumeration recorded only the essentials—name, age (rounded down for adults), occupation, and whether born in the county or elsewhere in Britain or “Foreign Parts.” The Raby family appear clearly: Arthur, 50, and his wife Henrietta, 43, with their Swansea‑born children Jane, 20; Georgina, 17; Arthur, 16; and Edward, 14. Their presence as a complete family unit, with no occupation listed for the women, reflects a comfortable middle‑class household.

1871 Census — 2 April 1871

1871 Census

Jane next appears in the 1871 Census, by which time the census had become far more detailed, recording exact ages, marital status, occupations, birthplaces, and relationships within the household. The family were now living at 65 Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, a prestigious Georgian address. The household was headed by Portie M. Smith, 64, “No Profession,” born in Bath, with his sister Henrietta J. Raby, 78, also “No Profession,” present with her adult children: Henrietta M., 56; Georgina M., 49; and Jane, 51, all born in Swansea. Arthur Raby, 49, appears as H.M. Consul at Jeddah. Four servants—Ann White, Theresa Dorchmall, Elizabeth Harditch, and Sarah Robbins—completed the household.

1891 Census — 5 April 1891

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, the family remained at the same address. This census introduced language questions in Wales and Scotland and expanded occupational detail. Portie M. Smith, now 84, was still head of the household, living with his nieces Henrietta M., 76; Jane, 71; and Georgina W., 69, all described as “Living by Own Means.” Their servants were Kitty Kesdall, Elizabeth Ruddall, and Annie Linerton. The household had become one of elderly siblings, all unmarried and financially secure.

1901 Census — 31 March 1901

1901 Census

Jane appears again in the 1901 Census, still at 65 Pulteney Street. This census captured the turn‑of‑the‑century population with expanded occupational categories. Portie M. Smith, now 94, remained head, with his nieces Henrietta M., 86; Jane, 81; and Georgina W., 79, all “Living by Own Means.” The servants were Kitty Kendall, Elizabeth Ruddall, and Annie Leicester. The continuity of the household is remarkable, with Elizabeth Ruddall serving the family across multiple decades.

1921 Census — 19 June 1921

1921 Census

Her final census entry is the 1921 Census, the most detailed census ever conducted in Britain, recording exact birthdates, employer names and addresses, workplaces, and reasons for unemployment. Jane Lang Raby, aged 101, was now head of the household, with no occupation. Three servants—Mary Hicks, 43; Annie Liverton, 53; and Elizabeth Ruddall, 64—were in residence. Jane’s ability to maintain a household with three servants at such an advanced age demonstrates the enduring financial stability of the Raby family. She was later buried at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bathwick, Bath.

A Forgotten Literary Episode Revived

South Wales Daily Post

Mrs Helen Watney and the 1845 Novel

Her death prompted renewed interest in a forgotten literary episode. On 19 June 1926, the South Wales Daily Post noted that Mrs Helen Watney of Llanelly was Jane’s sister, and recalled that in 1845 Helen had published a novel, “Mary de Clifford,” a spirited satire of prominent figures in the tinplate town, including Vicar Morris, Mr Machiavell, Mrs Dressinge, and Miss Dressinge. Arthur Mee later described the work as chiefly of historical interest, preserving a sharp‑eyed glimpse of mid‑nineteenth‑century Llanelly society.

Authorship and Context

Helen Raby wrote the novel when she was in her mid‑twenties, living in Swansea and belonging to a family of comfortable means and good education. Her brother, Henry James Raby, would later become a celebrated naval hero, while her sister Jane spent much of her long life in Bath and became known for her remarkable longevity.

The Rabys were part of a cultured, literate, middle‑class circle, and Helen’s decision to write a novel was entirely in keeping with the intellectual pursuits of women of her background. The book’s satirical tone suggests she was observant, socially aware, and confident enough to comment on the behaviour of the town’s leading figures.

The fact that the novel was remembered in 1926—more than eighty years after its publication—demonstrates that it had made a lasting impression on Llanelly society.

Rear‑Admiral Henry James Raby, V.C.

Early Life and Naval Beginnings

James Raby VC

The Weekly Dispatch (London) also referred to Jane and Helen’s brother, Rear‑Admiral Henry James Raby, V.C., one of the most distinguished naval officers of the Victorian era. Born on 26 September 1827 at Boulogne‑sur‑Mer to Llanelli parents, he was educated at Sherborne School and entered the Royal Navy in 1842, joining H.M.S. Monarch. His early service included anti‑slavery patrols off the West Coast of Africa, after which he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1850 and served aboard H.M.S. Wasp.

Crimean War and the Victoria Cross

During the Crimean War, Raby served in the Naval Brigade in the trenches before Sebastopol. On 18 June 1855, after the failed assault on the Redan, he, Henry Curtis, and John Taylor ran seventy yards under heavy fire to rescue a wounded soldier of the 57th Regiment. All three were awarded the Victoria Cross, though Taylor died the next day. When Queen Victoria held the first‑ever VC investiture on 26 June 1857, Henry James Raby was the first person to step forward, making him the first individual ever to receive the medal.

Later Career and Legacy

Raby later became a Companion of the Order of the Bath, received the Légion d’Honneur, and earned the Crimean, Sardinian, and Turkish medals. Rising to the rank of Rear‑Admiral, he remained a respected figure in naval circles. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth. He died on 13 February 1907, aged 79, and is buried in the north‑eastern section of the cemetery alongside his son, Captain Montague Raby.