Letter: Spanning the centuries

Spanning

the centuries

Sir: Paul Christison Edwards's great-aunt, Alison Graham, now aged 95, had a father who was born in 1828 (letter, 14 May). This gives a span of 168 years. If Mrs Graham can hang on for a while she may create a new British record.

Lady Ethelreda Caroline Wickham, who died in 1961 at the age of 97, was the youngest daughter of the 10th Marquess of Huntly, who had been born in 1792. This gives a span of 169 years. Miss Alice Grigg, of Belvedere in Kent, who died in 1970 aged about 107, was believed to be the last person in this country with a father born in the 18th century. Her father had been born in 1799, giving a span of 171 years.

Henry Button

Cambridge