THE diary of one of the most remarkable women of the early 20th century has been published more than half a century after her death.
Between Two Worlds: the Diary of Winifred Coombe Tennant (1874-1956) reveals the innermost thoughts of a legendary figure from Neath whose life combined high-level politics, campaigning and love during a troubled historical period.
And there will be a further insight into her life when a talk takes place in Swansea later this month.
Winifred, who lived in Cadoxton House near Neath, was the most closely studied spiritual medium of her time, and the lover of Gerald Balfour, cabinet minister and brother of the former Prime Minister.
Subsequently she became an intimate of Lloyd George and a frequent visitor to 10 Downing Street, where she witnessed momentous events such as the negotiation of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921.
She was a suffragist, stood for Parliament, and was the first female British delegate to the League of Nations.
As a patron of young painters, she became a central figure in the Welsh art world.
Ffion Hague, author of The Pain and the Privilege — the Women in Lloyd George's Life, said: "Between Two Worlds is a seminal text for anyone interested in early 20th century politics and compelling testimony from a fascinating, intriguing and contradictory character.
"Winifred Coombe Tennant was truly a woman of her time and her diary is a treasure trove of illuminating insights into high society and politics."
The diary has been published by the National Library of Wales.
It was edited by Peter Lord, research fellow at the Centre for Research into the English Literature and Language of Wales at Swansea University.
He is the author of Winifred Coombe Tennant: A Life through Art.
Mr Lord will give a talk at the university's James Callaghan Lecture Theatre on Friday, May 27, starting at 5.30pm.
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