[Hannen Swaffer, Fleet Street journalist and spiritualist.] Typed Letter Signed to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope, with carbon of the reply, regarding the music hall artiste Belle Bilton, who became Lady Dunlo.

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. From the Macqueen-Pope papers. Each item in good condition, lightly aged, with creasing and rust staining to one corner from a paperclip. ONE: Swaffer to MP. TLS, signed ‘Swaff’. 1p, 4to. ‘Dear Popey, / Do you know anything about this woman? [From the context he is sending MP an enquiry he has received from ‘Mr. Le Poer Trench’] I presume she was a legitimate actress. If she was on the halls, which is not suggested by the “Isabel”, I will ask Georgie Wood to publish a paragraph in the “Performer.” You might just drop this man a line.’ He ends by apologizing for retaining MP’s books: ‘I was suddenly asked to do a “Band Waggon” article on the Festival of Britain, not the matter that was originally suggested. / Your books are quite safe. I hope you are.’ TWO: Unsigned carbon of TL from MP to Swaffer. 1p, 8vo. Long letter. He is returning Le Poer Trench’s letter. ‘The only Bilton of whom I know anything was Belle Bilton, who became Lady Dunlo and this is obviously the Isabel Bilton he means.’ He gives a good deal of biographical information before continuing, regarding the marriage: ‘There was great family opposition, as you might expect, for Belle Bilton was now well-known as a pantomime, music hall and musical comedy performer. The marriage was secret and took place on the 10th July 1889 at the Hampstead Registrar’s office. The family opposition continued and there was a whole lot of trouble, into which we need not go. But it has always been my opinion that Belle Bilton was far more sinned [last four words underlined] against than sinning.’ He continues with more information, including the fact that, although this ‘remarkable woman’ ‘could not be received at Court in those days’, ‘Queen Alexandra became her personal friend’. He ends with reassurance over his books, and a report of his ill health.