She was born as Eleanor Jane Portal on 13 May 1854 in Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire, the second daughter and the third of the seven children of Sir William Spencer Portal, 1st Baronet (1822-1905) and Lady Mary Jane Portal née Beach (1828-1903). Her father was a manufacturer of banknote paper employing 45 people, a magistrate and a landed proprietor.
The 1861 census shows her together with her aunt - Jane Eliza Portal (1829-1900) and her paternal grandmother - Elizabeth Portal née Drummond (1788-1877), visiting the home of Edward and Adela Knight at Chawton House, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire.
The 1871 census confirms that she was living at 97 Eaton Place, Knightsbridge, Westminster, with her parents, three sisters, two brothers, a governess, a housekeeper, a nurse, two lady's maids, a butler, a footman, a groom, a kitchen maid, a housemaid, a scullery maid, a schoolroom maid and a nursery governess.
On 6 April 1875 she married Chaloner William Chute (1838-1892) in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and they had four children, Rachel Eleanor Chute (1876-1968), Charles Leonard Chute (1879-1956), John Chaloner Chute (1881-1961) and Anthony William Chute (1884-1958). Her husband was a barrister.
The 1881 census informs that she was living at 19 Wilton Street, Knightsbridge, Westminster, with her husband, their two children, a nurse, a cook, a parlour-maid and an under nurse.
By the time of the 1891 census she was living at Vyne House, Sherbourne St. John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, with her husband, their four children, two nurses, a schoolroom maid, a kitchen maid, a cook and a housemaid. Her husband had grown up in Vyne House and he was the eldest son of William Lyde Wiggett Chute (1800-1879) and Martha Chute née Buckworth (1817-1888). (The property is now called The Vyne and is in the hands of The National Trust). Her husband died at home on 30 May 1892 and when probate was originally granted on 5 December 1892 his effects totalled £28,291-9s-6d, but it was subsequently resworn in June 1893 when the effects totalled £30,628-15s-0d and further resworn in November 1894 with a new total of £30,147-15s-0d.
The 1901 census shows her living at 1 Wilton Terrace, Knightsbridge, Westminster, the home of her parents, together with her daughter and son - John Chaloner Chute, and ten servants, including a housekeeper, two lady's maids, a housemaid and two footmen.
In 1901 she became President of the Girls Friendly Society.
The 1939 England and Wales Register states she was living at 37 Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, with her daughter, a cook and a house parlour-maid.
Probate records state that she died, aged 89 years, on 26 March 1944 at Hillstead, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, and when probate was granted to two of her sons, Charles Leonard Chute-barrister at law and the Reverend John Chaloner Chute on 21 July 1944 her effects totalled £4,974-12s-11d.
The image of her shown was drawn in 1908 by Sydney W. White (active: 1892-1917).
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan
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