Anne Parsons, Countess Of Rosse

Anne Parsons, Countess of Rosse (née Messel, previously Armstrong-Jones), was born on 8 February 1902 in Paddington, London, England. She was the second child and only daughter of Leonard Charles Rudolph Messel (1872–1953) and Maud Messel. Her father was a stockbroker and Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal East Kent Regiment, and her family was of German-Jewish descent. Leonard Messel's father, Ludwig Messel, established a successful stockbroking business and acquired the Nymans estate in West Sussex in the late 19th century. Anne had siblings named Linley Messel (1899–1971), a notable figure, and Oliver Messel (1904–1978), a stage set designer.

She was raised in Sussex near her paternal grandparents at Nymans and received home education. Her early interests included needlework and gardening, and family letters and diaries indicate she exhibited some artistic talent.

Anne Parsons made her debut in society in 1922, gaining recognition for her poise and fashion sense. Her social circle included figures such as Edward James, Tilly Losch, Zita Jungman, and photographer Cecil Beaton.

In her personal life, she married Ronald Armstrong-Jones on 22 July 1925; they divorced in early 1935. They had two children: Susan Anne Armstrong-Jones (born 12 February 1927, died 9 May 1986), who married John Vesey, 6th Viscount de Vesci, in 1950; and Antony Armstrong-Jones, born 7 March 1930, who later became the 1st Earl of Snowdon and married Princess Margaret in 1960.

Her second marriage was to Michael Parsons, 6th Earl of Rosse, on 19 September 1935. The Earl of Rosse was known for his extensive estates in Ireland and was nicknamed "The Adonis of the Peerage." They had two sons and five grandchildren, including Brendan Parsons, 7th Earl of Rosse (born 21 October 1936), and Hon. Desmond Oliver Martin Parsons (1938–2010).

Anne Parsons was among the witnesses at the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1947, her family estate at Nymans was severely damaged by fire. She worked with her family to assist in the house’s recovery and maintenance. After her father's death in 1953, the house was transferred to the National Trust. Following her husband's death in 1979, she returned to Nymans and remained involved in the upkeep of its gardens.

In 1957, inspired by her house at 18 Stafford Terrace and a successful gathering of visitors, Anne Parsons proposed the creation of The Victorian Society. The organization was founded in February 1958 at 18 Stafford Terrace, with aims to preserve Victorian and Edwardian architecture and promote research related to that period.

Anne Parsons, Countess of Rosse, passed away on 3 July 1992.