Sheila Lochhead

Sheila Ramsay Lochhead (née MacDonald) was born on 7 December 1910 and died on 22 July 1994. She was known for her roles as a hostess, prison visitor, and writer.

Sheila MacDonald was the daughter of Ramsay MacDonald, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his wife Margaret MacDonald (née Gladstone), a social reformer and women's rights activist. She was one of six children in the family. In 1924, her father became Britain’s Prime Minister following the death of previous officeholders, and she, along with her sister Ishbel MacDonald, assumed the role of political hostess at 10 Downing Street. Her sister Ishbel served as her father’s political hostess before Sheila.

Sheila Lochhead received her early education at North London Collegiate School, where she was head girl. She later attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During her time at Oxford, she earned a hockey blue and graduated with a 2:1 degree. It has been reported that she initially aspired to enter politics.

In addition to her educational pursuits, Sheila Lochhead was involved in social and political activities. She worked at Wormwood Scrubs Prison and was committed to prison reform. She later became actively involved in prison visiting, serving as chair of the National Association of Official Prison Visitors for three years. She authored a book in 1993 titled "Outside-in: A Study of Prison Visiting," which examined the history of prison visiting.

In 1948, she married Andrew Van Slyke Lochhead. The couple resided in Swansea, Wales, and had three children. Their family life included activities such as organizing a home for the homeless and establishing a hostel for individuals who had been incarcerated.

Sheila Lochhead passed away in 1994, approximately a year after suffering a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis. Her husband, Andrew Lochhead, survived her by eight years, passing away in 2002.