Anne Brewis

Lady Anne Brewis (née Palmer) was born on 26 March 1911 and died on 31 March 2002. She was an English botanist, environmental campaigner, and writer known for her work on the flora of Hampshire.

Family Background

Anne Beatrice Mary Palmer was the daughter of Roundell Cecil Palmer, the 3rd Earl of Selborne, and his wife, the Honorable Grace Palmer (née Ridley). Grace Palmer was the third daughter of Matthew White Ridley, the 1st Viscount Ridley. Anne was one of six siblings. Her birth occurred three months before her father’s election as Member of Parliament for Newton-le-Willows in Lancashire. Her paternal great-grandfather was known to have an interest in botany and entomology.

Personal Life and Marriage

In her youth, Brewis was a debutante. In 1935, she married Reverend John Salusbury Brewis, an Anglican priest. Her marriage periods included residence in various locations before returning to Hampshire upon her husband's retirement from clergy duties in 1954. The couple had four children: Thomas William Brewis (born 27 August 1937), Robert Salusbury Brewis (born 21 May 1939), Mary Elizabeth Maud Brewis (born 11 April 1947), and Susan Amy Brewis (born 21 June 1949). Lady Brewis was widowed in 1972.

Botanical Interests and Contributions

As a child, Brewis spent holidays studying orchids at Noar Hill near Selborne in Hampshire. Her interest in natural history was influenced by Gilbert White, a well-known naturalist, and she pursued a degree in Zoology at Somerville College, Oxford.

Over a span of 27 years, Brewis systematically documented numerous species of vascular plants. She co-authored the comprehensive guide, *The Flora of Hampshire*, published in 1996, alongside Francis Rose and Peter Bowman. She was a member of the Wild Flower Society and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.

Environmental Activism

Brewis was active in environmental conservation efforts. She led initiatives to inform the British Ministry of Defence about the environmental impacts of military training activities on flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Additionally, she served as a warden at the Noar Hill nature reserve, working with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. During summers, she organized botanical safaris for local children to promote awareness and interest in natural history.

Honors and Legacy

In recognition of her contributions to nature conservation in Hampshire, Brewis was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year's Honours list of 1999.

Before her death, she donated most of her botanical collection to the Hampshire County Museum Service.

Selected Bibliography

- *The Flora of Hampshire*, authored by Bowman P., Brewis A., Mabey R., and Rose F., published in 1996 by Harley Books (ISBN 0-946589-34-8). This publication is a detailed account of plant species found in Hampshire and builds upon the earlier 1904 edition titled *The Flora of Hampshire* by Frederick Townsend.

- *Natural History of Selborne* by Gilbert White, first published in 1789 and reprinted in 1977 (ISBN 0-14-043112-8).

References

[The references section was included in the original document but specific references are not provided here.]