Biography

Her daughter, Raine Spencer (9/9/1929-21/10/2016), was Princess Diana's stepmother. She was an elected member of the London County Council and later of the Greater London council.

She was the most prolific and well-loved author of her time. She sold over 1,000 million books, giving her a place in the Guinness book of Records. Her 723 novels of romance and love have been enjoyed by generations in over 36 countries.

In the early 1960s, she campaigned for the rights of gypsies to have a permanent place to live which resulted in an act of Parliament. One of the first gypsy camps was opened by her in 1964 and called Barbaraville and there are now 14 in Hertfordshire. This has meant thousands of gypsies and their families have a place to call home and their children can be educated in their local area.

Died the same day as John Gielgud.

She was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1991 Queen's New Year's Honours List for her services to literature.

I always use boot polish on my eyelashes, because I am very emotional person and it doesn't run when I cry.

"I say a prayer. I really do. I say, 'Please God, get me a plot.' It's absolutely extraordinary: then the plot comes." (when asked where her ideas for books come from.)

"Personally I want to be loved, adored, worshipped, cosseted and protected. Judging by the romantic boom, this is what women all over the world want too." (in 1977)

I was the person who invented second-hand clothes shops.

A man should certainly not be a virgin on his wedding night. You want one person who knows what he is doing.