Emily Shackleton: Who Was Ernest Shackleton’s Wife?

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was a polar explorer who led four expeditions exploring Antarctica. He is best known for his 1914-1916 attempt to traverse the Antarctic which, although unsuccessful, became famous as a story of remarkable perseverance and survival.

Emily, Lady Shackleton was born on 15 May 1868 and died on 9 June 1936. She is best known as the wife of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and the mother of Edward Shackleton, the Labour Party politician. In later life, Lady Shackleton became involved in the Girl Guide movement.

Emily Mary Dorman, later to become Lady Shackleton, was born into a large wealthy family in Sydenham, Kent. She was the youngest of six children, having four brothers and a sister. On April 9th, 1904, Emily married Ernest Shackleton and gave birth to 3 children.