Mitford family to "The Times" journalist Ben Macintyre, as "Diana the Fascist, Jessica the Communist, Unity the Hitler-lover; Nancy the Novelist; Deborah the Duchess and Pamela the unobtrusive poultry connoisseur". The family traces its origins in Northumberland back to the time of the Norman conquest. In the Middle Ages they had been Border Reivers based in Redesdale. The main family line had seats at Mitford Castle and Mitford Old Manor House prior to Mitford Hall in 1828. The sisters achieved notoriety for their controversial but stylish lives as young people, then for their public political divisions between communism and fascism. Nancy and
Sisters of the Holy Family of Villefranche Sisters of the Holy Family of Villefranche The Sisters of the Holy Family of Villefranche (French: "Sœurs de la Sainte-Famille de Villefranche"; Latin: "Congregatio Sororum a Sacra Familia"; abbreviation: "S.F.") is a religious institute of pontifical right whose members profess public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and follow the evangelical way of life in common. Members dedicated themselves to instruction and education of youth, especially the poor. This religious institute was founded in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France, in 1816, by st. Émilie de Rodat, and received pontifical status in 1869. The sisters have houses in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Philippines.