Mary Benson (hostess)

Mary Benson
Mary Benson at 20.
Born	Mary Sidgwick 16 March 1841 Skipton, Yorkshire, England
Died	15 June 1918 (aged 77) East Sussex, England
Spouse	Edward White Benson
Children	A. C. Benson Robert Hugh Benson E. F. Benson Margaret Benson

Mary Benson (née Sidgwick; 1841–1918) was an English hostess of the Victorian era. She was the wife of Edward Benson, who during their marriage became Archbishop of Canterbury. Their children included several prolific authors and contributors to cultural life. During her marriage, she was involved with Lucy Tait (11 February 1856 – 5 December 1938), daughter of the previous Archbishop of Canterbury. She was described by William Gladstone, the British Prime Minister, as the 'cleverest woman in Europe'.