Isabel Maud Penrice, Countess of Clancarty (née Bilton; 26 October 1866 – 31 December 1906), known as Belle Bilton, was an English music hall and pantomime actress. She performed at a number of venues and modeled for photography studios. She also formed a duo with her sister Flo Bilton. She gained further media attention for her marriage to William Trench, Viscount Dunlo.
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Early life
Isabel Maud Penrice Bilton was the middle daughter of John George Bilton, a member of the Royal Engineers, and Kate Maude (née Penrice). She and her younger sister Florence (born 1868) got their start performing at the local Woolwich Barracks near their home in Charlton. At the time of her wedding, Bilton was recorded living in St John's Wood with her older sister Violet (born 1865).
Career
Bilton began her theatre career at age 14. In 1883, Bilton's earnings on the stage were "five and thirty shillings". As early as 1886, Bilton and her sister Flo were referred to as the Sisters Bilton in press billings, performing at theatres including the "London Pavilion, the Oxford, the Holborn, the Paragon". They earned publicity through photographs taken by the likes of Bassano Studios and W. & D. Downey.