The Rathbones of Llandegfan, Anglesey were a prominent family in north Wales. Mary Frances Rathbone was an influential figure in a number of social and educational projects in the area. She was the driving force in the North Wales Branch Association for Reconstruction, which sought to promote recovery and prosperity after the First World War (Sir John Morris-Jones was also a member) and in another organisation with similar interests, known as the Pilgrim Trust.
Miss Rathbone was a great niece of William Rathbone MP (1819-1902), one of the founders of the University of Wales, Bangor and was herself a benefactor of the university and an active member of its council. In 1934 she received an honorary degree from the University of Wales. She died in 1937.
From the guide to the Rathbone Llandegfan Sketches, 1894-1954, (Bangor University)
