A WOMAN who entertained royalty and international politicians as the wife of the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, was celebrating her 100th birthday at Malton today.

Lady Pamela Butterfield's distinguished life has seen her travelling extensively, in the early days to pursue her love of drawing.

Born at Launceston, Cornwall, the daughter of a Methodist minister, she lived at Halifax, Pocklington, Howden and Bridlington before fulfilling an ambition to go to art school.

She went to Cambridge School of Art when her family lived in the city and when they moved to Yorkshire she joined Yorkshire School of Art.

She spent five years learning the skill and toured and drew in Italy, Spain and France. At one point she illustrated a children's history book.

Lady Butterfield, who is now a resident at Autumn Lodge nursing home in York Road, Malton, went on to teach drawing and design at a Northern Ireland Protestant prep school - "and Latin as well if the head was away playing golf!"

She later taught at a girls' private school in Somerset and then married her husband, Herbert Butterfield, who became Regis Professor of modern history at Peterhouse College, at Cambridge University, eventually rising to become vice-chancellor in 1958 and being knighted. The couple entertained the King and Queen of Siam, Princess (now Queen) Margaretha of Denmark, as well as British royalty, together with political figures, among them Robert Menzies the Australian prime minister.

Lady Butterfield lived for 60 years in Cambridge. She moved to Malton three years ago after spending several holidays in the area with one of her two sons, Robin, who lives at Settrington.

Although suffering from failing eyesight and being hard of hearing, Lady Butterfield spends much of her time listening to taped books.

"I've had a really lovely life - I've enjoyed it all," she says.

Family will be gathering from a wide area to share in her 100th birthday celebrations at the home.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, April 17, 2003