How Did Virginia Mckenna And Bill Traverse Meet? A Love Story For The Ages

Virginia McKenna met her second husband, Bill Travers, when they starred together in the play I Capture the Castle in London in 1954. Both were married at the time. They later reconnected after her two-year separation from Denholm Elliott, and this time, they fell in love and married in 1957.

The play I Capture the Castle was a significant turning point in their lives. It not only brought them together but also ignited a shared passion for animal welfare. During their time in the play, they became acquainted with the work of the Born Free Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife. This shared interest sparked a powerful connection between them, transcending the boundaries of their individual lives and setting the stage for a future intertwined with animal advocacy. Their shared love for animals would eventually lead them to co-found the renowned organization, the Born Free Foundation, in 1984. This organization would become a testament to their commitment to protecting animals and their unwavering belief in the importance of animal welfare. Their love story, therefore, was intertwined with their shared passion for animals, a connection that deepened their bond and shaped their lives in profound ways.

In the play I Capture the Castle, Virginia McKenna played the role of Cassandra, a young woman growing up in a dilapidated castle with her family. Bill Travers played the role of Simon, a charming and wealthy young man who falls in love with Cassandra. The play was a success, and both actors received critical acclaim for their performances. However, their personal lives were in turmoil. Virginia McKenna was still married to her first husband, Robin Hunter, and Bill Travers was married to his first wife, Peggy Cummins. Despite their personal circumstances, the spark between them was undeniable. They developed a deep connection and a shared passion for animal welfare, which would later become a defining force in their lives.