Frances Ruffelle

Ruffelle in 2013, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Frances Jane Ruffell

Place of Birth: Redbridge, Essex, England, U.K.

Date of Birth: 29 August, 1965

Ethnicity: English, Ashkenazi Jewish

Frances Ruffelle is a British musical theatre actress and singer.

She is the daughter of Sylvia Young (born Sylvia Bakal), founder of the Sylvia Young Theatre School, and Norman Albert Ruffell, a phone company engineer and manager. Frances has two children, including singer and songwriter Eliza Doolittle (born Eliza Sophie Caird), with her former husband, Canadian-English director and writer John Caird.

Frances is said to be related to Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

Frances’ paternal grandfather was surnamed Ruffell.

Frances’ paternal grandmother was surnamed Ellis.

Frances’ maternal grandfather was Abraham Bakal (the son of Gamnis/George/Gamniel Bakal and Fanny Laufer). Abraham was born in London, England, to Jewish emigrants. Gamnis was born in Romania, the son of Yiddel Bakal and Rachael. Fanny was born in Zurich, Switzerland or Antwerp, Belgium.

Frances’ maternal grandmother was Sophie Wexler/Weksler (the daughter of Saloman/Solomon Schloma Wechsler and Annie/Haika/Chaika Yetta Aaronson/Ehrenson). Sophie was born in London, England, to a Jewish family. Saloman was born in Brzezany, Galicia, Ukraine, the son of Joshua Wechsler and Chippa Hachen. Annie was born in London, England, to parents from Russia, Morris Ehrenson/Aaronson and Rebecca/Jennie.

Sources: Birth record of Frances Ruffelle – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Frances’ parents – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Frances’ father – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Frances’ mother – https://familysearch.org

News article about Frances’ mother’s ancestry – http://www.standard.co.uk

Marriage record of Frances’ maternal grandparents, Abraham Bakal and Sophie Wexler – https://familysearch.org