How did the model of the Rolls Royce "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot Eleanor Thornton tragically lose her life?

The precursor to the Rolls Royce flying lady mascot was inspired by Eleanor Velasco Thornton (1880 – 1915), secretary and secret mistress of the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.

On December 30 1915 she was on board the P&O passenger ship, "Persia" alongside Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. She was on her way to India alongside another 500 passengers.

The liner was the first passenger ship to be torpedoed without warning during World War I. Montagu survived but Eleanor perished and her body was never found. A bronze plaque has been placed in Eleanor's memory in Beaulieu Abbey Church.

Lord Montagu originally commissioned artist, Charles Sykes to make a mascot for his 1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Using Eleanor as a model, he produced a statue of a young woman with fluttering robes holding a finger to her lips. It was named "The Whisper" and became the icon on the Montagu family's Rolls Royce's.

Charles Sykes' design was later developed into the famous flying lady bonnet mascot, "Spirit of Ecstasy". It was first registered by Charles Sykes on February 6, 1911.

Montagu fell in love with Eleanor in 1902 when she worked for him on "The Car Illustrated", his motoring magazine.Their long affair held another secret. The lovers had an illegitimate daughter, Joan, who was given away for adoption.

Tragically Eleanor never saw the global success of the figurine. The current Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has continued his father's legacy at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.