Rosemary Pitman was a British garden designer born on June 17, 1940, in Northumberland. She built a fulfilling life around family, gardening, horses, and the countryside she deeply loved.
She became widely known as the second wife of Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, a retired British Army officer previously married to Camilla Shand. Rosemary had also experienced marriage before meeting Andrew.
In this article, we explore Rosemary Pitman’s early life, parents, education, gardening career, marriages, children, interests, relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles, illness, death, and the legacy she left behind.
Who Is Rosemary Pitman?
Rosemary Pitman, born Rosemary Dickson, was a professional garden designer from the United Kingdom. She spent much of her adult life around Malmesbury and developed a strong connection with village life.
She was especially known for her marriage to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles. Their marriage brought her greater public attention, although Rosemary had her own professional career and personal interests outside her husband’s background.
Beyond her public connection, Rosemary was a mother of three and a passionate gardener. Horses, riding, family life, and gardening remained important parts of her life until her final years.
Early Life and Childhood
Rosemary Dickson was born on June 17, 1940, in Northumberland, United Kingdom. She came from a comfortable family and received an education that prepared her for an independent adult life.
She later developed strong ties to the Malmesbury area. Rosemary spent around three decades living in and around this part of England and became closely connected with the local community.
Her childhood background helped shape several interests that stayed with her throughout life. Gardening and horses became especially important, eventually influencing both her professional work and her personal lifestyle.
Rosemary Pitman’s Parents
Rosemary was the daughter of Robert Dickinson and Alice Barnett. Her family background provided her with opportunities for a good education and an upbringing surrounded by strong professional and social influences.
Her father, Robert Dickinson, was known as a businessman, lawyer, and athlete. His sporting career included competing in the high jump at the 1924 Olympic Games.
Her mother was Alice Barnett. Rosemary was raised by her parents before eventually building a family of her own through marriage and becoming the mother of three sons.
Rosemary Pitman’s Siblings
Details about Rosemary Pitman’s brothers or sisters were not part of her widely discussed life story. Most accounts of her family background focus mainly on her parents and later her own children.
Her father, Robert Dickinson, receives particular attention because of his professional and athletic background. Her mother, Alice Barnett, is also mentioned as an important member of Rosemary’s immediate family.
As Rosemary grew older, her own household became a major part of her story. She eventually had three sons and later enjoyed spending time with the wider family around her.
Education
Rosemary attended St Mary’s School in Ascot. Her education formed part of the privileged upbringing she experienced before beginning her professional and family life.
After finishing her education, she spent some time working in London. Her life later changed considerably when she married and had to balance family responsibilities with her own interests.
Gardening eventually developed into much more than a personal hobby. Rosemary became a qualified garden designer and used her knowledge professionally, earning recognition for the quality of her work.
Career as a Garden Designer
Rosemary Pitman was a qualified professional garden designer. Gardening was one of the strongest passions in her life, and she turned that long-standing interest into professional work.
Her talent also brought her awards for her gardening work. After settling in Wiltshire, she continued practising garden design while becoming actively involved in the life of her local village.
Gardening remained meaningful to Rosemary beyond her career. It was part of her everyday lifestyle, and her connection with gardens continued until the end of her life.
Her Love for Horses
Rosemary also had a deep interest in horses. She was a keen rider and enjoyed equestrian activities alongside the outdoor lifestyle that suited her love for gardens and the countryside.
Her interest in horses also complemented some of the activities she later shared with Andrew Parker Bowles. Hunting, polo, and country pursuits formed part of the couple’s shared social life.
These interests show another side of Rosemary beyond her public identity as Andrew’s wife. Gardening, horses, riding, and community life were all important elements of her personal world.
Rosemary Pitman’s First Marriage
Rosemary married for the first time in 1961 when she was 21 years old. Her first husband was Hugh Pitman, who came from a family connected with Sir Isaac Pitman.
Sir Isaac Pitman was known for developing the Pitman shorthand system. Hugh pursued a military career and later became a Lieutenant Colonel in what is now the Blues and Royals.
Because of Hugh’s Army career, Rosemary divided her time between England and Germany. The couple eventually settled at Foxley, near Malmesbury, during the mid-1970s.
Divorce From Hugh Pitman
Rosemary and Hugh Pitman eventually ended their marriage through divorce. Their years together had included military life, relocation, family responsibilities, and raising their children.
The specific circumstances that led to their separation were not a major part of Rosemary’s public life story. Following their divorce, both moved into different stages of their lives.
For Rosemary, this eventually opened another chapter. She later married Andrew Parker Bowles, whom she had already known through the military connections surrounding her first marriage.
Rosemary Pitman and Andrew Parker Bowles
Andrew Parker Bowles was already known to Rosemary before they became husband and wife. Andrew had served as an officer in the same regiment as Rosemary’s first husband, Hugh Pitman.
Before marrying Rosemary, Andrew had been married to Camilla Shand. Andrew and Camilla married in 1973 and had two children together, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1995. Also, Rosemary and Andrew subsequently married in 1996, beginning a partnership that lasted until Rosemary’s death in January 2010.
Rosemary and Andrew Parker Bowles’ Wedding
Rosemary and Andrew exchanged vows in 1996. They chose a quiet ceremony at Chelsea Register Office rather than having a large and highly publicized wedding celebration.
Both Rosemary and Andrew were devoted Catholics. A year after their civil marriage, their union received a church blessing, adding a religious element that reflected their shared faith.
The couple made their home in Brokenborough. Their relationship included shared interests and an active country lifestyle centered around gardening, hunting, horses, polo, family, and community activities.
Their Married Life
Rosemary and Andrew enjoyed many similar interests, which became an important part of their married life. They shared an appreciation for gardening, hunting, polo, horses, and country living.
They also maintained connections with their former partners and the wider family. Rosemary and Andrew attended the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla and joined them at Sandringham on different occasions.
Their marriage lasted approximately 14 years. Andrew remained Rosemary’s husband through her illness and was part of the family surrounding her during the final period of her life.
Rosemary Pitman’s Children
Rosemary was the mother of three sons from her first marriage to Hugh Pitman. Her children were named William Pitman, Henry Pitman, and Thomas Pitman.
She did not have children with Andrew Parker Bowles. Andrew already had two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura, from his previous marriage to Camilla Shand.
Their marriage therefore brought together an extended family from both sides. Rosemary particularly enjoyed family life during her later years and welcomed the arrival of grandchildren within the wider family.
Rosemary Pitman’s Illness
During the early 2000s, Rosemary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent medical treatment as she continued living with the disease over the following years.
Her treatment included chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite facing a serious illness, Rosemary continued spending time with her family and remained interested in the activities she had enjoyed throughout her life.
Family became especially meaningful during this period. Shortly before Rosemary died, Laura welcomed twins named Gus and Louis, giving Rosemary another joyful family moment during her final weeks.
Rosemary Pitman’s Death
Rosemary Pitman died on January 10, 2010, at the age of 69. She passed away at her home in Wiltshire after living with cancer for several years.
Her loved ones were around her during her final moments. Her death ended a life that had included professional gardening, motherhood, two marriages, community involvement, and a lasting passion for horses and country life.
Following her death, Rosemary was cremated during a private ceremony. Her ashes were scattered in her garden, a meaningful choice considering the important place gardening had always held in her life.
Rosemary Pitman’s Funeral
A funeral service for Rosemary was held on January 19, 2010, at St Aldhelm’s Catholic Church in Malmesbury. Her Catholic faith had remained an important part of her personal life.
Family members, friends, and people connected to her wider social circle remembered her after her death. Princess Anne was among those who attended as a mourner.
A Thanksgiving service was also held in London in March 2010. It provided another opportunity for Rosemary’s relatives, friends, and loved ones to remember and celebrate her life.
Rosemary Pitman’s Legacy
Rosemary Pitman is frequently remembered because of her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, but her personal story extended well beyond this connection. She was a mother, professional garden designer, rider, and community member.
Her gardening career reflected a passion that stayed with her throughout adulthood. Even the decision to scatter her ashes in her garden demonstrated how deeply this interest was connected to her life.
Rosemary also left behind her three sons and a wider extended family. Her life combined family responsibilities, professional creativity, country interests, faith, and relationships that remained meaningful throughout her later years.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary Pitman lived a life that combined family, gardening, horses, faith, and country traditions. Although her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles made her widely recognized, she maintained interests and achievements of her own.
Her professional work as a garden designer was an important part of her identity. She also remained closely involved with village life and continued enjoying gardening and horses during her later years.
Rosemary died from breast cancer on January 10, 2010, aged 69. Her three sons, extended family, gardening work, and relationships remained important parts of the personal legacy she left behind.
(FAQs)
Who was Rosemary Pitman?
Rosemary Pitman was a British professional garden designer and keen horse rider. She became widely known as the second wife of retired British Army officer Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles.
Who was Rosemary Pitman’s first husband?
Rosemary Pitman’s first husband was Hugh Pitman, a military officer who became a Lieutenant Colonel. They married in 1961 and had three sons before their marriage eventually ended in divorce.
When did Rosemary Pitman marry Andrew Parker Bowles?
Rosemary married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1996 at Chelsea Register Office. Both were Catholics, and their marriage later received a church blessing. They remained married until Rosemary died in 2010.
How many children did Rosemary Pitman have?
Rosemary Pitman had three children, all sons, from her first marriage to Hugh Pitman. Their names are William Pitman, Henry Pitman, and Thomas Pitman. She had no children with Andrew Parker Bowles.
What was Rosemary Pitman’s cause of death?
Rosemary Pitman died after suffering from breast cancer. She underwent treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She passed away at her home in Wiltshire on January 10, 2010, aged 69.
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