Margaret Freda Oulton (11 August 1914 – 26 December 1989), better known by her stage name Peggy Thorpe-Bates was an English actress who appeared in the first three series of Rumpole of the Bailey as Rumpole's fearsome wife Hilda. She also appeared in numerous other supporting roles on both stage and screen.

She attended Heathfield School, the Cone School of Dancing and RADA, then appeared in repertory theatre in Birmingham, Bristol, Harrogate and with the BBC Repertory Company. Her film appearances included Georgy Girl and Mosquito Squadron. On television she had recurring roles in Timeslip and Return of the Saint. She also guest starred in Mrs Thursday, Tales of the Unexpected, and The Young Ones.Peggy Thorpe Bates in Who's Who on Television. Independent Television Publications 1970

She was married to fellow actor Brian Oulton from 1938 until her death in 1989. The couple had a son and a daughter.

Partial filmography Year Title Role Note1960 Peeping Tom Mrs. Partridge Uncredited1962 In the Doghouse Mrs. Muswell 1966 Georgy Girl Hospital Sister 1969 A Touch of Love Mrs. Stacey Mosquito Squadron Mrs. Scott 1970 Timeslip Dr. Edith Joynton (The Time of the Ice Box)1975 Galileo Court Lady 1979 The Saint and the Brave Goose Mrs. Cloonan Edited episodes from Return of the Saint

Notes

Further reading

"Peggy Thorpe-Bates", The Times (London), 2 January 1990, p. 12.

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