Peggy Thorpe-Bates

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''.

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