Warrington Women: An Historical A-Z

In 1918 the Representation of the People Act allowed women over the age of 30 who met a property qualification to vote. This was a massive step towards equality of voting rights for women.

In 2018 Warrington Museum held an exhibition celebrating notable women from the town’s history to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Act. In this exhibition it was only possible to look at a small number of women. This page offers a far more comprehensive list of those women who have played an important role in Warrington’s life. There are hundreds of names to be added to the list, so keep checking back for updates. The only criteria we have set is that, as this is an historic A-Z, living people are not eligible for inclusion.

Many of the women on the list have a married name and a maiden name, to avoid duplication their details have been cited under their most recent name, with a cross reference entry under any known earlier names. In some cases a maiden name or married name may not be known to us, in such instances the entry is placed under the known name.

More information can be found about many of these women by visiting Warrington Archives. If you have any information you would like to share about one of the women, or have a name from Warrington’s past you think should be added to the list please send details and a picture if possible to [email protected]

A
A’Court-Repington, Melloney Catherine Isabel (see Ireland-Blackburne)
Aikin, Anna Laetitia (See Barbauld)
Aikin, Lucy, b.1781 – d.1864		Author, poet, and historian. Aiken also worked as an editor and translator and produced educational books for children.
Allen, Marit, b. 1941 – d. 2007		English fashion journalist and costume designer who specialized in costumes for films. She designed costumes for several successful Hollywood films; including Mrs Doubtfire,The Witches, Eyes Wide Shut, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Brokeback Mountain and La Vie En Rose. Her career as a film costume designer lasted over 33 years.
Armstrong, Ellen, nee Gandy, b.1882 – d.1961.		Ellen, also known as Nellie started her teaching career as a pupil teacher. She was appointed mistress of Fairfield Girls High School in 1910. Elected President of Warrington Teacher’s Association in March 1920. Nellie was also press secretary for the Warrington Womens Citizens’ Association. (suffrage organisation)
Ashworth, Edith, b.1882 – d.unknown.		Edith Ashworth was secretary of the Warrington War Savings Committee during WW1, and performed many charitable works during her lifetime. She was Secretary of the Warrington and District Council of Social Service for 26 years.
Auckland, Dorothy, Alias Bunty Auckland b. 1913-d. unknown		Dorothy was from a musical family and was a singer and musician. In 1936 she joined Don Rico’s All-Girl Orchestra and toured South Africa.
Ayres, Hannah, b.1828 – d.1922.		Hannah Ayres was noted as Warrington’s oldest woman to vote in the 1918 General Election, the first election in which women could vote.
B
Baker, Ada Mary, (see Downham)
Baker, Madeline Trezise, b.1891 – d.1976.		Miss M. Baker was the winner of the 100 yards Ladies’ Swimming Championship of Warrington and District in 1921. She was a keen sport enthusiast, a member of the School Children’s Sports Committee and an assistant teacher at Fairfield School.
Barbauld, Anna Laetitia, nee Aikin, b.1743 – d.1845.		Prominent poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, and author of children’s literature. Anna was a noted political and moral thinker.
Barton, Lydia, b.1830 – d. unknown (see Blenkinsop)
Beamont, Letitia, b.1816 – d.1902.		Philanthropist, supporter of many schools and churches in Warrington. Supporter of Warrington Infirmary. Founder of the Beamont Charity to provide pensions for elderly people on hard times.
Beardmore, Kate Emily, b.1866 – d.1931.		Kate Beardmore was headmistress of Christ Church School and later of Bolton Council School Infants. She retired in October 1927 after serving 33 years in the role.
Bellenden Clarke, Frances Elizabeth, (see Grand)
Bennion, Elsie, (See Boon)
Bernman, Luella, nee Paikin b.1896 -d.1969		World renowned Soprano who was a member of the British National Opera and her performances included Covent Garden, San Carlo Opera House in Naples, Parr Hall Warrington, made B.B.C. broadcasts in the 1920s and 1930s, and also released some recordings. Luella later migrated to New York and made several radio appearances.
Bettley, Edith Marjorie, nee Young b. 1908-d. 1989		Principal of Stockton Lodge School Stockton Heath and a graduate of Manchester University who taught in Australia for several years. Taught elocution and drama with W.E.A. She was also a worker for Warrington Y.W.C.A.
Birchall, Lucy A (See Kirkham)
Blackburne, Anna, b.1726 – d.1793		A noted naturalist, Anna studied the new methods of systematically describing and naming flora and fauna. She published her entomological observations and devoted herself to the natural history museum her father had started at Orford Hall. Anna corresponded with eminent naturalists across the world including Carl Linnaeus to whom she sent specimens of rare birds and insects.
Blears, Betty, (see Colley)
Blenkensop, Lydia, b.1830 – d. 1916		Lydia was the first recipient of the Old Age Pension in January 1909 in the uk. She lived at Battersby Lane Post Office with Post Mistress Miss Lily Green. Lydia stayed up and at 12.40 in the morning she received her pension.
Bolas, Olive, nee Cleaver, b.1919 – d.2004.		During World War Two Olive Cleaver, also listed as Olive Cleave, became Warrington Corporation’s first female bus conductor.
Bolton, Florence Ellen, nee. Fawcett, b.1876 – d.1947.		Mrs. Florence Ellen Bolton was Mayoress of Warrington and President of the League of Help in 1943.
Boon, Elsie, nee Bennion b.1910 -d. 1969		Elsie volunteered for the Auxiliary Territorial Services (A.T.S.) the women’s branch of the British Army when war was declared on 3rd September 1939. She was a Company-Sergeant Major and Drum Major to the first A.T.S. band in the country.
Booth, Theresa, b.1875 – d.1927.		Theresa Booth was a member of the Women’s Liberal Club and played a leading part in their activities.
Bowden, Kate, nee Hatton, b.1874 – d.1966.		Kate Bowden was local leader of the Women’s Voluntary Service, based in Rylands Street. In 1938, she was appointed a Borough Magistrate and served on the Juvenile and Domestic Court Panels.
Bowen, Margaret, nee Davidson b.-d.unknown		Margaret was elected in 1918 as a life time member to the Senate of the Societe Internationale de Philologie Sciences et Beaux Arts for her writing. She found that through her writings she was able to express her love of nature.
Brayshaw, Edna (see Stansfield)
Briggs, Elsie Marian R (See Fairclough)
Broadbent, Constance Harvey, b.1864 – d.1943.		In 1870-71, Miss C. H. Broadbent became Warrington’s first woman councillor. She was elected to the Board of Guardians in 1904 and by 1943 served as secretary to the League of Pity (a branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). She was also on the London Committee of the Naples Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Broadbent, Margaret, b.1879 – d.1943.		Margaret Broadbent M.B.E. had long been associated with the British Red Cross Society and served as Commandant of the Cheshire 22 Voluntary Aid Detachment in 1912. During WW1, she was Commandant of Raddon Court Red Cross Hospital, for which service she was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) and received the Belgian Order of the Crown medal. She worked with a number of different committees in Latchford and was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1938.
Broadbent, Sylvia, b.1869 – d.1942.		Sylvia Broadbent served as Vice President of the Daresbury Branch of the British Red Cross during WWI and was instrumental in raising funds to purchase a motorised ambulance for the organisation.
Brookes, Jean Ellen, (see Haslam)
Brown, Emily, b. 1869 – d. 1920		After her family moved to Warrington, Emily began her education at People’s College where she then served as a pupil-teacher for four years. Training with two other girls, Brown gained a first-class Queen’s scholarship and proceeded to study at Stockwell Training College, London, where she received a first-class final certificate. Upon returning to Warrington, Brown was appointed Assistant Headmistress of People’s College where she remained until her death. In addition to her teaching, Brown excelled in many other areas; she showed particular skills in needlework and painting. She was also a choir member, pianist and notable song-writer. Brown was an enthusiastic philanthropist and member of the Young People’s Society. Emily Brown was well-known and well-loved within her community: “The force of such an example is seen in thousands of Warrington lives.”
Brown, Mary b, 1916 -d.1943		Since the outbreak of WW2 Mary had been a Voluntary part time warden
Buccleuch, Elsie Gertrude, b. 1894 – d.1986		Elsie was an actress from the age of 9 when she appeared at Warrington Royal Court. She went on to develop a stage career. Hewitt was her theatrical name and her real name was Elsie Jones.
Burrell, Freda M, b. 1941 – d.1965		Much loved teacher at Woolston County Primary School, when she died at the age of 24, children raised funds to plant an avenue of flowering cherry and crab-apple trees along Barnfield road in her memory.
C
Chadd, Elizabeth (see Pulman)
Capper, Mabel Henrietta (see Chisholm)		Mabel Capper was famous as a Suffragette and playwright, but is best known locally as Warrington’s first female journalist.
Carter, Mrs Bernard, b. unknown – d. unknown		Described as an enthusiastic member of the Salvation Army in Warrington, Mrs Carter worked closely with young people, guiding and encouraging them in any way she could. After moving to Warrington from Southampton, she quickly formed the opinion that her new home was a hard working town, but lacking the facilities for young people to keep entertained and out of trouble. She believed that plans for forming a better world after the war was largely in the hands of women.
Cartledge, Hilda, b. 1902 – d. 1971		Hilda was a Civil Servant who joined the Ministry of Labour in 1920. She was promoted from supervisor at Bury to Deputy Manager in Burnley and in 1946 she was appointed Manager of Warrington Labour Exchange.
Chidgey, Edna, (see Ormerod)
Chisholm, Mabel Henrietta, b.1888-d.1966
Clare, Ivy, (see Wakefield)
Cleaver, Olive, (see Bolas)
Clemo, Annie Bradbury (see Sharples)
Colley, Betty,(see Blears b.1915 – d.1987		To help in the War effort Betty Blears served as a porter at Central Station in May 1941.
Corlett, Mabel, nee Mansell, b.unknown – d.unknown.		Mabel Corlett became organiser of Warrington Music Club in 1941 and served as secretary of the Club in June 1942. She was a singer and teacher, and a member of the Warrington Musical Society and the Crosfield Amateur Operatic Society.
Crompton, Richmal, b.1890-d 1969 alias Richmal Crompton Lamburn		Educated in Warrington at St Elphin’s Boarding School and in 1914 returned to teach Classics. Richmal Crompton went on to become a renowned children’s author, especially known for her “Just William” stories. Richmal was also a suffragist.
Cross, Elizabeth Sophie, (see Powys)
Crozier, Alice, b.unknown – d.unknown.		To help with the war effort during WW2 Alice Crozier worked as a horse van driver for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway.
Culshaw, Beryl, b.1925 – d.unknown.		Miss Beryl Culshaw was a member of the National Fire Service during WW2. She was also named “Miss Warrington 1943”.
Cunningham, Elizabeth, b.1892 – d.unknown.		Elizabeth Cunningham worked as a Nursing Sister at Warrington Infirmary for 25 years and retired from her post in November 1942.
D
Dale, Elizabeth, b.1868 – unknown		Studied Natural Science at Girton College Cambridge. She was a geologist and botanist. Elizabeth was a research worker at Cambridge Botanical Laboratory and published 12 scientific papers. Herbarium collection of plant specied are held by Buxton Museum. She wrote The Scenary and Geology of the Peak District.
Darby, Ethel Marjorie Caroline, nee Reynolds, b.1886 – d.1959.		Marjorie Darby was leader of the Warrington Musical Society Orchestra, a member of the Warrington Photographic Society, and served as vice-President of the Grappenhall Women’s Institute.
Davidson, Margaret (see Bowen)
Dawbarn, Emily (see Ridgway)
Dean, Audrey, b. unknown – d. 2018		During WW2 Audrey Dean of Orford worked in the Women’s Land Army in Hereford. In 2008 Audrey was recognised for her work and received a medal.
Dean, Mary A., b.1921 – d.unknown.		During WW2 Mary Dean served as a Sergeant in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, she was placed in charge of the officers department. After the war she served with the Women’s Royal; Army Corps and was awarded the Efficiency Medal (Territorial).
Downham, Ada Mary, nee Baker, b.1890 – d.1960.		Mrs. Ada Downham was Headmistress at Oakwood Avenue Council School and had served as President of the Class Teachers’ Association. She was a member of the Juvenile Panel of the Borough Bench and became a Justice of the Peace in November 1941.
Dutton, Bessie b. 1847 -d. 1919		Bessie was a committed Methodist and Suffragist. Not only was she a Member of Warrington Women’s Suffragist Society , Chair of the Warrington Women Liberals Association but she also played an active role for the Warrington Women’s Citizens Association. She was also a dedicated charity worker.
Dutton, Edith (see Rathbone)
Dutton, Sarah nee Silcock, b. 1892 – d. unknown		Sarah Dutton, nee Silcock, was a member of the Warrington Musical Society. She was well-known as a soprano vocalist and achieved success in amateur opera as well as the concert platform.
E
Eckersley, Edith (see Greenall)
Elwell, Sarah Jane (see Walmley)
Emerton, Lizzie (see Jagger)
F
Fairclough, Elsie Marian, nee Briggs b. 1877 – d. 1977		Elsie was married to Mayor Harry Fairclough and as Mayoress in the late 1930s she was an active charity work. She was a member of the Ladies Committee at Warrington Infirmary and helper at Brick Street “Mothers and Babies Welcome”.
Fawcett, Florence Ellen, (see Bolton)
Flood, Florence b. 1886 – d. 1957		Appointed President of Warrington Teacher’s Association in December 1940 . Florence was also Head Mistress at Sacred Heart during the 1930s.
Forshaw, Bessie (see Gibbs)
Forshaw Mary, (see Gilchrist)
Fox-Smith, Cicely, b.1882 – d. 1954		An English poet and writer who briefly lived in Canada before returning to the United Kingdom shortly before the outbreak of WW1. Settled in Hampshire and began writing poetry often with a nautical theme. In her life she wrote over 600 poems for over a wide range of publications. In later life she expanded her writing to a number of subjects fiction and non fiction.
Frost, Ann Lucy, nee Frost, b.1865 – d.1936		Ann Frost of Grappenhall Hall was Honorary Treasurer of the Warrington and District branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for 24 years. During WWI she worked at Raddon Court hospital, founded the Daresbury Branch of the British Red Cross Society which she was also the Vice-President of and in 1915, founded Thelwall Heyes military hospital where she became the Commandant. Upon closure of the hospital she was awarded the M.B.E. She was Chairman of the Brabazon Society and Chairman of the Mothers and Babies Welcome and the local Society of the Blind.
G
Gandy, Ellen, (see Armstrong)

Garland, Alison Vickers, b.1862 – d.1939.		Alison Garland was a member of Warrington Women’s Liberal Association and unsuccessfully stood for election in Warrington during the 1929 General Election. She was the first woman to stand for Warrington. She was a member of the executive committee of the Union of Practical Suffragists.
Garnett, Helen (see Parker)
Gee, Elsie, b.1891 – d. 1981		Artist who had exhibited in the Paris Salon, London, Salford, Southport and Manchester. In 1958 she exhibited at the Warrington Art Gallery . Elsie was part of the Warrington Art Group.
Gibbs, Bessie, nee Forshaw b. 1887 – d. 1977		Bessie received honours for her Voluntary Aid Detachment work at Raddon Court Red Cross Hospital, Warrington Infirmary Workhouse and Warrington Infirmary. Bessie also had an interest acting in local Shakespearean plays.
Gibbs, Rose (See Robertson)
Gilchrist, Mary, b 1889 – d. 1975		Mary stood as a candidate in the election for a Guardian and Rural District Councillor in the villages of Burtonwood and Collins Green in 1919. Her moto was “Deeds not Words”.
Gornall, Mary, b.1878 – d.1946.		During World War One Mary Gornall worked as a British Red Cross nurse. In 1914 she helped prepare Raddon Court Military Hospital, working there until 1916 when she was appointed Matron at Orford Barracks Military Hospital. At Orford Nurse Gornall employed such high standards that the hospital was declared one of the cleanest and most comfortable establishments in the Western Command. Prior to the War Mary was a music teacher and an Associate of the Royal Manchester College of Music.
Grand, Sarah, alias Chambers McFall, Frances Elizabeth, nee Bellenden Clarke, b.1854 – d.1943.		Feminist author and women’s rights campaigner, Vice President of the Women’s Suffrage Society, member of the Women’s Writers’ Suffrage League.
Greenall, Edith nee Eckersley b. 1861 d. 1926		Edith was known for her philanthropic work. She was Honrary Secretary for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and during WW1 she visited the sick and injured at Warrington’s military hospitals. In June 1921 she was appointed to the position of County Magistrate.
Greenall, Frances Eliza, alias Baroness Daresbury, nee Griffith, b.1874 – d. 1953.		Lady Greenall of Walton Hall was heavily involved in local politics through her roles with the Warrington Women Unionists, the Tariff Reform League and the Win The War League. In 1917 she established the Blighty Club for wounded soldiers and sailors in Sankey Street, Warrington. She was for many years a Cheshire Pony Club District Commissioner.
Griffith, Frances Eliza (see Greenall)
Griffiths, Marjorie, b. 1909 – d. 1994		Marjorie was a local headmistress and later became a Magistrate. She formed the Warrington branch of Multiple Sclerosis Society of GB. For her work she was awarded the M.B.E. She was chair of the branch until she passed away in 1994.
Grundy, Edith Winifred (see Ridgway)
H
Hankinson, Frances Alma, (see Linguard)
Hardman, Mary, b 1887- d 1968		Elected to Warrington Town Councillor for Bewsey Ward in 1935 until 1964.President of Co-operative Guild, served on Executive of Trades and Labour Council and on Women’s Section of the Labour Party. Spoke at International Women’s Day in 1943. Life long interest in health and welfare. Became Warrington’s first woman Mayor in 1954.
Haslam, Jean Ellen b.1922 – d. 2010		Jean was in charge of moving live ammunition at Burtonwood airbase during WW2. Retired in 1983 and became secretary of Burtonwood Association. Received the highest American civil honour – Commander’s Medal – the first woman and British citizen to do so.
Hatton, Kate (see Bowden)
Heavyside, Lillian, b. 1915 – d. unknown		Born and raised in Warrington, Lillian undertook a career in nursing and rose through the ranks before becoming a nursing officer stationed in Africa during the Second World War. Returning to her home-town, with the African Star pinned to her grey military uniform, Lillian commented on how bright, cheery, and prosperous Warrington had become in her absence.
Hewitt, Elsie Gertrude, also known as Jones (see Buccleuch)
Heywood, Margaret b. unknown – d. unknown		During WW2 Margaret was a qualified member of the St. John Ambulance Division, volunteered nursing in a military hospital.
Highley, Martha Ann b. 1872 – d. 1942		Licensee of Liverpool Road Black Horse Inn on Liverpool Road and member of Women’s Unionist Association.Martha was also first Chairman of Women’s Auxillary of the Licensed Trade.
Hindle, Amy Lydia b. 1891 – d. 1984		Elected to Town Council in September 1948 after winning the Howley Ward by-election for the Labour Party by a majority of 64 votes. Amy sat on Children’s, Welfare Services, Town Hall Parks and Baths, Civic Restaurants and Civil Defence Committees. She was elected Mayor in May 1962. Amy was the second female mayor in Warrington’s history.
Hodson Rosa May b. 1896- d.1970		Rosa was President of Christian Endeavor Comradeship from 1938 and through WW2. She had also been part of the organisation for over 20 years. Rosa was also a Sunday School teacher at the Working Men’s Mission.
Hogg, Dr. Helen b. 1894 – d. 1980		Dr. Helen Hogg was appointed Lady Assistant Medical Officer of Health for Maternity and Child Welfare in Warrington in January 1920. She worked at the Victoria Park Maternity Home on Knutsford Road.
Holmes Orr, Sarah Maud nee Stewart b. 1873 – d. 1959		Sarah was stood for the Conservative Party in two municipal elections. She was later awarded the O.B.E in 1952 for her work.
Holt, Lucy b. unknown – d. unknown		Chair of Lancashire Women’s Parliament during WW2 and a leading figure in the Co-operative Movement.
Hooper, Grace Margaret, b.1887 – d.unknown.		Grace Margaret Hooper was Matron of Warrington Infirmary for over 20 years and was a member of the Association of Hospital Matrons.
Horspool, Amy, b.1882 – d.1954.		Amy Horspool was Head Mistress of Ellesmere Street Infant School and later of Bolton Council School Infants Department. In 1929 she was elected as President of the Warrington Head Teacher’s Association.
Houghton, Marie, b.unknown – d.unknown		A Soprano vocalist who performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Hereford and Worcester Festivals and many concerts across the UK. Houghton trained under the guidance of Madame Albani a leading opera soprano of the 19th century. She sang at Kensington Palace for HRH Princess Henry of Battenburg.
Hubi, Georgeanne, (see Newcombe)
Hughes, Brenda b. unknown – d unknown		Airwoman Brenda Hughes volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1941 and in 1942 became a parachute packer.
Hunt, Dorothy b. birth unknown – d. unknown		Delivered milk for the Co-operative Society’s dairy during WW2. Dorothy wanted an outdoor job and to do something for her country.
Hutchings, Beatrice Mary, nee Layton b.1878 – d.1956		Magistrate for the County of Lancashire, appointed in 1920. Honorary Treasurer of the Warrington Mothers and Babies Welcome. During WWI she worked at Raddon Court Military Hospital initially and then at Thelwall Heys Convalescent Home.
I
Ingham, Annie, b. 1874 – d. 1966		In 1925 stood as an independent for a seat on Lymm Urban District Council. She was elected and within five years was Chair of an otherwise all male council, making her one of the early council leaders.
Ireland-Blackburne, Melloney Catherine Isabel, nee A’Court-Repington, b.1891 – d.1965		President of St Austin’s Ward Branch of the Women’s Unionist Association. In 1915 she assisted at the Oaklands Military Hospital. From 1916 to 1918 she was engaged in censorship work at Liverpool. Elected President of the Junior Women’s Unionist Association in 1916.
J
Jagger, Lizzie, nee Emerton b. 1880 – d. 1970		Lizzie was matron at Whitecross Military Hospital during WW1 and in recognition for her work she was awarded the Royal Red Cross 2nd Class in April 1919.
James, A. B., born. unknow – d. unknown		Mrs James moved to Lymm in 1939 where she served the village as a district nurse. In 1969, she represented Great Britain at the International Congress of Nurses, held in Montreal. The people of Lymm raised over £80 to cover her expenses for the journey.
James, Leonora, b.1913 – d.2007		Was secretary of Crosfield’s Nursing Division for 7 years. She served as Secretary of the Council of Social Service which carried responsibility for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. She assisted in the opening of four ‘Darby and Joan’ Clubs. During WW2 she served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. She was a founding member of the Warrington Soroptimist Club.
Jennings, Sarah Catherine b. unknown – d. 1942		An active member of Warrington Women’s Unionist Association . Sarah was also a church worker at St Ann’s and a member of the Women’s Guild.
Jepson, Mary, b. 1879 d. 1943		Established a drapery business on London Road in Stockton Heath. Previously Mary had been the manager of Bon Marche ladies outfitters in Stockton Heath.
Johnson, Sybil, nee Spencer b. 1878 – d. unknown		Responsible for setting up a produce market in Lymm during WW1. Her initiative was part of the drive to boost food production among local growers during times of food shortages. The Market was held at the foot of the Lymm Cross. The proceeds went to the Red Cross Fund .
Jones, Elsie also known as Hewitt (see Buccleuch)
Jones, Rebecca, b. unknown – d. 1927		Rebecca was a member of Salvation Army for 37 years and during this time she undertook many activities. For 11 years she was the Young People’s treasurer and she had also been the Home League secretary.
Joynson, Eleanor Mary Charlotte , b. 1879 – d. 1922		During WW1 Eleanor was Assistant School Mistress at Hamilton Street School and she was also honoured for her work with the Red Cross. Eleanor was President of the Cheshire Branch of the British Red Cross Society . She had also been Commandant of the Voluntary Aid Detachment Cheshire 150 Detachment .
K
Grace F. Keenan, nee Maxwell b. unknown – d. unknown		During WW2 Grace was the commanding officer of the local Women’s Auxillary Territorial Service (W.A.T.S) recruiting and organising drivers, clerical workers, cooks and other valuable war time workers. For the duration of WW1 she acted as Secretary to a Food Controller .
Amy Kelly, nee Smith b. unknown-d. unknown		During WW2 Amy was a member of the National Fire Service. Her role was as telephonist and clerk.
Kirkham, Lucy A., nee Birchall, b.1895 – d.1964.		As part of two War efforts Lucy Kirkham took on the role of Bus Conductress during WWI and Bus Conductress Supervisor during WW2.
Kemble, Elizabeth (see Whitlock)
Knight, Doris, (see Withinshaw)
L
Laverock, Florence Hilda, b. 1879-d.1948		Florence was an artist of the Art Nouveau period producing watercolours, decorative schemes and illustrations for childrens’ books.
Layton, Beatrice Mary (see Hutchings)
Linguard, Frances Alma, nee Hankinson, b.1902 – d.1961.		A teacher at St. Alban’s School, Miss Hankinson was elected President of Warrington Class Teacher’s Association in 1943.
M
Mackie, Dr. Mary Anderson, nee Noble, b.1891 – d.1973.		Dr Mary Anderson Noble was Warrington’s first female Doctor and House Surgeon. During WWI She served at Whitecross Military Hospital and was later made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services there.
Madeley, Winifred, nee Royle b. 1891 – d. 1980		Member of Warrington Photographic Society from 1921. Became an Associate of Royal Photographic Society in 1926. In the same year made President of Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Society. She was the first woman to hold this office. Photographs recognised internationally and Winifred also lectured. Treasurer of Warrington Photographic Society from 1944-1950 and was later made a Life Member.
Mansell, Mabel, (see Corlett)
Maxwell, Grace F., (See Keenan)
Miller, Eliza, b. unknown – d. 1944		Certified midwife for over 30 years and during WW1 assisted in the nursing and feeding of soldiers at the barracks. Eliza was also a member of the first Co-operative Education Committee and a member of the Women’s Co-operative Guild.
Molesworth, Gwendolen, b. 1919 – d. unknown		Sergeant Gwen Molesworth, supervisor in the operations room at the headquarters of Air Defence of Great Britain, was one of the first persons to receive warning of the first pilot-less aircraft raid over Britain. In 1944, Gwen was on duty in charge of a watch of several airwomen, when information announcing the new raider came in from an Observer Corps centre. Informing the operations Officer, Gwen took charge of the plotting of the raider’s course. Born in Lymm, Cheshire, Gwen joined the W.A.A.F in 1941 at the age of 22, having previously served in the mobile section attached to the Cheshire Constabulary.
Monks, Elsie b. 1920 – d. unknown		Warrington’s first female cinema organist and the youngest in the UK. Played at theatres and halls throughout the country. BBC broadcasted a short story written by Elsie when she was 16 years old. Went on to perform on radio and made two films in the 1950s.
Mullins, Kathleen, b.1918 – d.unknown.		Kathleen Mullins served as a Recruiting Sergeant of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, based in Malvern, during WW2.
N
Neary, Emma (See Rigby)
Newcombe, Georgeanne Hubi nee Hubi, b.1848-d. 1936		Soprano, composer, organist, lyricist author and for some years was organist at Latchford Parish Church.
Noble, Dr. Mary Anderson (see Mackie)
O
Oliver, Lydia Mary (see Stansfield)
Ollier, Ethel, b.1918 – d.unknown.		Ethel was the Post Office’s first woman van driver in the North West, possibly the UK.
Ormerod, Edna, b.1910 – d. 2007		Employed by Warrington Co-operative Society as a shop assistant in their furnishing department Edna was unfairly dismissed. She fought against her dismal during the May 1934 Warrington Co-operative Strike and was later re-instated.
Osborne, Emma Currell, nee Short b. 1864 – d. 1940		Leading member and Secretary of Warrington Women Liberals Association, Voluntary Aid Detachment organiser during WW1 and charity worker.
P
Paikin, Luella, (see Bernman)
Parker, Helen, nee Garnett, b.1865 – d.1941.		Mrs. Helen Parker was a leading member of the Warrington Women’s Suffragist Society, and President of Warrington Women Liberals Association. She established several homes for Belgian refugees during WW1 and was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1920.
Parker, Phyllis, b. 1902 – d. 1950		During WW2 Phyllis was head of Women’s Voluntary Services for Civil Defence in Warrington rural area, Civil Defence Training Officer, Forces Welfare Officer. Governor at Warrington Infirmary. Played cricket and Lacrosse for England and hockey for Lancashire. Awarded M.B.E. in January 1944 . Daughter of Helen Parker.
Parsonage, Dora Elizabeth, b. 1890 – d. 1972		Dora was a school teacher at Heathside Girls’ School and active in Warrington’s Esperanto Society especially during WW1. She was secretary and elected then President of Warrington’s Esperanto Society in 1919.
Peacock, Hannah, (see Phillips)
Phillips, Hannah, nee Peacock b.1780 – d.1853.		Philanthropist and key figure in the Independent Methodist movement. Remained in a stricken part of Warrington during the cholera epidemic of 1832 to care for the sick and needy. Established Sunday Schools to teach reading and writing to poor children of the town.
Pickersgill, Florence, b. 1892- d. 1943		Member of Women’s Co-operative Guild, Women’s section of the Labour Party and voluntary worker at the Americans Red Cross Club during WW2.
Powys, Elizabeth Sophie, nee Cross, b.1896 – d.1963.		Elizabeth (Elsie) Cross, later Elizabeth Douglas, then Elizabeth Powys received the Military Medal for Gallantry following her actions during an air raid whilst serving in Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps.
Pulman, Elizabeth, nee Chadd, b. 1834-d.1900		Daughter of a beerhouse keeper who married a young widower. They emigrated in 1861 to New Zealand. When her husband died ten years later she took over the photography business whilst raising eight children. She became New Zealand’s first female professional photographer with a particular reputation for her photographs of Maori chieftans. Many of which are now in the New Zealand NBational Museum.
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Rathbone, Edith, nee Dutton b 1903 – d unknown		Edith made 100s of dolls from oddments and in September 1942 she had made over 500 dolls. Her other interests were writing short stories and poetry, painting and music.
Rawlinson, Elizabeth, b.1877 – d.unknown.		Elizabeth Rawlinson was employed at Winwick Asylum for 13 years prior to its being taken over by the War authorities as the Lord Derby Hospital. She served 11 years as a charge nurse. During the time the hospital was operated by the military, Elizabeth worked as an assistant staff nurse and was commended for her efficiency and devotion to work by her colleagues and by the Minister of War.
Reynolds, Ethel Marjorie Caroline (see Derby)
Ridgway, Edith Winifred, nee Grundy b. unknown – d. unknown		During WW1 served at a Military Hospital at Roehampton in London. An active charity worker in Lymm, Warrington Infirmary, British Legion, Home of Good Samaritan in Arpley Street and many other charities . Edith was also Dame President of The Primrose League .
Ridgway, Emily, nee Dawbarn, b.1860 – d.1940.		Emily Ridgway of Lymm was an author, lecturer and speaker. During World War One, she raised money for the British Red Cross and for refugees in Belgium, France, Italy and Serbia through her lecture tours.
Rigby, Emma, nee Neary b. 1866 – d. 1942		Worker for the Workingmen’s Mission in Thewliss Street for 49 years. Methodist and dedicated worker for many charities.
Rigby, Lily, b.1894 – d.1982		Lily Rigby (daughter of Emma Rigby) worked as Primary Leader at the Workingmen’s Mission Sunday School for 25 years, was a member of staff at the Technical Institute from 1921 to 1939, and was a teacher under the Liverpool Education Committee from 1924 to 1940. In 1943, she was appointed as the official representative of the Warrington Union on the Lancashire and Cheshire Council of temperance work. In 1951 she was appointed a Justice of the Peace in Warrington.
Robertson, Rose, nee Gibbs b.1899 – d. 1970		In 1913 Rose started her nursing training at Altrincham Hospital and in 1917 she enlisted with the Field Army Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). The women drove ambulance convoys and ran the field hospitals on the battlefields. She was posted to a nursing station at the Somme. After the war she returned to nursing at Altrincham Hospital.
Royle, Winifred, (see Madeley)
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Savage, Edna b. 1936 – d.2000		Born in Latchford Edna left school aged 15 and soon went on to be a vocalist. She sang with various bands, contracts with the BBC and Parlophone . Released records, sang on television and radio concerts and theatres.
Sharples, Annie, nee Clemo b.1896-d.1960		Annie pursued a nursing career. Working as a volunteer for St John’s Ambulance training members on first aid and home nursing. She later joined Crosfield & Sons as a staff nurse. During WW11 Annie was a member of the A.R P. (Air Raids Precautions) organising staff and appointed to the position of a grade one instructor.
Shelton-Jones, Margaret Elizabeth, b.1870 – d.1943.		Margaret Elizabeth Shelton-Jones on the outbreak of WWI, became a member of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Committee. When the War Pensions Committee was formed, she became a member and was later appointed as chairman of the Children’s Committee. Her voluntary work in the administration of war pensions was recognised in 1928 by her being made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Short,Emma see Osborne
Silcock, Sara see Dutton
Sisson, Florrie Telford, b.1924 – d.unknown.		During WW2 Florrie Telford Sisson joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.). As a Sergeant she was honoured with a Certificate of Merit signed by the Chief of the General Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces. She was one of the youngest in this branch of the Armed Services to hold the rank of Sergeant.
Smith, Amy b. unknown – death unknown
Smith, Sarah Jane, b.1864 – d. August 1940.		Businesswoman Sarah Smith founded the Sunbeam Fisheries on London Road, Stockton Heath in 1904.
Spencer, Sybil see Johnson
Stansfield, Edna, nee Brayshaw b.1904 – d. 1984		Chair of Stockton Heath Parish Council in 1946 and in 1942 appointed Cheshire County magistrate for Daresbury and served on the Runcorn District Health Committee.
Stansfield, Lydia Mary , nee Oliver b. 1861 – d. 1942		Head Mistress of Fairfield Girls School for 40 years and speaker for Anglican and Non-Conformist churches. (mother-in-law to Edna Stansfield.
Stewart, Sarah Maud (see Holmes Orr)
Stubbs, Sarah (see Whitley)
Summerskill, Edith Clara, alias Baroness Summerskill		Doctor of Medicine, Feminist, Labour Politician, and Author. Summerskill was one of the founders of the Socialist Health Organisation, which spearheaded the creation of the NHS. In a battle to stem the tide of tuberculosis, in 1949 she created legislation to ensure that milk was pasteurised. Summerskill was MP for Warrington from May 1955 – January 1961.
Sutton, Annie Felicia, b. 1873 – d. 1935		Solo vocalist singing at park concerts and Winwick Hospital during WW1. She also performed at the Philharmonic Hall and St. George’s Hall in Liverpool, and the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. Annie was one of the earliest Warrington women vocalist to perform on B.B.C. radio. She was also professor of music.
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Tew, Amy Lydia (see Hindle)
Timewell, Frances Grace, b.1862 – d.1932		Superintendent at Warrington Training College between 1916 and 1924. Vice Principal of the College from 1916-1919. Frances was for some time chair of the Warrington Women’s Citizen Association. She was a Manager of the Ladies’ School of Industry in the town.
Timewell, Mary Margaretta, b.1864 – d.1947.		Mary Timewell was a much respected teacher in the town and served for many years as a mistress at Hamilton Street School. She was an active member of the Warrington Suffragist Society.
Trotter, Gertrude, b.1883 – d.unknown.		Gertrude Trotter was appointed Superintendent of the Warrington Nursing Association in 1927. She was Chairman of the Local Midwives Association, Divisional Superintendent of the Cheshire & Warrington Division of the British Red Cross and was a branch member of the Spinster’s Association.
Tunstall, Beatrice, (Hilda) b.1889 – 1966		Born and grew up in in Grappenhall. As a best selling novelist she based herself in Cheshire. Her subject matters were Cheshire customs, local histories and the countryside.
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Wainwright Martha Ann (see Highley)
Wakefield, Ivy, nee Clare, b.1921 – d.1978.		As part of the Town’s drive for women war workers Ivy Clare began work as a porter at Central Station in May 1941.
Walmsley, Sarah Jane, nee Elwell b. 1875-d.1934		At the end of WW1 Sarah was the mother of 19 children. She was presented with a souvenir from a weekly London Magazine in 1919, along with other women, as they were the mother of ten children or over.
Westwell, May, b.1888 – d.1918.		May Westwell had been a teacher at Evelyn Street Council School. Following a period of work as an administrative assistant with the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps in Ireland, May was returning to Warrington when a U-boat sunk the Irish mail boat RMS Leinster on which she was travelling. She was buried in Ireland with full military honours and memorial services were held at St. Barnabas’ Church in Warrington.
Whitley, Sarah, nee Stubbs b. 1778- d. 1816		On the death of her husband , William in 1807 Sarah took over the running of the Bridge Foundry Company. Until her death in 1816 she was responsible for the iron and brass foundry based on the banks of the Mersey.
Whitlock, Elizabeth, nee Kemble, b.1761 – d.1836		Warrington born actress who performed at Drury Lane in London and later before George Washington in the United States.
Wish, Dorothy, b.unknown d. unknown		Appointed as the new general secretary of Warrington Y.W.C.A. in 1935. Prior to her appointment she had been the general secretary in Coventry for five years and carried out parish work in London.
Withinshaw, Doris, nee Knight, b. 1900-d.1991		Warrington Divisional Commissioner for the Girl Guides in the 1930s. For ten years she acted as foreign missionary secretary for the Methodist Church and also secretary of Penketh, Sankey and District Nursing Association.
Wood, Margaret Sarah, b.1877 – d.1942		Business woman who once managed shops in Buttermarket Street and Mersey Street. Known as a general dealer.
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Young, Hannah Martha, b.1858 – d.1949		Writer of cookery books and demonstrator of cookery. Most active between 1886 and 1904, Several of her books were published by Fletcher Russell and Co of Warrington and by the Liepig Company.
Young, Marjorie (see Bettley)