At an event hosted by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Tracey Austin, at Wakefield Town Hall the Society unveiled its latest blue plaque in the Forgotten Women of Wakefield series.
The event, which took place on Friday, 19th November, was organised by Dream Time Creative (the lead organisation and inspiration behind the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project) and was attended my members of the Society, members of the public and members of the Clarkson family who came together to hear about the research that had been undertaken by Dream Time Creative into the history of Ann Clarkson (1800-1888).
Ann had been instrumental in establishing a local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in 1836 (subsumed into the RSPCA in 1869). As well as her efforts to improve the care and treatment of animals, Ann was also moved to help alleviate the suffering of the poor and sick.
Her efforts were recognised by the people of Wakefield who raised funds to install a water fountain and trough close to her home at Westgate End. The fountain and trough was later moved to the entrance of Clarence Park on Denby Dale Road where it can still be seen.
You can find out more about the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project on their website here. (You can also contact Dream Time Creative on hello@dreamtimecreative.org
Photos below by Jessica Rowbottom and reproduced here courtesy of Dream Time Creative.
