Sarah Talbot  (1819- ) Known as ‘Citizen Sarah’ because of her commitment to women’s rights. She was the first member of the Local Schools Board when these were established after the 1870 Education Act. The school boards were the first arms of local government where women were allowed to vote and to stand for election. Perhaps her radical attitudes were a result of her birth in the United States.

 

Caroline Bennet (1842-1926) In 1868 she founded a school for girls which in due course became the Girls’ School based then at Needwood House, Franche.

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E C Addenbrooke (1911-76) Miss Adenbrooke was the first woman elected to Kidderminster Borough Council (in November 1929) and was the town’s first woman Mayor (in 1935-6). She also served as Divisional Commander of the Girl Guides.

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Mary Anton (1873-1948) A employee of the Victoria Carpet Company who cane to Kidderminster in 1900. She was the first woman magistrate in Kidderminster and the first woman member of the Board of Guardian. She was a governor of Kidderminster High School and president of the local Girl Guides. She was also active in the campaign for women’ right to vote in the years prior to the First World War.