The political legacy of Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett and the pioneering Beaumont family will be permanently commemorated with a blue plaque at Wakefield's historic Hatfeild Hall next month. This special evening celebration, hosted by Dream Time Creative, forms a cornerstone of the 2026 International Women's Day festivities in the region.
A Historic Hub for the 'Votes for Women' Campaign
Hatfeild Hall served as the Wakefield residence for the Beaumont family from 1899 to 1922, during which time it evolved into a nationally significant regional centre for the suffragist movement. The plaque will proudly bear the name of Millicent Fawcett, leader of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), who made momentous visits to the hall. This inclusion has been met with great delight by both the hall's directors and the Beaumont family descendants.
A spokesperson for Hatfeild Hall, which is now home to Normanton Golf Club, expressed profound pride: "Receiving a Blue Plaque is a moment of great pride for everyone connected with Hatfeild Hall. It recognises the extraordinary history of the house and the people who have shaped it, and we are delighted to see this legacy formally acknowledged. It is a privilege to safeguard this heritage for future generations."
The Inspirational Beaumont Women
The story of the Beaumont women is one of remarkable activism. Florence Beaumont, a formidable suffrage leader, founded the Wakefield Branch of the NUWSS at Hatfeild Hall in 1910. Her advocacy extended internationally as she became the Honorary Secretary of the Council for the Representation of Women at the League of Nations.
Inspired by her sister-in-law Florence, Gwendoline Beaumont (née Haworth) carried the torch forward. Following the tireless campaign that contributed to all women gaining the right to vote in 1928, Gwendoline made history by standing as the only female parliamentary candidate in the Rothwell district during the 1935 National Election.
Nigel Beaumont, grandson of Gwendoline and great-nephew of Florence, shared heartfelt family memories: "Our memories of our grandmother Granny Beau are such happy ones. We knew she had endured much tragedy, but to us she was always so loving and happy. We are all immensely proud of the legacy the Beaumont women have left the country and are delighted this blue plaque is going on the old family home."
Wakefield: A City Championing Women's History
Wakefield holds a unique and proud legacy of women's activism. With more than forty women commemorated on blue plaques across the city, it stands as the only city in Britain to actively celebrate the lives of influential women in this dedicated manner, honouring those who shaped the nation's political, social, and cultural landscapes.
This achievement is largely credited to the tenacity of Sarah Cobham, founder of Dream Time Creative and the 'Forgotten Women of Wakefield' project. Her unwavering determination to place women's history firmly on the map has fundamentally shifted perceptions of women's vital roles at local, regional, and national levels.
Overcoming Barriers and Building a Legacy
Sarah Cobham commented on the journey: "Since starting this campaign in 2017, the cost of a blue plaque has always been the first barrier. In this case, it has been the generosity of the Beaumont family and the fundraising efforts of our volunteers—who deliver heritage walks—alongside incredible support from Hatfeild Hall, which has removed that stress. For that, I am profoundly grateful."
She added, "I'm thrilled about the evening itself. So many people have voluntarily given their time to create a truly memorable event celebrating the lives and achievements of Florence, Millicent, and Gwendoline."
The work of Dream Time Creative has garnered significant recognition, winning the 'Gathering and Preserving History' category at the 2023 Community Archives and Heritage Awards. Their focus on Florence Beaumont will continue until 2028, culminating in the unveiling of a public sculpture to mark the centenary of universal women's suffrage.
"Whilst Florence already has a blue plaque on Bond Street and a building named after her at Wakefield College," Sarah noted, "we believe it is more than appropriate that both a blue plaque on Hatfeild Hall in 2026 and a sculpture in 2028 mark the suffragist cause in this way. Wakefield is, after all, a city of sculpture, and Florence knew Barbara Hepworth well."
Funding the Future Tribute
A percentage of the proceeds from the celebratory event on March 10th will be directed towards the sculpture fund. Furthermore, all monies raised from the 'Round Our Way' heritage walks between now and 2028 will also be donated to this cause.
Dream Time Creative and the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project represent a creative mission dedicated to empowering the community, particularly amplifying women's voices by upskilling them in historical research. Through diverse creative outputs—including theatre, film, public speaking, crafting, writing, and poetry, alongside the strategic placement of blue plaques—this Wakefield-based arts company actively addresses centuries-old imbalances of women's invisibility in public spaces.
