Hyndburn & Haslingden Labour
To commemorate International Women’s Day 2018, Hyndburn Labour funded a memorial stone and plaque to recognise the life of Lydia Ernestine Becker.
Founder of the National Society of Women’s Suffrage, campaigner and political lobbyist resided between 1838 to 1865 at Moorside House, Burnley Road, Altham built by her father Hannibal Becker.
Ms Becker, of Altham, was born in 1827. She is regarded as the woman who inspired Emmeline Pankhurst to dedicate her life to suffrage. Ms Becker spent much of her own life touring the country campaigning for women.
The statue was unveiled in June 2018 by Historian Michala Hulme, John Gilmore BBC Radio Lancashire, Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Mayor Cllr June Harrison, Kimberley Whitehead and Sarah Barton.
Co-founder of the Women’s Forum, Kimberley Whitehead said: “To celebrate international women’s day and 100 years of women having the right to vote we are erected a plaque to commemorate the fascinating and incredible achievements of Altham local, Lydia Becker.”
Another co-founder Joan Smith said: “Here in Hyndburn it is fitting that we can tell the story of one of Lydia – who spent the formative years of her life in Altham.”
