Green plaque unveiled honouring local women’s rights campaigner

This afternoon, May 10th 2018, adventurer and activist Lady Florence Dixie, who campaigned for equal rights for women, was honoured with a green plaque in Market Bosworth.

The plaque was installed at Bosworth Hall Hotel, in Market Bosworth, where Lady Florence lived with her husband, Sir Alexander Beaumont Churchill Dixie, between 1875 and 1883.

Lady Florence’s great-great-granddaughter, below on the left,  joined other dignitaries for the unveiling of the plaque.

Remembered as an author, traveller, war correspondent and feminist, Lady Florence was a strong supporter of the suffragette movement and equality for women in both marriage and divorce.

A woman ahead of her time, her novel, ‘Gloriana or the Revolution of 1900’, correctly predicted that the nation would be led by a woman before 1999. She played a key role in the development of women’s football and became president of the British Ladies Football Club in 1895.

Councillor Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for green plaques, said: “Lady Florence Dixie was an enormously popular choice amongst the people of Leicestershire to receive the green plaque.

“Her many accomplishments and her contribution to the fight for equality for women have been recognised across the world.”

The Market Bosworth Society nominated Lady Florence to receive the award.

Nigel Palmer, chair of the society, said: “I am delighted that Lady Florence has been chosen to receive a green plaque. There is a strong sense of community here in Market Bosworth, and this is a great example of local people coming together to make this happen.

“Lady Florence was fiercely loyal, highly intelligent, and incredibly brave, and this tribute will allow her to be remembered in Market Bosworth for years to come.”

More information on the scheme can be found by visiting: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/greenplaques