Ann Clarkson

Ann Clarkson (1800-1888) was the cousin of Clara Maria Clarkson and has several mentions in Clara’s journals.

Ann was a frequent member of the Unitarian chapel congregation and was active in its social and political causes.

As well as being a passionate supporter of suffrage for women, Ann established Wakefield’s committee for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1836. This organisation would later become part of the RSPCA.

Ann’s lifelong commitment to helping others was memorialised by a trough and water fountain which was paid for by the people of Wakefield.

Ann Clarkson Broadsheets

Find out all about Ann Clarkson’s remarkable life of campaigning and improving her community with our Broadsheets below.

Ann Clarkson Creative Responses

We have also recreated moments from Ann’s life by picking out mentions of Ann in her cousin Clarak Clarkson’s journals and then photographing them. Among the below images we have captured Ann’s political upset when the liberals lost an election, her attending chapel and doing work for the Unitarian faith, her relationship with Clara, and her passion for animals. 

Press Links

Yorkshire Bylines – Forgotten Women of Wakefield: Ann Clarkson, animal rights activist

Wakefield Express – Another blue plaque for Forgotten Women of Wakefield project

Blue Plaque to Ann Clarkson unveiled – Wakefield Civic Society