Edith Grace Mackie (1853–1941) was a Wakefield philanthropist whose generosity supported churches, schools, charities and people in need across the city throughout her long life.
Born in Wakefield in 1853, Edith Mackie moved with her family to St John’s Square in 1864. Her father played an active role in the local community. Through their work they counted notable Wakefield families including the Gissings and Fennells among their many friends.
A Lifetime of Philanthropy in Wakefield
At the age of 19, Edith attended the annual charity ball for Clayton Hospital. This began what would become a lifelong pattern of supporting, hosting and attending charitable events.
Among the many causes she supported, Edith helped to raise money for St John’s Church, to which she also donated substantial sums of her own money. She gave funds and resources to Wakefield’s schools and dedicated much of her life to helping people in need.
Her philanthropy continued after her death. Edith died on 19 February 1941, aged 88, leaving an estate worth more than £84,000. (Equivalent to around £5.5million in 2026.) She instructed her executors to donate her money to good causes. She also told them not to recover any loans she had made during her lifetime.
Edith Grace Mackie’s generosity made a lasting contribution to Wakefield and the communities she supported.
Edith Mackie’s Wakefield Blue Plaque
Number seven in our campaign for Blue Plaque Parity, Edith’s plaque recognises a lifetime devoted to philanthropy and the people of Wakefield.
It was unveiled in June 2019 as part of a special performance of Difficult Women? at The Mechanics’ Theatre in Wakefield.
Free Downloads
Discover more about Edith’s life, charitable work and the many causes she supported in the resources below.
An Artistic Response to Edith Mackie
As part of the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project, we encourage artists to respond creatively to the lives and stories uncovered through our research.
Dream Time Creative’s Shannon S. Wishon created this watercolour portrait of Edith Mackie, offering an artistic interpretation of a woman whose generosity left a lasting legacy in Wakefield.
Press and Media
VIDEO: Inside Wakefield’s derelict Clayton Hospital ahead of its demolition
How Wakefield women helped First World War effort on home front and abroad