Eva Lett was one of the famed Lett family and sister to renowned singer Phyllis Lett. She grew up to become the first woman appointed Principal of Ripon Diocesan Training College, commonly known as Ripon College.
Eva Lett’s Education and Career
Born in Wakefield around 1887, Eva attended Wakefield Girls’ High School before continuing her education in Paris and Vienna.
She specialised in English and French, gaining honours in medieval and modern languages and a BA degree.
Eva went on to build a distinguished career in education. She taught at St Hilda’s College, Durham, before becoming Vice-Principal of Dudley Training College.
From 1921 to 1930, she was Principal of the Training College at Dartford. In 1930, she became the first woman to take up the role of Principal at Ripon Diocesan Training College. This was a significant achievement at a time when men occupied most senior educational positions.
Unfortunately, ill health led to her resignation in July 1931.
Eva also served on the Ripon Diocesan Education Council and was a vice-president of the Leeds Association. She had links with the Federation of Yorkshire Women’s ClubsShe passed away in 1945.
Eva Lett’s Wakefield Blue Plaque
Eva Lett is Number 8 in our campaign for Blue Plaque Parity.
We unveiled her blue plaque at Wakefield Town Hall in October 2019, at a dedicated Forgotten Women of Wakefield event organised with Wakefield Civic Society.
Press and Media Links
Pontefract & Castleford Express: Three new blue plaques for women who helped to shape our city