Fanny Wordsworth Stott (1882–1961) spent a life in public service, from training to be a nurse to becoming a local ward councillor and eventually Wakefield’s first female Mayor.
Born Fanny Wordsworth Haslegrave, she came from a family with strong connections to Wakefield. Joseph Haslegrave, her father, was involved in the city’s corn milling industry. He served as Mayor of Wakefield from 1890 to 1891.
Fanny Stott’s Life and Public Service
Fanny grew up in the Wakefield area, where her family lived at Manygates House in Sandal and later Stanley Hall. She trained as a nurse before marrying Edwin Percival Stott, a corn miller, in 1914. Their daughter, Ida Elizabeth, known as Betty, was born in 1917.
Fanny became a Conservative councillor for the Eastmoor and St John’s Ward in 1929. Her work for the city led to her appointment as an Alderman in 1938. And in 1939, she became a Justice of the Peace.
In November 1940, she became Wakefield’s first female Mayor, an important milestone in the city’s history. She appointed her daughter Betty as Mayoress. At 23 years old, Betty was the youngest person to hold that position in Wakefield.
Fanny also made her mark on mayoral tradition. She had a tricorn hat made specially for her, which set a trend among mayors up and down the country,
Supporting Wakefield During the Second World War
Fanny was involved in numerous organisations concerned with health, welfare and social support. These included the Victoria Nursing Association, the NSPCC and the Wakefield branch of the Civil and Auxiliary Nursing Reserve.
Her charitable work was particularly important during the Second World War. She helped raise funds for people affected by the Blitz in London and supported families bereaved by the Crigglestone Colliery disaster of July 1941.
She also opened the gardens of her family home, Grove House, for fundraising events.
Fanny continued her involvement in charitable and community work throughout her life. She died in 1961 following a road accident, leaving behind a remarkable record of public service to Wakefield.
Fanny Stott’s Wakefield Blue Plaque
The Wakefield Civic Society unveiled Fanny Stott’s blue plaque on Saturday 24 September 2022, at a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor David Jones, and Mayoress Annette Jones.
Helga Fox, a Forgotten Women of Wakefield researcher, provided much of the research into Fanny’s life. We are thrilled to see her honoured in this way by the Civic Society.
