Winifred Rowntree

Winifred was Joseph’s youngest daughter – born in 1884. She shared her father’s passion for education and supporting those who were less fortunate. In 1902 she established the Honesty Girls Club to provide entertainment and education for girls of a similar age to herself. Initially the club met in the local adult school and consisted of 24 girls. This number rose to 116 members by 1913. The Honesty Girls Club emphasised education; maintaining a library and organising evening classes that covered various topics from singing and copperwork to English literature and gardening. Driven by kindness and honesty the club actively engaged in community events. Winifred continued to oversee the club until her early death in 1915.

Image: From originals held at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.