Homerton Heroine Leah Manning
Peter Cunningham will talk and host a discussion on Leah Manning at the Museum of Cambridge
Thursday 5th December, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Homerton alumna Leah Manning trained at college as a teacher 1906-1908. Mary Allen, Homerton’s first woman Principal 1903-1935, shared Leah’s interest in left-wing politics, and persuaded her to teach at the ‘Ragged School’ in New Street, Cambridge, which had been supported by Homerton College.
Children’s poverty and malnutrition energised Manning’s socialism and commitment to progressive education. She campaigned with the Cambridge Trades Council, and the National Council of Women, to provide milk and school meals for these deprived young learners.
In 1920 she was appointed head of a new ‘Open Air School’ in Cambridge for undernourished children. One of the first women Presidents of the National Union of Teachers, she was active in the Teachers’ Labour League and became of the first Labour women Members of Parliament.
An opponent of Fascism she visited Spain during the Spanish Civil War, arranging evacuation of 4000 children from Bilbao to Britain in 1937. Leah went on after 1945 to a distinguished parliamentary career promoting children’s welfare and women’s rights.
Museum of Cambridge
A lively and entertaining museum at the foot of Castle Hill, on Castle Street, is an attractive ancient tavern. Its historic building is one on the great sights of Cambridge, nestled close to adjacent colleges, Magdalene and St. John’s and neighbouring Kettles Yard Art Gallery.
A diverse exhibition currently celebrates Leah Manning, her notable work for women and children of Cambridge, and the group of female politicians who followed her example.