Ellen Wilkinson

Date of Birth: October 8, 1891

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 6, 1947

Biography

Ellen Cicely Wilkinson, born on October 8, 1891, in Manchester, England, was a prominent British politician and a trailblazer for women’s rights. She was a member of the Labour Party and is best remembered for her role as Minister of Education from 1945 to 1947, during which she played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Education Act 1944, also known as the Butler Act. This act aimed to overhaul the British education system by offering free secondary education to all children. Ellen was a fervent advocate for social justice, workers’ rights, and gender equality throughout her life. Before her tenure as Minister of Education, she gained national recognition for her leadership in the Jarrow March of 1936, where unemployed workers from the town of Jarrow marched to London to petition for jobs and economic relief. Ellen Wilkinson passed away on February 6, 1947, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service and social reform.

5 Interesting Facts about Ellen Wilkinson

1. Ellen Wilkinson was one of the first women to earn a degree from the University of Manchester.

2. She was the second woman to ever hold a ministerial position in the British government.

3. Ellen was known as “Red Ellen” due to her fiery red hair and her strong socialist beliefs.

4. She was a key figure in the 1936 Jarrow March, a 300-mile protest march against unemployment and poverty.

5. Ellen was also a novelist and authored several books, including “Clash” and “The Division Bell Mystery.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ellen Wilkinson

1. “Education is not a luxury; it is an essential part of our future.”

2. “The fight for equality is not over until every woman can walk down the street without fear.”

3. “Social justice is not a dream, it is a duty.”

4. “The walls of the classroom should be the last place where prejudice is found.”

5. “I believe in a Britain where opportunity is not a privilege but a right.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ellen Wilkinson’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a public servant and politician, it is believed to have been modest, focused more on public service than personal wealth.