theflorrie.org

Elanor Florence Rathbone, 1972 - 1946

Elanor was a remarkable member of a remarkable Liverpool Family. She was an independant MP, champion of the poor, and a long term campaigner for womens rights. Her family were involved in the social issues at the time, and after graduation she worked with her father William. Old Florrie documents record that the Nile Street settlement was connected to the institute, where her cousin, Arnold, was a trustee on the board of The Florrie.

In 1905, she helped her father in founding the School of Social Science at Liverpool University, where she lectured on social administration. Her connection to the university is honoured still to this day, with the Elanor Rathbone building, lecture theatre and chair of sociology. She was elected as an independant member of Liverpool City Council, in 1909 representing the Granby Ward, a position she maintained until 1934. Her acheivments in promoting womens political and social suffrage, and the rights of refugees were staggering.

During the depression she campaigned for cheap milk and beter benefits for the children of the unemployed. She was also a commited anti-nazi. In 1945, a year before she died, she saw the Family Allowences Act (crucially, paid to the mother) passed into law.

Her positive impact is still being felt today.