| Description | Sarah Anne Buckley was born on the 13 November 1842 in Carr Hill, Mossley to John Buckley, cotton spinner and manufacturer and Sarah Anne Buckley. The family later moved to Heaton Mersey, near Stockport and Sarah attended Wincobank School, near Sheffield before attending lectures at Owens College. In 1874 she married Charles Edward Lees, cotton manufacturer of Oldham. See D-M90/5/1/3 for report of wedding. In 1892 she helped to establish the Oldham Nursing Association and became its honorary secretary for over forty years. Charles Edward Lees died in Aug 1894 and after his death Sarah began to take an active part in politics and local government as well as continuing her philanthropic activities. She held various positions including governor of Hulme Grammar School, president of the Oldham branch of the National Union of Women Workers, joint founder and president of the Beautiful Oldham Society and in 1907 was elected councilor for the Hollinwood Ward. In Feb 1910 she was granted Freedom of the Borough by Oldham and in November she became only the second woman in England to elected Mayor. During her time as Oldham's mayor she dealt with the railway strike and celebrated the coronation of King George V. In 1914 she was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Manchester in recognition of her public service. In 1916 she was appointed a Lady of Grace of the St. John Ambulance Association and in 1917 she was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 1919 she resigned from Oldham town council and reduced her public events but whenever possible supported the League of Nations Union. On 14 Apr 1935 she died at her home in Werneth Park. On 25 Sep 1937 a memorial in Werneth Park was unveiled in memory of Dame Sarah Lees. For more information on the life and work of Dame Sarah Lees see M90/12. |