Blue plaque unveiled ahead of International Women's Day in honour of Sarah Cowley - a pioneer for free education

Article date: 6 March 2025

Born in the 1650s in Eccleston, Sarah Cowley was an enterprising, devout, and compassionate woman who believed that everyone - regardless of their financial background or religion - should have access to education. As an unmarried woman, she defied the norms of her time by purchasing a farm in Hardshaw, now St Helens town centre. In 1714, she left a significant mark on history with a bequest in her will, directing part of her estate's income to fund the education of poor children in St Helens who could not afford to attend school.

Her commitment to equality in education has continued to resonate across generations through the Sarah Cowley Educational Foundation which continues to assist students to this day, with a trust fund available to young people students either attending further education or entering work to financially assist with purchasing the likes of clothing, tools, instruments and other equipment - while Cowley Trustees regularly meet to ensure Sarah's wishes are honoured.

The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the sixth form site of Cowley International College -  named after Sarah - marks the fourth blue plaque to be installed as part of a St Helens Borough Council initiative to recognise individuals, places, and events that have significantly contributed to the borough's rich heritage.

Commenting at the unveiling ceremony, which also took place ahead of the anniversary of Sarah's death,  Councillor Jeanette Banks, Mayor of St Helens Borough, said: "We honour the incredible legacy of Sarah Cowley, a woman who believed in the power of education and in giving every child the opportunity to learn, regardless of their social standing.

"Her vision and generosity have had a lasting impact on our community, and this blue plaque serves as a reminder of her enduring contribution to education in St Helens."

Rita Allcock, who attended Cowley as a pupil in the 1950s before going onto become head of PE there during her teaching career, said: "When I was a Cowley girl, you were told about Sarah but it was sort of 'hush-hush' in assembly. The teachers back then knew she was to be praised so I'm so glad that she has finally been recognised in this way. The plaque is absolutely beautiful, and testimony to the person she was."

Russel Cormack, Principal of Cowley International College, added: "As we unveil this blue plaque for Sarah Cowley, we honour her lasting impact on children in St Helens. Her 1717 donation laid the foundation for education, benefiting thousands of Cowleians past and present. Seeing so many former students here today, reminds me that Cowley remains a familiar, well-thought of and valued part of our community, and once a Cowleian always a Cowleian.

"As we reflect on her legacy, just before International Women's Day, we celebrate Sarah's compassion and foresight in changing countless lives and shaping a brighter future for generations."

Sarah Cowley joins Hannah Rosbotham, the first female awarded for gallantry; St Helens Ladies FC, and Lord Hartley Shawcross, MP for St Helens between 1945-1958, who served as the lead British prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crimes, to be recognised with a blue plaque to date.

For more information on St Helens Borough Council's blue plaque scheme, including details on how to nominate future honourees, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/10875/Blue-Plaque-Scheme