From the archive: The forgotten women pioneers of the Garden City movement 

As we reflect on the 125th anniversary of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), we have been looking back at some of the instrumental figures in the organisation’s history and the Garden City movement more broadly.  

The pivotal role women have played in the Garden City movement and town planning has become obscured over time. In 2021, the TCPA published a crucial piece of research, The Forgotten Pioneers: Celebrating the Women of the Garden City Movement, which aimed to put women back into the Garden City and Town Planning narrative. A blog by Cova Cervilla Bordi, Finding the Forgotten Pioneers, explored the process and challenges of uncovering and highlighting the lives of these women.  

Below are a range of articles from the TCPA’s digital archive written by, or about, prominent female figures in the Garden City movement, with the aim to highlight the many and varied contributions of women to Garden Cities and New Towns. This is just a snapshot of the women in the movement, a more extensive list can be found in our Forgotten Pioneers publication. 

The Forgotten Pioneers: 

Elizabeth Ann Howard: A pivotal figure in the early Garden City movement, who played a significant role in fundraising and spreading the Garden City Association's (GCA) message. Elizabeth was the wife of Ebenezer Howard. From the archive: Garden Cities – A family story by Ursla Howard from the August 2020 edition of Town and Country Planning (Members Only) 

Henrietta Barnett: The founder of Hampstead Garden Suburb, Henrietta Barnett contributed greatly to the work of the GCA. From the archive: Henrietta Octavia Barnett and Hampstead Garden Suburb from the July 1957 edition of Town and Country Planning  

Dame Elizabeth Mary Cadbury: A well-known philanthropist, Dame Cadbury was influential in the development of Bournville, as well as a lifelong campaigner for the education and welfare of women.  From the archive: Planning Commentary – Doyenne of the Cadburys from the January 1952 edition of Town and Country Planning 

Muriel Frances Louisa Duncombe, Viscountess Helmsley: Leader of the GCA’s Women’s League. From the archive: The Women’s League from the October 1904 edition of Town and Country Planning 

Jocelyn Adburgham: The first female member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Jocelyn made significant contributions to the voluntary housing sector. She was also prominent in the feminist movement focusing on the use of architecture to improve society. From the archive: A book review of Conversion of Existing Housing by Jocelyn Adburgham from the Summer 1946 edition of Town and Country Planning 

Lady Margaret Paterson Osborn: The wife of Sir Frederic Osborn, Lady Margaret lived in both Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City. For over 50 years, she dedicated herself to Welwyn Garden City with a focus on welfare, education, and culture. From the archive: Lady Paterson Osborn Obituary from the September 1970 edition of Town and Country Planning 

Evelyn Denington, Baroness Denington: A significant voice in the New Town movement. Baroness Denington was a member of the Board of Stevenage Development Corporation from 1950 and its chair from 1966-1980. From the archive: Evelyn Dennington - a personal appreciation from the February 2003 edition of Town and Country Planning 

Elizabeth Mitchell: A key champion for Scottish New Towns, Elizabeth Mitchell was a member of the board for East Kilbride’s Development Corporation. She was the first woman to be awarded the Ebenezer Howard Memorial Medal. From the archive: New Towns have a part to play by Elizabeth Mitchell from the September 1954 edition of Town and Country Planning  

Evelyn Adelaid Sharp, Baroness Sharp: The first women to hold the position of Permanent Secretary in the civil service. She served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for over a decade (1955-1966). From the archive: Dame Evelyn Sharp’s Retirement from the July 1966 edition of Town and Country Planning 

We are always looking to find out more about planning’s forgotten women, so please contact Charlotte Llewellyn (charlotte.llewellyn@tcpa.org.uk) if you have a story you’d like to share.