08 Jul 2024
A blue plaque commemorating the life of Margaret Wix – St Albans’ first woman mayor – will be installed where she lived for many years at 40 Holywell Hill.
The plaque will be officially installed by Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, at 6.30pm on Wednesday July 24.
Margaret Annie Wix was born in Bath in 1877, and moved to St Albans at the age of eight when her father was appointed Inspector of Schools for Hertfordshire. The family home was 40 Holywell Hill, where Margaret lived until after 1930 when she moved to Glebe House in Watling Street.
She was active in civic life and in the life of the Cathedral and Abbey Church. Her organisational and liaison skills were much appreciated. In 1905 she was Organising Secretary for the St Albans Church History Exhibition and two years later secretary of the costume committee for the St Albans Pageant.
During the First World War, she served as a volunteer at Bricket House Military Hospital, first as a cook and then as the Quartermaster in charge of supplies. She was described as “tactful, reliable, persistent and not afraid to work.” It is said that she had a good sense of humour.
In 1924 Margaret was elected Mayor of St Albans and secured through public donations a fund to help women who needed financial support during maternity. She went on to become the first woman Alderman in 1936 and was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1943.
Margaret, among her many interests, was also a champion of education and in 1955 the Margaret Wix Primary School was opened in High Oaks and named in her honour.
This is the 13th plaque to be installed by Blue Plaques St Albans (BPSA), a voluntary organisation established to commemorate famous men and women who have lived and worked in St Albans. The initiative resembles the well-known blue plaque scheme run by English Heritage in London.
Professor Tim Boatswain, the chairman of Blue Plaques St Albans, said: “Margaret was an amazingly talented woman and a wonderful role model of female empowerment at a time when there were few women in political positions. She had a deep commitment to the community of St Albans and is fondly remembered.
“We are delighted that the Dean of St Albans Cathedral, Jo Kelly-Moore, a role model for women in the Anglican Church, has agreed to officially install the plaque. Blue Plaques St Albans is also very grateful to the present owners of 40 Holywell Hill, Heather and David Foxton, who have given their permission for the installation of the plaque.”
Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said: “It is a joy and privilege to unveil the newest St Albans blue plaque in memory of Margaret Wix, 100 years after she was elected as the first female Mayor of St Albans. Her life, and her service to our city and district, are an inspiration to us all to use our gifts for the service of others.
“So close to the Cathedral, and on the well-walked Holywell Hill, we know that many people will have the opportunity to be reminded of Margaret. As the first female Dean of St Albans it is wonderful, also, to live just around the corner from Margaret’s family home!”
