Ellen Heaton (1816-1894) was a women’s rights activist and educational benefactor.
Ellen was born in Leeds.
She joined Leeds Literary and Philosophical Society.
Ellen campaigned for women’s rights; education; health; environmental issues and anti-vivisection.
She was a patron of the Pre-Raphaelite art movement.
Ellen’s house in Woodhouse Square is now the Swarthmore Education Centre.
At Swarthmore Education Centre (LS3 1AD) there is a Blue Plaque recognising Ellen Heaton
The plaque reads:
“Ellen Heaton (1816-94) Lived in 6 Woodhouse Square from 1859-94. She was an influential Pre-Raphaelite art patron and an active campaigner for women’s rights, education, health, environmental issues and anti-vivisection. Her friend, the poet Christina Rossetti, stayed here.”
