Mabel Tylecote and Education
Dame Mabel Tylecote worked tirelessly for social reform, seeking to improve people’s lives through better schools, housing and healthcare. She was a leading figure in Manchester’s political and civic life for many years.
Above all, her passion was for adult education. She fought to open up educational opportunities for people who would otherwise be denied them.
Tylecote inspired many people through her work as a lecturer for the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA). This is one of many letters she received from appreciative students. Its writer was a cotton worker who was inspired by her classes.
The WEA provided education for people unable to attend college or university, with tutors and students working together in partnership. Tylecote became its Vice-President in the 1960s. The WEA continues to transform lives and communities through education.
Tylecote is sixth from the right in the fourth row from the back.
Tylecote studied and later lectured in The University of Manchester’s prestigious History Department. She wrote this landmark book to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the University opening its doors to female students.
Stocks hoped that others would follow Tylecote’s lead in publishing histories of women’s education at different universities. Stocks herself was a women’s activist, lecturer, and writer.
Stocks notes that – even in the 1940s – male and female students continued to occupy separate tables in the refectory. In contrast, the lecturers were much more socially integrated by this time.
Tylecote and her colleague won Manchester’s Collyhurst ward with a substantial majority in this local election. This leaflet sets out their manifesto for improved housing, health services and education.
Former Archivist at the John Rylands Library Research Institute and Library, Fran Baker, reveals how Mabel Tylecote's belief that education should be a right for all influenced her career path.