A PROMINENT historian has been speaking about one of Ellesmere’s most notable figures.

Clare Mulley, a former fundraiser for Save the Children and author of The Woman Who Saved the Children, was speaking to mark the 100-year anniversary of Save the Children.

Clare Mulley said: “Eglantyne Jebb was very good at soundbytes as we’d call them today. I wish she was alive today as she’d be a great fundraiser.

“Eglantyne knew the cost of war, that children were badly affected. She insisted that the UK Government do something but she was taken to court for outraging public decency.

“She was found guilty and fined £5. But when the court case was over prosecutor Sir Archibald Bodkin gave her £5 back. She didn’t accept it and instead gave it to a fund to children of Austria and Germany.

“She was all over the front pages the next day. I’m sure she was delighted to get the press, but that doesn’t feed children.

“Following that her and her sister Dorothy Buxton spoke in front of a crowd at the Royal Albert Hall. Eglantyne was a quiet woman but as she spoke her voice grew.

“Within 10 days they’d made their first donation to Vienna.

“She didn’t just set up Save the Children. She also came up with the concept that children are human beings too.

“She was incredibly ahead of her time. She was a passionate and compassionate woman. That humanitarianism was ahead of its time.

“This was my first book, and all royalties go to Save the Children. I would encourage people to buy it as a donation. I’m also delighted that we’re unveiling a new bronze bust of Eglantyne at the Royal Albert Hall later this year.”

A number of new signs commemorating Eglantyne Jebb and Save the Children have also been installed on the roads into Ellesmere.

Mayor Ryan Hartley said: “These signs are quite prominent and they look quite good.

“The Town Council are very pleased with them. There are so many visitors to Ellesmere and this will inform people.

“Eglantyne Jebb was quate an amazing woman. She must have had a lot of charisma.”