Hednesford’s first blue plaque to be unveiled – in honour of Albert Stanley MP

Posted on: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 In: Council news,Hednesford news

Hednesford’s first blue plaque to be unveiled – in honour of Albert Stanley MP

A blue plaque commemorating the life and times of miners’ champion Albert Stanley is set to be unveiled in Hednesford

Hednesford’s first blue plaque to be unveiled - in honour of Albert Stanley MP

The plaque, provided by Hednesford Town Council, will be erected at Woodseaves,  53, Green Heath Road – where he lived

It will be officially launched on Saturday, April 13 at 11am.

The plaque marks the legacy of the Labour MP elected in 1907, who was also Hednesford’s first county councillor elected in 1889.

Albert was also known throughout the area for his work on behalf of local miners, campaigning for better working conditions and rights

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by local VIPs and it is hoped that this can include a representative of the National Union of Mineworkers.

The plaque is the culmination of a long campaign for recognition by Hednesford town councillor Derek Davis OBE, who has a special interest in the town’s heritage.

Cllr Davis hopes that some of Albert’s descendants will join in the ceremony as a number of them still live in the area.

He said: “Albert Stanley was a man of many great achievements, not least speaking up for the working men of the Staffordshire pits.

“It’s wholly appropriate that he should be remembered with a blue plaque and we are delighted to be able to make this happen.

“We are hoping that any of his remaining relatives in the area will make this day extra special by joining us as we feel it would be great for them to witness this tribute to their ancestor’s legacy”

Cllr Davis said they should contact Hednesford Town Council for further details on 01543 424872.

Albert Stanley factfile:

  • Born June 7th,1862 into a coal mining family in Dark Lane, Dawley Salop.
  • Baptised in St Leonard’s Church, Malinslee July 6. 1862        
  • The family moved, with many other mining families, into the Hednesford area in 1880.
  • Local Methodist Preacher.
  • Died in Hednesford 1915.
  • First elected to the Staffordshire County Council representing Hednesford 1889 – 1915