Rosa E. Grindon

Rosa Grindon (née Elverson; 1848 – 6 May 1923) was a British activist, suffragist, and writer on Shakespeare, who established a national reputation as an authority on the playwright. moving to Manchester to live with him. and the first woman to be elected to its Council.

She was active as a lecturer, including for the Manchester Geographical Society, the Chester Society of Natural Science, and the Manchester Working Men’s Clubs Association, covering such topics as "the life history of a mountain", "Chaucer as field naturalist", and "the families of common plants". She was a founding member of the Life Study Society (of which she was President for 21 years), and became President of the Manchester Ladies Literary and Scientific Club (originally formed by Lydia Becker).

Grindon coached the Pastoral Players, an amateur theatre group who performed Shakespearean scenes in an open-air theatre in her back garden. During the event, a presentation was made to Rosa Grindon by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the subscribers: sign of the friendly goodwill and affectionate admiration for a lady who has dene so much not only in connection with the Commemoration, but for the study of Shakespeare for many years in Manchester.

In 1917, along with a gift of £2,000 for the "provision and upkeep of a meeting and lecture room in the future Manchester Free Reference Library, Grindon donated all of her material relating to the Shaksperean Tercentenary Association to Manchester libraries.

Death and legacy

Rosa Grindon died at home in Manchester on 6 May 1923. Following her death, admirers donated a medallion likeness of Grindon to be hung in the Town Hall.

In her will, Grindon left £1,000 for the creation of a series of stained glass windows depicting scenes from Shakespeare's plays, intended for Manchester Town Hall. The window, designed by Robert Anning Bell, can be seen in today in Manchester Central Library, as can a bronze medallion of Grindon by John Cassidy.

A mural depicting Rosa Grindon by artist Ethan Lemon can be seen today near the entrance to Platt Fields Park at the junction of Albion Road and Mabfield Road.