Recently, Sean Mulryan, chairman and founder of property developer Ballymore, unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of Anglo-Irish suffragette Charlotte Despard, a pioneering figure in the realms of social activism, suffrage, and humanitarian efforts.
The plaque was unveiled at a public ceremony at Embassy Gardens, the landmark new development in London’s Nine Elms and the site of Charlotte Despard’s former home and welfare centre, from where she provided services and support for the local community.
Ireland’s former President Mary McAleese, who served from 1997 to 2011, joined Sean Mulryan to unveil the plaque, following music performances from award-winning music charity World Heart Beat, whose concert hall and academy is based at Embassy Gardens. Speeches were also given by Humanist celebrant Jeanne Rathbone of the Battersea Society, Despard’s biographer Margaret Mulvihill, and poet Hilaire.
Known as “The Mother of Battersea” and one of Nine Elms’ most esteemed historical figures, Charlotte Despard defied societal expectations of her time by dedicating her life to advocating for social justice and equality. She married Maximilian Carden Despard, an Anglo-Irish businessman and banker heavily involved in the early days of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (now known as HSBC). She also spent a great deal of time in Ireland, joining Hanna Sheehy Skeffington in 1908 to form the Irish Women’s Franchise League and, together with Irish republican revolutionary, suffragette and actress, Maud Gonne, forming the Women’s Prisoners’ Defence League.
The ceremony was attended by Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr Martin Fraser, broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, Mayor of Wandsworth Councillor Sana Jafri, as well as Lady Lucy French OBE, Despard’s great-niece. Print and online coverage of the event was secured in leading Irish and London publications, and the unveiling of the plaque represents the ongoing commitment of Sean Mulryan and Ballymore to honouring the historical significance of Nine Elms.
The Communication Group plc supported with all aspects of this event, from concept through to delivery.
