Dame Elizabeth Cadbury honoured with Blue Plaque at Bournville Junior School

The Birmingham Civic Society is proud to announce the latest addition to our Blue Plaque heritage trail, commemorating Dame Elizabeth Cadbury at Bournville Junior School.

A pioneering Victorian philanthropist, Dame Elizabeth devoted her life to advancing the rights of women and children, particularly in health and education. Like many influential women of her era, she was bright, free‑thinking, and unafraid to challenge convention.

Working alongside her husband, renowned chocolate maker George Cadbury, she helped transform lives across Birmingham. Born into a Quaker family, Elizabeth’s commitment to social justice began early—visiting workhouses with her mother and volunteering at children’s hospitals in the city.

Her remarkable achievements include:

• Establishing Woodland Hospital (today the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital).
• Creating a holiday home for children from inner‑city slums.
• Campaigning for medical inspections in schools to safeguard children’s health.
• Founding Bournville Primary School, determined to give Birmingham’s children the very best start in life.

Elizabeth remained closely involved with the school until her passing, making it a fitting location for her Blue Plaque.

Through her vision, compassion, and tireless work, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire civic life in Birmingham today.

Presenting the Blue Plaque are (l-r) Anne Cull Chair of Governors Bournville Junior School, Matthew Vaughan Co Chair Birmingham Civic Society and Caroline Cadbury (great granddaughter of Dame Elizabeth).