Founders and Officials

On August 30th 1920 Etheldred Browning opened a new red quarto notebook and wrote the minutes of the first meeting of Women’s Pioneer Housing. She was joined by four friends and colleagues – architect Annabel Dott, social worker Florence Carre, and accountant Miriam Homersham. Four others expressed interest in the venture, but were unable to make the meeting – housing consultant Sydney Bushell, author and broadcaster Agnes Miall, suffragette and journalist Helen Archdale and social worker Mabel Bruce.

Some of the first founders weren’t able or willing to make a long-term commitment, but - throughout WPH’s first decade - many capable and influential women joined as officials, making up its Committee of Management (CoM). The CoM oversaw the day-to-day running of WPH and its business activities.

Below you can read more about some of our early founders and officials.