A PLAQUE has been unveiled in tribute to a Keighley-district pioneer.

The unveiling took place at Oldfield, where Margaret Wintringham was born.

Mrs Wintringham became the first-ever female Liberal MP in 1921 and was the first British woman to take a seat in parliament.

The Yorkshire Society blue plaque has been installed at Oldfield Primary School, where she taught.

James Travers – headteacher at Oldfield Primary, part of the Bronte Academy Trust – said: “We are thrilled to acknowledge that Margaret Wintringham was born here.

“The legacy within the Bronte Academy Trust of successful women, who lead and shape young children’s lives, is something we are extremely proud to continue to foster. Our namesake, the Bronte sisters, are testament to a long history of female accomplishment.”

Ann Cryer, Keighley’s former MP, helped unveil the plaque.

She said: “It was a great honour and pleasure to be invited back to Oldfield School.

“When I was the Labour candidate for Keighley from 1995 and then MP, it was one of the many schools where I was invited to perform various tasks. Therefore to unveil a plaque to Margaret Wintringham – who had taught there so many years ago – was quite amazing; we had a lot in common.”

The plaque was funded by Keighley Town Council.

Councillor Luke Maunsell, who also attended the event, said: “Plaques like this are very important – they give us a unique opportunity to reflect on our past and consider the journey that we have been on.

“My ward in particular takes great pride in honouring our collective history and in celebrating the many contributions made locally, regionally, nationally and beyond – and this certainly includes Mrs Wintringham. Whilst she may not be a household name, the plaque will serve as a testament to her place in history and as encouragement for the future. The ability to break down barriers is one of the most important things in our society and there are many we still need to overcome.”

Other guests at the unveiling included Keighley’s deputy mayor Cllr Julie Adams, a representative of Mrs Wintringham’s family, pupils and academy trust CEO Gillian Holland.