Jessie Kitson was a determined and strong-willed woman who, in 1937, confidently expressed her belief that a woman would one day hold the position of Lord Mayor of Leeds. Her prediction came true just five years later in November 1942, when she became the first female Lord Mayor of Leeds. However, her ascent to this prestigious role was surrounded by unusual and tragic circumstances. Undeterred, Jessie embraced the responsibility and made history. Read more about her remarkable journey on leedska.com.
The Influential Kitson Family and Beatrice’s Childhood
Jessie Beatrice Kitson was born on May 24, 1876, to John Hawthorn and Jessie Kitson. She was christened at Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane, Leeds, when she was just two months old.
The Kitson family was among the most prominent and influential in Leeds during the 19th and 20th centuries. Her grandfather, James Kitson, served as Mayor of Leeds in 1860, while her uncle, Sir James Kitson, was the city’s first Lord Mayor in 1897.
The family’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident in their businesses, including the Airedale Foundry in Hunslet and the Monkbridge Iron and Steel Company, which manufactured locomotives for the rapidly expanding railway industry. Jessie’s father, John Hawthorn Kitson, was a respected engineer in Leeds, while her mother spearheaded fundraising efforts for charitable projects, including rebuilding the District Nurses Home on Lovell Street. Jessie had two siblings: her sister, Ethel May, and her brother, Robert Hawthorn, a noted artist.
Jessie’s early life was shaped by the family’s affluence and their active involvement in improving the city’s social fabric. However, her father’s illness often took the parents abroad, leaving the children in the care of strict nurses. Despite these challenges, Jessie described her childhood as free and adventurous, with explorations of nature and the family’s garden providing a sense of wonder.
Unlike her sister, Jessie was uninterested in dolls or fairy tales. During her travels abroad, she paid little attention to fashion or social customs, focusing instead on museums, historical architecture, and landscapes.
Youth and Hobbies
As a schoolgirl, Jessie excelled in sports, playing football, hockey, and cricket. She even captained the Yorkshire women’s football team for two seasons.
At 17, Jessie discovered a passion for literature, particularly history, after joining a literary class. She kept a detailed reading journal and formed a close bond with her teacher, Mrs. Gruner, who inspired her intellectual pursuits. Her travels to France, Italy, and Switzerland allowed her to experience the grandeur of art galleries and sacred spaces, deepening her appreciation for culture.
Despite her international experiences, Jessie’s love for Leeds remained unwavering, instilled by her parents, who emphasized the importance of their hometown.
Jessie Kitson’s Charitable Work
After finishing school, Jessie devoted herself to social causes. She began teaching at a Sunday school and worked with numerous children’s charities. Her philanthropic efforts were supported by the wealth of the Kitson family, enabling her to address pressing social issues in Leeds.
Jessie served as an independent councillor representing Headingley on the Leeds Board of Guardians until 1913. She was also a magistrate, president of the Meanwood Women’s Institute, and a member of the Yorkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes. Her work often involved juvenile justice, and she chaired the Probation Committee.
Triumphs and Challenges
In November 1919, Jessie ran for election as a councillor for Headingley but was defeated. She had chosen to run as an independent candidate, avoiding affiliation with any political party. Nevertheless, in 1920, she and three other Leeds women became the city’s first female magistrates, marking a significant milestone for women’s rights and political empowerment.
In 1942, Jessie ran for Lord Mayor of Leeds, once again as an independent candidate. The election, held on November 9, 1942, resulted in the victory of Liberal candidate Arthur Clarke. However, moments after being sworn in, Clarke collapsed and passed away.
On November 13, 1942, the Liberal Party nominated Jessie Kitson as the new Lord Mayor. Her nomination was unanimously approved by the council, with support from both Labour and Conservative members. Jessie’s experience and commitment to social welfare made her an ideal choice.
Jessie’s inauguration on November 18, 1942, marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold the office of Lord Mayor of Leeds. During her speech, she pledged to continue the legacy of public service established by the Kitson family. Housing reform was a key priority during her tenure. Notably, Jessie redesigned the traditional Lord Mayor’s hat to reflect her unique style.
Jessie Kitson served as Lord Mayor during the challenging years of World War II, from 1942 to 1943. In 1944, the University of Leeds awarded her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. She remained an active figure in Leeds’ political life and was deeply involved in cultural and social activities.
Jessie’s personal life was equally intriguing. She meticulously documented her travels with her friend, Ethel Mallinson, an accomplished artist who captured their adventures in sketches. Together, they explored England and Europe, enriching their understanding of art and history.
Jessie Beatrice Kitson’s contributions to Leeds were profound. As a pioneer of women’s politics in the 20th century, she earned widespread respect for her dedication to social justice and her ability to bridge the gap between the privileged and working classes. Her legacy is a testament to her compassion, vision, and commitment to making Leeds a better place for all its residents.