Sisters-in-law Marion and Alice were town's first female councillors

JUNE 2025 marks significant anniversaries for two of Middlesbrough's pioneering female political figures.

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Marion Coates was born 155 years ago on June 3, 1870, and Alice Schofield died 50 years ago on June 19, 1975.

A decade ago, both were short-listed for Middlesbrough's Eight Plinth statue.

These two women were Middlesbrough's first female councillors; both elected in 1919.

They were members of the Labour Party and founding members of the Women's Freedom League.

The ladies were once Roman Road neighbours and sisters-in-law. They came from very different backgrounds.

Marion was born in Osbaldwick, but her family moved shortly after to live in Linthorpe to run their coal export business.

Alice Schofield was born in Middlesbrough on May 3, 1881, but in contrast to her future in-law, was sent to live with an aunt in Manchester, as her family was struggling financially.

Following school, they both worked with children.