At the start of the 20th century, women began to engage in political life, often by serving on committees dedicated to helping the poor and children. Alice Beale is perhaps best known as the first president of the Birmingham Settlement, a role she held from 1899 to 1924. While some see her as a politician, others view her as merely a social worker. However, holding the position of president and managing a large number of people requires a mastery of governance—the very essence of being a politician. Read more at birminghamyes.
A Noble Background and Political Insight
Alice Beale was born in Birmingham in 1845 to Timothy and Maria Kenrick. Timothy Kenrick came from a noble background, with family ties to both the future British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and the Duchess of Cambridge. He was a prominent iron founder. Her mother also hailed from the noble Paget family. Alice grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Her sister Florence was married to the Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain, while another sister, Louise, married Joseph’s brother, Arthur Chamberlain. This meant Alice’s close relatives were among Birmingham’s most influential politicians.
In the latter half of the 19th century, women were barred not only from holding public office but also from pursuing higher education. Like her sisters, Alice Kenrick was educated at home. As a young woman, she married Charles Beale, who would later serve three consecutive terms as Lord Mayor of Birmingham from 1897 to 1900. This connection undoubtedly gave Alice a keen insight into the city’s political landscape. Direct evidence of her active political engagement comes from a letter she wrote while travelling in Egypt to her niece, Ida Chamberlain. Alongside describing the North African climate, which was unusual for the English and had caused her sisters to fall ill, she mentioned the positive results of a general election. She also noted her approval of the help given to the election campaign of her nephew-in-law, Austen Chamberlain. At the end of the letter, dated 1906, Alice writes that she was enjoying a good rest from her committee work in Birmingham. While it’s not known precisely which committee she was referring to, documents confirm she was the President of the Birmingham Settlement.
The Birmingham Settlement
The Birmingham Settlement, founded in 1899, is the city’s oldest charity. It was established by social reformers who were appalled by the severe poverty they witnessed. The Settlement’s work initially focused on supporting women and destitute families from the St. Mary’s district, one of the city’s slums. Above all, it provided essential food, clothing, and temporary shelter. Doctors also worked at the Settlement, monitoring the health of the poor and providing access to medicine and vaccinations. Alice Beale was a trusted figure, which is why she was chosen as the organisation’s president.
For over a century, the organisation has been funded by charitable donations. During this time, it has grown significantly, opening new support centres in other towns near Birmingham. Its core mission, however, remains unchanged. Staff focus on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities facing economic and social exclusion. The organisers actively lobby politicians to do more to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. The organisation also faces new challenges, such as promoting integration among people of different cultures, ethnicities, and faiths. The Birmingham Settlement helps people gain qualifications and find employment, and offers dedicated services for older adults. Volunteer opportunities are always available.
One researcher, studying the contribution of women to the city’s political and social life, was surprised to find that the Birmingham Museum features Alice Beale only as the ‘Lady Mayoress’—the mayor’s wife. Visitors can see her elegant necklace and brooch, but learn little of her achievements in the art of governance. Sadly, Alice Beale lived in a society with limited political opportunities for women. However, this did not stop her from creating a management system for an entire settlement that continues its charitable mission to this day. The story of Alice Beale’s work is increasingly gaining attention. It is hoped that more documents lie hidden in family archives and that her descendants might one day make them available for study.