Remembering the Barnbow Lasses

Councillor Pauline Grahame has laid a poppy wreath at the Barnbow Lasses memorial in Manston Park, Crossgates, to honour the women who lost their lives in the First World War Barnbow munitions factory explosions. 

She was joined by Richard Burgon, MP for East Leeds, as well as Maria Kilcoyne, Bethany Armitage, Assistant Manager of the Barnbow Public House and Gemma Davy, descendants of Jane Swift, one of the original Barnbow Lasses.

The Barnbow memorial stone and plaque, designed by Julia Wynne Thorpe, was unveiled in 2012. It was made possible through a collaboration between the East Leeds History and Archaeology Society (ELHAS) and Leeds City Council.

Also in attendance were Bob and Jacki Lawrence of ELHAS. Jacki Lawrence said:
“It means a great deal to us, having supported the story of the Barnbow Lasses for more than 20 years. Even local people didn’t know the story. Now, most people in Leeds do, and it keeps the story alive.”

Following the declaration of war in August 1914, there was an urgent demand for arms and munitions. The Barnbow factory was built in record time and began operating in 1915. With so many men serving on the front lines, the workforce consisted mainly of women and girls from Leeds and surrounding areas, affectionately known as the Barnbow Lasses. The work was dangerous, and the conditions harsh.

At 10.27 pm on Tuesday, 5 December 1916, a massive explosion tore through Room 42, where a new shift had just begun. Thirty-five women were killed, but not all instantly. Some died up to three weeks later in hospital, and many others were injured or maimed. There were further explosions in 1917, killing two women, and in 1918, killing three men. Because of censorship at the time, there was no public account of the accident. The memorial plaque lists the names of those who died.

At the laying of the wreath, crafted by Arts and Flowers in Crossgates, Maria Kilcoyne said: “It’s a lovely way to remember not only those who were killed but also the survivors who lived in the shadow of that awful night.”

Richard Burgon, MP for East Leeds, added: “It’s so important every year to mark the courage and lives of the Barnbow Lasses. I’d like to congratulate Councillor Grahame and, crucially, ELHAS for ensuring that their story remains deeply embedded in our community’s consciousness, as it should be.”

Councillor Grahame closed the event by thanking all who attended and said: “I cannot believe that it has been thirteen years since I worked with Bob and Jacki Lawrence to secure the funding for the memorial – my proudest achievement for the community. It is with great pride that we lay this wreath today.”

Bob and Jacki Lawrence continue to take the story of the Barnbow Lasses into schools.