A specially commissioned short history documentary film celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering suffragist Lydia Becker is now available for the public to watch on YouTube, shining a well-deserved spotlight on one of Hyndburn’s most remarkable historical figures.
Titled ‘Lydia Becker – the forgotten pioneer at Moorside House’, the short film explores Lydia’s early life at Moorside House in Altham, Accrington, and traces her inspiring journey from a young girl with a passion for botany to a leading voice in the women’s suffrage movement.
Commissioned by Hyndburn Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the video has been created to educate and inspire local schoolchildren about Lydia’s extraordinary achievements and enduring influence.
Produced by #AmazingAccrington and Scott Dawson Advertising, filming took place in and around Moorside House, including the nearby canal and at St James Church in Altham, locations that would have been familiar to Lydia during her childhood.
The documentary was presented by BBC The Apprentice star, Camilla Ainsworth. Camilla, who hails from East Lancashire, shot to fame in 2018 when she became the youngest-ever finalist on the TV series, at the age of just 22.
The film brings to life Lydia’s love of science and botany, her correspondence with prominent figures such as Charles Darwin and Emmeline Pankhurst, and her groundbreaking work in Manchester, where she became editor of the Women’s Suffrage Journal and a driving force in the campaign for women’s voting rights.
The video has already played a central role in a series of engaging workshops delivered in local primary schools. Pupils from Altham St James Primary, Huncoat Primary and Mount Pleasant Primary School were given an exclusive premiere of the film and were enthralled by Lydia’s story.
Inspired by what they had learned, the children created and delivered presentations to a judging panel, demonstrating creativity, confidence and a deep understanding of Lydia’s legacy. One school even performed an original rap, while others dressed up as Lydia to bring her story vividly to life. Altham St James Primary School was named the winner, earning an exciting trip to London in recognition of their outstanding presentation.
The public release of the documentary marks the anniversary of Lydia Becker’s birth on 24th February 1827, offering the wider community the opportunity to discover more about the woman who helped shape the fight for women’s rights.
The short film is to be screened at a special VIP event at the Dome in Accrington town centre on Thursday, 19th February, five days before Lydia’s birthday. Following the launch event, an accompanying exhibition will open to the public from 20th February and will run every Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm until 28th March.
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, who secured funding for a memorial plaque dedicated to Lydia on the canal bridge in Altham in 2018, said: “Having first come across the story of Lydia Becker in 2015, this feels like a full circle moment for me on a personal level. The video is brilliant and I wouldn’t have thought back then that we would be doing this, so I am grateful for all the efforts in putting on the spotlight on Lydia. This is quite possibly my favourite project to date.”
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, added: “We have absolutely loved producing this short film. It has been in the mix for us for the last two years, so to see the enthusiasm for Lydia brought to a new generation is immense. We hope everyone enjoys watching it too.”
Learn more about Lydia Becker: www.moorsidehouse.com/lydia-becker/
