Politics in the blood
A new county councillor has discovered that one of her ancestors was one of the original political pioneers in the very first year of Warwickshire County Council in 1889.
Looking back at her family history Cllr Tilly May, the new member for Polesworth in North Warwickshire, has found that her great, great uncle, John Stratford Dugdale was the very first chairman of the county council in 1889.
In subsequent years her grandfather WFS Dugdale stood on the county council for almost 30 years into the 1920s, and her father WS Dugdale was a councillor for many years into the 1960s for Water Orton.
There is also nice symmetry as Cllr May’s great great uncle in 1889 represented Polesworth, the division Cllr May now represents.
Cllr May said: “I’ve been aware of the family interest in politics, but to see my family name at the very start of the county council records in 1889 was a real surprise and honour.”
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For more information or a photo of Cllr May with the historic records contact Jack Linstead on 01926 476643.