Lady North Gates, Peace Walk – Kate Eliza North née Trott (1856-1930)

These memorial gates were dedicated in 1931 to the memory of Kate Eliza North, who had been the wife of Leicester’s mayor, Sir Jonathan North. They were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. North had been Mayoress throughout the First World War, and convened a group of 15 women who made and repaired clothes for the troops and wounded soldiers. She set up similar working parties across Leicester. By 1916, over 4,000 workers were producing 2,000 garments a week and repairing many more. North organised a committee to provide free meals for the sick and wounded at Victoria Park Pavilion. In 1917, she presided over the Bazaar and Festival Committee to raise funds for disabled service personnel. During 1921-22, she served as President of the Bazaar and Fete Committee that raised over £15,000 for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland College (the new University College).