Hotels near Mary Ward House Conference Centre

Mary Ward was famous in her lifetime for writing novels under the pen name Mrs Humphrey Ward. She's better remembered today as a social reformist thanks to her tireless work promoting equalisation in society and campaigning for a fair social welfare system. This building in her day was filled with local residents, ordinary people who came to train, learning practical skills, music, joining self-help groups, chess societies, as well as more intellectual interests. Most importantly, it was a place where they could be part of a social and community network. Mary's original mission statement is still visible on the back staircase of the building, enforcing her idea of settlement.