Manchester Schoolmistresses Association
The Manchester Schoolmistresses Association was inaugurated on 2 December 1865 as a local association for women teachers in Manchester. It was founded by Elizabeth Wolstenholme who became its honorary secretary and became a blueprint for similar organisations that sprung up in Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne. Anne Clough was an honorary member.
Emily Davies was invited to address a meeting of the Manchester Schoolmistresses Board in October 1866 where she spoke about an examination 'judged by the same standard as ordinary degree examinations of the University of Cambridge would truly attest to women teachers' professional competence' and only a designated women's college would provide a studious environment.
In November 1866, Clough addressed the Manchester Schoolmistresses Board on the subject of a council drawn from members of the local Schoolmistresses' Associations to coordinate a lecture series. The North of England Council for Promoting the Higher Education of Women was established in November 1867.
