Emma Cons

She also campaigned for educational opportunities for the working class, including cheap tickets to Shakespearean drama at the Old Vic Theatre, which she opened in 1880, later managed by her niece, Lilian Baylis.

In 1880, Emma Cons, re-opened what is now the Old Vic Theatre[2] in Lambeth, south London, as the Royal Victoria Coffee and Music Hall.

Emma Cons died on 24 July 1912, of a cerebral haemorrhage, at Chippen's Bank, Hever, Kent, home of her friend, Ethel Everest.

The Waterloo Road plaque reads: Emma Cons, Founder of ‘The Vic’, Alderman of the First London County Council.

To improve housing for working men and women, to provide wholesome and joyous recreation at a low price, to promote education, to protect infant life, and to bring a human touch to the children in the industrial schools of her day.

Large-hearted and clear-sighted, courageous, tenacious of purpose and of great personal modesty, her selfless appeal drew out the best in others and was a constant inspiration for service to all with whom she was associated.

[5] Another round blue plaque was put up by the Greater London Council, on the street wall of 136 Seymour Place, Marylebone, where she lived and worked.