Dr Marion Phillips became Sunderland's first female MP at the 1929 general election; the first election in which women’s voting rights were equal to men’s. In July 1928 Dr Phillips sent a letter to all women in the town, stressing the importance to them of the 1929 General Election, due to its extended suffrage. At the time of the election, Sunderland was a difficult seat for Labour, despite being predominantly working-class. Nevertheless, she won and was one of only 14 female MPs in the parliament. She hadn’t actually intended to stand for parliament, but felt compelled to accept the nomination on behalf of women and the poorplaceholder image
Dr Marion Phillips became Sunderland's first female MP at the 1929 general election; the first election in which women’s voting rights were equal to men’s. In July 1928 Dr Phillips sent a letter to all women in the town, stressing the importance to them of the 1929 General Election, due to its extended suffrage. At the time of the election, Sunderland was a difficult seat for Labour, despite being predominantly working-class. Nevertheless, she won and was one of only 14 female MPs in the parliament. She hadn’t actually intended to stand for parliament, but felt compelled to accept the nomination on behalf of women and the poor | Sunderland Echo

I love the fascinating stories behind the people honoured with blue plaques in Sunderland

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 13th Apr 2026, 14:20 GMT
Updated 13th Apr 2026, 14:20 GMT

This month saw the unveiling of Sunderland’s newest blue plaque, which honours the huge contribution The Bunker has made to the city’s music scene.

It joins more than 70 blue plaques in Sunderland, a nationally-recognised marker of historical significance.

However, while most recognise important places and buildings, far fewer honour people who made their mark on Wearside.

We’ve rounded up some of the people honoured in the city, from Sunderland’s first female MP to the civil engineer credited with helping to combat cholera.

Born in 1826 and raised in Sunderland, Harry was a renowned sailor and diver who rescued more than 40 people from drowning and assisted in the rescue of a further 120. He's described as a ‘True Hero’. During a career as a rigger in Sunderland’s shipyards he saved a further five people from the River Wear before signing up as a diver with the River Wear Commissioners from 1861 to 1896. He also worked for the Sunderland Lifeboat and Life Brigade services.

13. Harry Watts, RNLI headquarters, Sunderland Marina

Born in 1826 and raised in Sunderland, Harry was a renowned sailor and diver who rescued more than 40 people from drowning and assisted in the rescue of a further 120. He's described as a ‘True Hero’. During a career as a rigger in Sunderland’s shipyards he saved a further five people from the River Wear before signing up as a diver with the River Wear Commissioners from 1861 to 1896. He also worked for the Sunderland Lifeboat and Life Brigade services. | Sunderland Echo

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Born in Norfolk Street in 1842, Charles Alcock was a renowned footballer and cricketer. He was Secretary of the Football Association for 25 years, working to establish the ‘one universal game’. In 1870, he organised and played in the first ever international match, England vs Scotland; and in 1871, he created the world’s first national football tournament, The FA Cup.

14. Charles William Alcock, Norfolk Street, city centre

Born in Norfolk Street in 1842, Charles Alcock was a renowned footballer and cricketer. He was Secretary of the Football Association for 25 years, working to establish the ‘one universal game’. In 1870, he organised and played in the first ever international match, England vs Scotland; and in 1871, he created the world’s first national football tournament, The FA Cup. | Contributed

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