Leeds street names honour the legacy of the Barnbow Lasses

New street names dedicated to women who lost their lives after an explosion in 1916 in Barnbow have been officially unveiled at a special commemorative event.

The ceremony brought together relatives, local historians and community members to remember the Barnbow Lasses and recognise their contribution during the First World War.

Redrow is currently building new homes at Centurion Fields, off Manston Lane, at the former site of the Vickers Tank Factory.

The development is located about half a mile away from the site of Barnbow munitions factory, which employed thousands of workers, mostly women, during the First World War, to produce munitions in very dangerous conditions. In December 1916, a devastating explosion killed 35 women and injured many more.

Now Redrow, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, have named fifteen new streets at Centurion Fields after those women.

The commemorative event was attended by relatives of several women who lost their lives, along with Jacki and Bob Lawrence, from the East Leeds History & Archaeology Society, and former councillor Paulene Grahame, who have all worked tirelessly to get the Barnbow Lasses the recognition they deserve.

Speaking at the event, Ron Grant, grandson of Eliza Grant, said: “It’s been a privilege to attend the street sign unveiling. I’m very proud to be here and see my grandmother Eliza Grant’s street name in place, knowing she will always be remembered.“

“She wasn’t supposed to be working that shift that day but her friend, Edith Levitt, wanted to do an extra shift and wanted Eliza to travel with her to work. They both started their shift at 10am, and the explosion happened at 10.15am, leaving my father, then age three, and his siblings, to be brought up by their father.“

“Lots of things go unremembered, but the names of these women will live on. People will see the names on these streets every day and ask about them; it’s a piece of history that’s being kept alive for future generations. It’s also great to hear how the story of the Barnbow Lasses is still being taught in schools, so local children will know their story too.”

David Faraday, technical director at Redrow Yorkshire, said: “Alongside the memorial in Manston Park and other local tributes, the street names here at Centurion Fields will help keep the Barnbow Lasses memory alive for future generations.“

“I’d like to thank the families who travelled to attend the event, to Jacki, Bob, Pauleen and everyone who has helped bring this project to life. We are honoured to play a small part in recognising an important chapter in the history of East Leeds.”

Pauleen Grahame added: “The women who worked at Barnbow made an extraordinary contribution during the First World War. They carried out dangerous and demanding work in difficult conditions, knowing that the risks were very real.“

“Many paid the ultimate price, while countless others carried the physical and emotional scars of their service for the rest of their lives.“

“What makes this tribute so important is that it brings their story into the everyday life of our community. Their names will be seen on the street signs, remembered by families and spoken by future generations.”