Grantham Museum – Lincolnshire Police – PC Edith Smith Exhibition
I have had the privilege of serving as a Trustee and member of the Board of Directors at Grantham Museum, a role I consider one of the most rewarding I have undertaken. One of the projects I am particularly proud of is the recognition of a remarkable woman whose pioneering work in British policing left an indelible mark: PC Edith Smith, the first female officer in the United Kingdom with the power of arrest.
Edith served during the Edwardian era and was brought to Grantham, Lincolnshire, to help restore order in a town challenged by social issues, including prostitution linked to the nearby army camp at Belton House. She worked in an exceptionally demanding environment, managing a wide range of social problems, addressing soldiers’ behaviour, and providing guidance and oversight to women engaged in prostitution.
A determined and resilient woman, Edith earned widespread respect for her tireless dedication. Often working without rest between shifts, her commitment was formally recognised with a pay rise from the Borough in acknowledgment of her extraordinary efforts. Ultimately, her relentless work took a physical toll, and she retired from policing, returning to her previous vocation in nursing. The courage required to patrol poorly lit streets in restrictive, cumbersome uniforms, at a time when policing was overwhelmingly male-dominated, marks her as a true pioneer.
The project to commemorate Edith was inspired by a BBC Radio Lincolnshire debate in February 2019, during which I discussed the recognition of another Grantham heroine, Margaret Thatcher, with a local member of the public. The debate led to the challenge of honouring another pioneering woman from Grantham, and I accepted. Having selected Edith, I set about raising the necessary funds to create a permanent exhibition within the Museum.
Just over a year later, the exhibition was underway. After two weeks of dedicated work, the opening reception was held on 27 February 2020. Guests included Lincolnshire Police, the Constabulary to which Edith belonged, and Edith’s granddaughter, Margaret Smith. ACC Kerrin Wilson and PCSO Holly Farmer shared their perspectives on the role of women in policing today and how Edith’s pioneering work continues to influence them. Margaret Smith contributed family photographs, artefacts, and personal research, some items over 100 years old, providing a deeply personal connection to the exhibition.
The official public launch took place on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2020. Witnessing the project come to life—from its conception and design to its completion—was an incredibly moving and rewarding experience. I was filled with pride and emotion, knowing that Edith’s legacy will continue to inspire visitors and future generations.
