About this objectA Warden badge of the Primrose League. This badge was one of a collection owned by Martha Mary Webb (1881-1962). Nurse Webb lived in Letchworth Garden City from 1905. Her concern for the elderly led to the opening of the Howard Garden Social Centre in 1953, where she was warden from 1953 until 1958. She left money in her will to set up Macfadyen Webb Housing Society in the 1960s, named after her and Dr Macfadyen, the first resident GP in the new Garden City. In 1970 the society built the 36 flats of Macfadyen Webb House on Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City. The society became part of the Howard Cottages Society in 1999.
Her badges reflect her life and beliefs. This particular badge shows Nurse Webb's political beliefs and affiliation with the Primrose League. The Primrose League was formed in 1883, aiming to spread Conservative principles across the country.
The Primrose League pledge read "I declare on my honour and faith that I will devote my best ability to the maintenance of religion, of the estates of the realm, and of the imperial ascendancy of the British Empire; and that, consistently with my allegiance to the sovereign of these realms, I will promote with discretion and fidelity the above objects, being those of the Primrose League."
MakerW.O. Lewis (Badges) Limited
Maker RoleMaker
Period20th Century (1901-2000)
Medium and MaterialsMetal alloy
Enamel
Inscription and Marksobverse : P L : bar : Warden :