The Ferens family home that has left a lasting legacy for ladies in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

When Thomas Ferens died in May 1930, he bequeathed the home and grounds of his and his late wife Ester to be used as a “rest home for poor gentlewomen in reduced circumstances”. 

Thomas Ferens was a well-known forefather of Hull – he was a politician, philanthropist and industrialist who worked tirelessly for the benefit of local residents.

His gifts to Hull include the Ferens Art Gallery and £250,000 for what was to become the University of Hull. With great concern for the welfare of the people of Hull, Mr Ferens also bequeathed land for a boating lake in East Park, donated land and funded swimming baths in Chapman Street, as well as providing 12 alms-houses on Holderness Road. In other parts of the country, he also made substantial donations to schools, hospitals and charitable organisations.

He helped establish Reckitt & Sons and was well-known for speaking in the House of Commons to further the cause of women’s rights. He supported women’s suffrage at home and repeatedly drew attention to the trafficking of women and girls in the colonies.