Series of events mark 165th anniversary of birth of forgotten pacifist who exposed conditions in British concentration camps

She took on the might of establishment and empire to expose the suffering of women and children held in British concentration camps but her story has “faded” from the history books.

From 12 April a series of events are being held at the Cornish home where the pacifist, whistleblower and activist Emily Hobhouse grew up, around the 165th anniversary of her birth, part of efforts to shine a new light on her fight for justice.

Hobhouse travelled from Cornwall to South Africa at the turn of the 20th century and reported back on the awful conditions endured in the British bell tent camps set up during the Anglo-Boer war, but was dismissed as a “hysterical woman” and a traitor.

Her life and times are being celebrated at a new historical attraction called The Story of Emily at the rectory in St Ive, near Liskeard, where she grew up.

On Saturday a talk will be given by a leading Hobhouse expert, at the lovingly restored rectory. There will also be birthday cake baking and kite-making sessions.

Elsabé Brits, who will give the talk, said the British establishment had been embarrassed at what Hobhouse discovered and managed to make her largely “fade” from history.

She said: “Emily Hobhouse was an eyewitness of the British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer war. Not only did she provide relief, such as food, clothing, and other necessities, but she also...

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