18/06/2026
On Saturday, beneath clear skies and in full attendance, we gathered at The Story of Emily to mark a deeply significant moment in Emily Hobhouse’s centenary year.
Emily died in Kensington, London, on 8 June 1926. Later that year, her ashes were carried across the Atlantic to South Africa, where they were laid to rest on 27 October 1926 at the Women’s Monument in Bloemfontein; the monument she had helped to inspire, and where thousands gathered to honour her life.
Saturday’s event offered a moment of remembrance, reflection and renewed connection with Emily’s extraordinary legacy. Guests joined exclusive tours, experienced a special bell tent exhibition, and spent time with the story of a woman whose courage, compassion and moral clarity continue to resonate across countries and generations.
At the end of October, we will mark the centenary of Emily’s ashes being laid to rest in South Africa with a much larger celebration at the Women’s Monument in Bloemfontein; a powerful continuation of the story that began here, and belongs profoundly to both Britain and South Africa.
As Jan Smuts wrote after Emily’s funeral: “It was a great occasion. We buried her like a princess.”
A century later, Emily’s story continues to live on; carried forward through remembrance, connection and the enduring power of her humanity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable and moving day.
