10 Facts About Rachel Waterhouse

Dame Rachel Elizabeth Waterhouse was an English local historian, consumer affairs activist and writer.

Rachel Waterhouse won a scholarship to King Edward VI High School for Girls in the city, then an exhibition to study history at St Hugh's College, Oxford, graduating in 1944.

Rachel Waterhouse became a founder member of The Victorian Society in 1958 and was instrumental in setting up the Birmingham Branch in 1967, serving as its first Chairman between 1967 and 1971.

Rachel Waterhouse was a member of the group which resurrected the Lunar Society around 1990 and became its founder Chairman.

Rachel Waterhouse was president of the Birmingham and Midland Institute for 1992.

Rachel Waterhouse was a council member of the Consumers' Association from 1966 and its chairman from 1982 to 1990.

Rachel Waterhouse was a member of the National Consumer Council and of the Health and Safety Commission.

Rachel Waterhouse was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1980 and a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1990.

Rachel Waterhouse received honorary degrees from Aston University, the University of Birmingham and Loughborough University.

Rachel Waterhouse was survived by her children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.