# Battersea founder Mary Tealby to be commemorated by a plaque

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/10/06/battersea-founder-mary-tealby-to-be-commemorated-by-a-plaque/
- Published: 2015-10-06T20:52:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The work of Mary Tealby, the founder of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, will be recognised
by a a People’s Plaque at the Islington site where in 1860, she first established
The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. **

Her green heritage plaque will be on display at Freightliners City Farm, and will
be unveiled by Battersea’s Chief Executive Claire Horton.

From the start Tealby’s mission was never to turn away an [animal](https://fundraising.co.uk/tag/animals/)
in need of help, an approach that Battersea still adheres to. The lasting tribute
to Battersea’s founder was voted for by the public.

## Advertisement

Tealby was a **successful fundraiser and campaigner**, and secured support from 
Queen Victoria, the Home’s first Royal Patron, and from Charles Dickens. She died
from cancer on 3 October 1865 aged 63, six years before the Home moved across the
river to its current iconic site in south London.

Claire Horton said:

> “Over three million homeless dogs and cats are indebted to the vision and commitment
> of Mary Tealby. Through her sheer determination and passion she managed to establish
> the UK’s first home for stray dogs, which we know today as Battersea, and helped
> pave the way for other leading animal charities. We’re thrilled that our incredible
> Founder who created such a remarkable legacy will now be forever remembered by
> a People’s Plaque in Islington.”

Mary Tealby’s plaque will be unveiled at 2pm on Friday 2 October. The event is open
to the public. On Saturday 3 October Battersea will commemorate its Founder with
a special Victorian Day event at its London centre that is open to all to attend.

 * **[Five tweets for fundraisers amid coronavirus lockdown](https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/05/02/five-tweets-for-fundraisers-amid-coronavirus-lockdown/)**(
   2 May 2020)
 * **[£400,000 boost to help older Londoners in need](https://fundraising.co.uk/2025/12/30/400000-boost-to-help-older-londoners-in-need/)**(
   30 December 2025)
 * **[Rosie Newman’s Britain at War in Colour – early Red Cross shop](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/04/10/rosie-newmans-britain-at-war-in-colour-early-red-cross-shop/)**(
   10 April 2013)