Hull: Mayor honours nun who saved Jews during Holocaust

Sister Agnes Walsh

A nun who protected Jews during the Holocaust was honoured with the 29th Lord Mayor Centenary Plaque on Thursday.

Sister Agnes Walsh (1896 - 1993) was born Clare Walsh in Hull in 1896 and lived at 75 Lowgate (1906-1916). Clare Walsh entered into the Daughters of Charity in 1916 and subsequently became Sister Agnes Walsh.

Sister Agnes, who was also a humanitarian, was awarded the title Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel on 1 March 2009 for her work during the Holocaust. Sister Agnes protected a Jewish family after she was sent to stay at St Vincent de Paul convent in Cadouin, France, to recuperate after a fall.

Councillor Mary Glew, leader of the plaque scheme, said: "It is extremely fitting on the day we hold our Holocaust Memorial Service that Sister Agnes Walsh is honoured with the latest Lord Mayor Centenary Plaque. Sister Agnes took a great risk to save a Jewish family from being persecuted and protected them at the convent until they were liberated. She was an incredibly brave and fearless woman."

Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Sean Chaytor, said: "I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to unveil the latest Lord Mayor Centenary Plaque for Sister Agnes Walsh. Her selfless actions are truly inspiring."

Only 13 British people have been honoured with the Righteous Among the Nations title, including Sister Agnes Walsh.

Source: Hull City Council