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Agnes Weston claimed to be the ‘Mother of the Navy’ and the Sailors’ Friend. But what did she really do for the Navy and what did the Navy do for her?

By the start of World War One she had already created a significant organisation supporting naval servicemen and their families. She established three Royal Sailors’ Rests (two in Plymouth and one in Portsmouth), published a monthly magazine (Ashore and Afloat) and established temperance societies on naval ships.

Agnes Weston was a religious woman and determined to convert naval men to God and to temperance.

Although the Admiralty supported her efforts, she had her critics amongst the men of the lower decks. In his writings, Lionel Yexley recognised her conviction, but not her cause. Recordings in the Imperial War Museums also suggest some opposition to her work.

The Devonport Sailors’ Rest in Fore Street celebrated its 40th anniversary in May 1916. Cabins were charged at 6d. By the end of the war 2,579,538 beds had been offered to sailors on shore.

Aged 78, Agnes Weston was recognised in the wartime honours. She received the highest recognition – Grand Dame of the British Empire.

On her death in October 1918, Agnes Weston became the first woman ever to be buried with full naval honours.

She shares her memorial with her partner Dame Sophia Wintz at Weston Mill Cemetery in Plymouth.

Location: Weston Mill Cemetery, Plymouth, Devon PL2 2EP
Image: Agnes Weston’s memorial

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