Remembering Ada Nield Chew

This week marked a meaningful moment of local history at our Crewe Depot, as a blue plaque was unveiled to commemorate Ada Nield Chew, recognising her life, work and lasting contribution to workers’ rights and women’s equality.

In the 1890s, Ada worked in the former factory building that now forms part of OSL Global’s Cheshire depot. At the time, she was one of many women employed in demanding industrial roles, but Ada would go on to distinguish herself as a formidable campaigner for social justice. Through her writing, activism and public advocacy, she became a powerful voice for fair pay, improved working conditions and women’s rights at a time when such views were far from widely accepted.

The plaque itself was designed by local students, making the commemoration especially fitting, connecting past, present and future generations. It was inspiring to see Crewe Town Council, the Mayor, students from Crewe Engineering & Design UTC, and members of Ada’s family come together to honour her legacy and to reflect on the history of the site.

For OSL, this moment served as a reminder that the places where we work often carry stories far greater than the buildings themselves. Ada Nield Chew’s courage and determination continue to resonate, particularly in industries shaped by engineering, labour and progress. Her legacy remains an important part of Crewe’s history, and it is a privilege to be connected, in some small way, to the place where her journey began.

You can read more about Ada Nield Chew and the plaque unveiling via the original coverage here.

Photo credit: Peter Robinson.