Dame Rachel Waterhouse DBE, MA, PhD (1940)

Dame Rachel Waterhouse was a leading lobbyist for consumer rights, whose work led to the creation of new laws protecting consumers.

Dame Rachel was a historian by training, studying at St. Hugh’s, Oxford. In her early career, she juggled writing several books on Birmingham local history, whilst raising a young family of four children.

Dame Rachel first became involved in consumer rights in the early 1960s, joining a local Birmingham consumer group. Within two years, she moved to national consumer rights, joining the Consumers’ Association’s Council (publishers of Which? magazine), and later becoming its Chairman.

This work entailed ending monopolies and defending consumer rights. Some examples included ending opticians’ monopoly of selling glasses, with the same principle being applied to surveyors, health services, solicitors and other groups. She was instrumental in the passing of the 1987 Consumer Protection Act, confirming buyers’ rights to claim compensation.

During her tenure, the consumer rights movement progressed rapidly. Dame Rachel’s experience of consumer concerns, combined with her understanding of the links between them and the economy, social trends and government policy, saw her become the leading lobbyist for consumer rights of her time. Throughout her career she played a part in many legislative changes, including the Financial Services Act 1986 which led to the establishment of what is now the Financial Services Authority. Upon her retirement, she was called the “voice of common sense” and “a dedicated, determined and doughty defender of the consumer”.

OEs may also know Dame Rachel as the author of our school’s history. She recorded her own school career in great detail, giving us an insight into KEHS school life in New Street; planning for the move to the Edgbaston site; the fire of May 1936; temporary accommodation in Acocks Green; evacuation to Cheltenham; and, at last, the final move to Edgbaston.

This coincided with the start of the Battle of Britain, so much time was spent in the underground bicycle sheds that had been converted to an air-raid shelter. Her tone in describing PE is often less enthusiastic, latterly confirming that playing in sports fixtures against other schools was ‘not for her.’ The House System too was well recorded by Dame Rachel, much to the benefit of our new House Captains.

Dame Rachel left KEHS in 1940, having been Head Girl and a recipient of the Creak Memorial Prize. Her two daughters also attended KEHS. In her retirement, Dame Rachel remained an eminent historian, collaborating with others and focusing on the evolving history of Birmingham, mirroring her early career.

Her ethos of service continued throughout her life. She worked with the Birmingham and Midland Institute, becoming President in 1992, and was a founder member of the reconstituted Lunar Society, whose 18th century roots include Matthew Boulton and Josiah Wedgwood. Inspired by her Christian faith, she was equally at home leading an appeal for the restoration of a local church in Highgate, Birmingham.

This article does not do full justice to Dame Rachel. Her ethos and her abilities applied to service to others give a superb role model, especially for KEHS students and Old Edwardians today. She packed so much into her long life with energy and commitment. Dame Rachel died peacefully in 2020, following a stroke, at the age of 97. She is sorely missed by all that knew her.