The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Roy Clare, kindly unveiled a Blue Plaque to Alice Lee this week; it is on the wall of the Essex Rose tea house in the center of Dedham.  The plaque marks the life of Alice Lee, a highly respected mathematician and craniologist who had lived in the village with her parents.  Alice was recognised for her contribution in demonstrating that intelligence is not limited to skull capacity; she lived from 1858 – 1939

Speaking as he unveiled the plaque, Mr Clare mentioned that this was the 32nd Blue Plaque to a woman in the county of Essex; he encouraged people to recommend other notable women from the county to be recommended for a Blue Plaque.

The chairman of the council Cllr Douglas Bourn welcomed everyone to the event and Nicky Goldsach, operations manager for the Tiptree tea rooms commented: “thank you for attending the unveiling and we are very proud to have Alice’s blue plaque on the wall for all to see.” The event was organised by Carol Harbach, Clerk to Dedham Parish Council and her colleagues;  guests  retreated to the warmth of the Essex Rose tea house for coffee,  Tiptree Christmas cake and mince pies.