Elsie Griffin (1895-1989)

Singer

Elsie Griffin was a gifted singer from a humble background. She attended St Michaels on the Mount Primary School on which, in 2012, a Blue Plaque was erected in her honour. Elsie worked as a chocolate-packer and was one of ‘Fry’s Angels’, singing at morning prayer meetings. She popularised ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Roses of Picardy’ during WW1 and became principal soprano with two opera companies.

Anne A Colley, cousin of Elsie Griffin and campaigner for blue plaque © The Artograph Company