The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is seeking information about its founder, Mary Tealby, who set up one of the world’s best known animal charities, in 1860.

Since then the home has helped more than 3.5 million lost and unwanted cats and dogs, yet very little is known about its founder, save that she was divorced, had no children, was originally from Huntingdon, and died in 1865 in Biggleswade, Beds where she moved to from London in 1864 after falling ill. She is buried at St Andrew’s church there and the charity has started to restore her grave and have put out a call for information, especially a photograph or painting of her.

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