Blue plaque for Barnsley gay couple who 'defied convention'

A blue plaque commemorating a gay couple who challenged societal norms in the 1950s and 60s has been unveiled at the location of the shop they operated. Maurice Dobson and Fred Halliday met during World War Two and went on to open a well-known convenience store in Darfield, Barnsley in 1956. Following their passing, the shop was converted into the volunteer-run Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre, where the Barnsley Civic Trust organized the installation of the plaque.

Steven Skelly, the heritage curator for Barnsley Museums, highlighted that the story of this couple exemplifies the various contradictions and complexities inherent in the history of homosexuality in the UK. Maurice Dobson, born in Wombwell in 1912, and Fred Halliday, born in Pudsey near Leeds in 1914, were both soldiers in the Durham Light Infantry who crossed paths in Cairo, Egypt. According to museum volunteer Ken Brookes, Maurice was immediately drawn to Fred’s kindness and gentle nature, although Fred’s military persona could exhibit toughness as well.

Homosexuality remained criminalized in England until 1967, punishable by imprisonment or chemical castration. Despite the societal challenges they faced, Maurice and Fred found acceptance among many locals in Darfield. Maurice, a former Army boxer, was known to stand up for their relationship, even resorting to physical action against those who tried to harass them. The couple’s dynamic balanced each other out, with Fred often calming Maurice down during moments of agitation. After Fred’s passing in 1988, Maurice struggled and passed away just two years later in 1990.

The Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre, housed in a Georgian yeoman’s house, showcases a collection of artifacts illuminating the social history of Darfield, including contributions from Maurice Dobson himself. The site, which holds the blue plaque honoring Maurice and Fred, reflects a time when certain working-class communities in the north showed signs of tolerance towards non-conforming individuals. While not fully accepted, those who were respectful towards such couples were considered part of the community. Steven Skelly expressed support for further highlighting similar stories like that of Maurice and Fred, suggesting that their love story deserves a television drama adaptation for a broader audience to appreciate

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