Clara Maria Clarkson (1811-1889) Unitarian and diarist. Born at Alverthorpe Hall and associated with Flanshaw Hall, she lived here until her death in 1889. A lifelong Unitarian who attended Westgate Chapel and signed the 1866 Suffrage Petition. Her social commentary provides a valuable insight into local history and the lived of Victorian women. 'Merrie Wakefield' by Ann K. Jacques published 1971, was based on her journals