East Midlands home of veganism marked with heritage panel

The Vegan Society was created in the region nearly 80 years ago

Author: Hannah Richardson LDRSPublished 7th Mar 2024

Leicester has been recognised as the home of veganism with a new heritage panel installed near Narborough Road.

Donald Watson and his wife Dorothy co-founded the Vegan Society in 1944, and still exists today.

The new panel has been placed on Evesham Road, where Mr Watson lived.

It includes the history of veganism, Mr Watson’s link to Leicester and some information about his life.

The Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan Group said he became vegetarian at the age of 14 after witnessing the slaughter of a pig on his uncle’s farm.

Jamshed, a member of the Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan Group, said: “I’m pleased Donald Watson is being recognised in this way. "

"He’s an important figure in the history of veganism and Leicester. So many people will be surprised to know the word vegan originated in Leicester.”

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