The wife of one of Huddersfield’s most famous sons became 100 years old on January 12.

Mary Wilson – wife of Prime Minister Harold Wilson – has reached the remarkable milestone.

And it comes just two months until we mark 100 years since Harold was born on March 11, 1916.

The former Royds Hall Grammar School pupil was Prime Minister from 1964 to 1970 and again from 1974 to 1976. He died on May 23, 1995, aged 79 from colon cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Norfolk-born Mary’s maiden name was Baldwin and the couple married on New Year’s day in 1940.

She was exceptionally loyal to her husband, especially during his tough political years leading the country, but remained very much a private person.

She became a published poet and the couple had two sons – Robin who became a professor of mathematics and Giles who became a teacher.

The 100th anniversary of Harold’s death will be marked by Huddersfield Literature Festival which runs from March 3 to 13.

The Beatles with Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his wife Mary Wilson at Variety Club Awards 1964 ©Mirrorpix ©Mirrorpix ©Mirrorpix

The festival will be partnering with Huddersfield University on their annual Harold Wilson Lecture which will take place on the anniversary itself, Friday, March 11. Robin Wilson will be attending.

The festival has invited Alan Johnson MP to deliver the lecture which will take place at 6.30pm at the Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre on Firth Street, Huddersfield.

This will be prefaced with a book signing at 5.45pm – Alan Johnson is the author of two bestselling memoirs, This Boy, and Please Mr Postman. The lecture is free but booking is required via the festival website at www.litfest.org.uk .

* The Examiner will be marking the 100th anniversary of Harold’s birth with a series of features.

If you have any memories of Harold then please email them to andrew.hirst@examiner.co.uk

Take a look at our Harold Wilson image gallery below