Patricia Routledge, the beloved actress best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC comedy Keeping Up Appearances, is supporting a unique opportunity for students at the University of Liverpool. The 93-year-old actress, who is an alumnus of the university, has pledged her support for up to three bursaries for students studying English Literature, specifically for those pursuing the innovative Reading In Practice Masters programme.

The programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, focuses on the therapeutic benefits of reading and its relationship with human health and wellbeing. Students in this course are encouraged to explore how literature can connect with people on a deeply personal, emotional, and imaginative level.

 They are also given the opportunity to engage in shared reading-aloud projects, an experience that has proven to be not only intellectually rewarding but also personally transformative.

Routledge’s involvement with this bursary is particularly meaningful as she has had a long and deep connection to the city of Liverpool, where she studied and developed her love for the English language and literature. “My long and close association with the city of Liverpool, in particular with its prestigious University, where my love of the English language and its literature found continuous nourishment, prompts me to encourage local people to discover and enjoy the riches of our literary heritage,” she said in a statement.

The bursary aims to offer financial support to two or three students who may face barriers to pursuing the degree, helping them to access the opportunities that come with the programme. Routledge, who is proud of her Liverpool roots, expressed her commitment to helping students further their academic careers, especially those who might not have the financial means to do so.

“I am proud to attach my name to a bursary which will help two or three people who might not otherwise be able to undertake this degree course,” she added.

Routledge’s contribution goes beyond financial support. By aligning herself with the programme, she is raising awareness about the importance of literature and its ability to foster connections between individuals and their communities.

The Reading In Practice programme is particularly focused on the power of shared reading and its potential to enhance wellbeing, an area that has become increasingly important in today’s world.

While Patricia Routledge is primarily known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket—a character that has endeared her to audiences for decades—her support of this bursary highlights her personal commitment to the value of education and the arts. Routledge has spent her life in the world of performance and language, and her advocacy for the study of literature reflects her belief in its enduring impact.

The English Literature department at the University of Liverpool is known for its high academic standards and its dedication to fostering a love of literature in students. The addition of the Reading In Practice Masters programme further emphasizes this dedication by exploring the intersection of literature and personal wellbeing, offering students a chance to engage with the material in a unique and meaningful way.

For many students, the opportunity to pursue this degree can be life-changing. However, the cost of higher education can often be a barrier to entry for some.

Routledge’s bursary offers a much-needed financial lifeline, making it possible for deserving students to follow their academic passions without worrying about the financial burden.

This initiative also brings attention to the broader importance of fostering a connection with literature in a time when mental health and emotional well-being are at the forefront of social discussions. As studies increasingly show the benefits of reading for mental and emotional health, this programme offers a refreshing and innovative approach to combining education with personal growth.

For Routledge, the decision to support the bursary feels like a natural extension of her lifelong connection to literature and education. “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the University of Liverpool,” she said.

“It was there that my own passion for language and literature truly blossomed, and I want to help others experience the same transformative power that literature can offer.”

In her later years, Patricia Routledge has focused on projects that align with her personal interests and values, and this bursary is a prime example of her dedication to supporting the next generation. Whether on stage, in film, or in her charitable endeavors, Routledge continues to make a lasting impact—one that goes far beyond her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket.