Well behaved women rarely make history

These notes are intended to be used only for a tour of . The tour was split into four themes: Firsts, identity, class and trailblazers.

Firsts

Constance Naden 1858 - 1889 Writer, poet, polymath

Constance was born 24th January 1858, at 15 Francis Road, Edgbaston. Her mother died a fortnight after giving birth and Constance was raised by her maternal grandparents, in nearby Pakenham House on the corner of Charlotte Road and Pakenham Road, where there is a blue plaque commemorating her life.

As a child, she was educated at a private day school in Frederick Road and made good use of her grandfather’s extensive library. Later she enrolled in Mason Science College, later University. It was here she came under the influence of Dr Robert Lewins, who founded a gold medal, the Constance Naden medal, in her honor. In 1887 she won the ‘Heslop Gold medal for her essay’ Induction and Deduction’.

Using her grandparent’s inheritance, she travelled extensively in Europe and the Middle East. She had an extraordinary gifts for words and there is a story of her translating extempore from ancient Greek to modern German with ease. She is known primarily as a Poet but was interested in science and philosophy- which she lectured in.

Professionally she conquered the traditionally male-dominated spheres of science and philosophy. A rational atheist, she wrote widely on Hylo-Idealism, the philosophical position that reality exists by virtue of our belief in it. She frequently published letters and articles in periodicals about social evolution and her atheist philosophy.

She was elected the first female associate of Mason Science College in Birmingham.

An advocate of social reform, she supported several causes, including the Central National Women’s Suffrage Society, the Women’s Liberal Association, and the National Indian Association (through which she hoped to address the position of Indian wives).

In an obituary in the Mason College magazine the editor wrote that ‘hers was the most powerful intellect, her gifts the most remarkable, and the most highly cultivated of any who have received their education in science within these walls.’

She died from complications arising from infected ovarian cysts on 23rd March 1889 aged 31. In the decade after Naden’s death she became, in some circles, a cautionary tale about the plight of the intellectual woman. Herbert Spencer, one of the most prominent thinkers of the Victorian age wrote an inflammatory letter using her as an example of women becoming a danger to their own health if they chose to pursue a life dedicated to thought and learning: ‘Unquestionably her subtle intelligence would have done much in furtherance of rational thought; her death has entailed a serious loss’……..‘in her case, as in other cases, the mental powers so highly developed in a woman are in some measure abnormal, and involve a physiological cost which the feminine organization will not bear without injury more or less profound’.

It was not only Naden’s friends that were outraged. After Spencer’s letter was printed in some newspapers several individuals felt compelled to respond.

Harriette Grundy 1883-1903 First Headmistress of King Edwards VI Camp Hill School for Girls

The girls’ school was originally on Meriden Street. The curriculum included reading, writing, arithmetic, needlework, drawing and a little history, geography and scripture.

In 1881 Camp Hill House was founded on 3 acres of land. Girls could enter the school at 8 and stay until 16. Numbers steadily increased until, 1891, when they decided to pull down Camp Hill House and re-build on the same site.

In 1883 the Lower Middle Schools became Grammar Schools, with a much wider curriculum and improved status. This was when King Edward VI Grammar School for Girls, Camp Hill, was born, with Miss Grundy appointed as headmistress.

Identity The Perkins Family 1861 Independent Women

According to the 1861 census the three daughters of the Perkins family are living independently at George Street, Aston.

In 1871, their mother, Harriet (age 69) was already a widow and was living with her three daughters. None of the daughters were married and all had been born in Birmingham. Adelaide 28, is a Dressmaker, Emily 26 is a Professor of Music and Mary Jane 21, is a Schoolteacher.

Although living independently their choice of profession was restricted because of their gender. It wasn’t until 1919 that the Sexual Disqualification Removal Act allowed women to enter many professions- though not the church.

Gertrude Dale 1857-1921 Educationalist

Like her (much more famous) father, she was a supporter of secular education. His interest in educational affairs had led him to accept a seat on the Birmingham school board. He was appointed a governor of Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham and served on the Royal Commission of Education.

One account of her father, Robert William Dale, describes him as resolute, courageous, austere, the champion of the oppressed, the apostle of the municipal gospel, the dispenser of theological strong meat, the most powerful clerical voice uplifted in the cause of liberal ideals. As known to his friends, he was the absolutely loyal comrade, the outspoken, mirthful, fireside intimate, the tenderest of husbands & fathers. He was known for his practical judgement, his skill in the management of affairs, his insistence on the eleventh commandment, "Thou shalt issue a balance sheet." He held his pastorate for more than 40 years.

Gertrude surrounded herself with younger friends from the University of Birmingham, some of whom lodged with her. One of these included Francis Brett Young, English novelist, poet, playwright, and composer. He was studying at Birmingham to become a physician and exchanged letters with Gertrude, who he called ‘Miss Dale’. His book ‘Songs of Robert Bridges’ is dedicated to Gertrude Dale.

Some accounts describe Dale as a middle-aged spinster, although she is clearly an important individual during this period in Birmingham. Does her gender have any influence on how she is remembered?

Sarah Finch 1797-1860 Daughter, wife and mother

The only daughter of Joseph Priestly – discoverer of oxygen and member of the Lunar Society - she had a close bond with her father. She remained in England with her husband and 4 children after her parents fled to American following the Priestly riots.

By the time of her 6th pregnancy, her iron master husband was bankrupt. Her last child, a daughter named Catherine Irene was a successful schoolmistress, Joseph Priestly would have been proud of her for she followed in his footsteps in education.

Because of slow delivery of the mails, Joseph Priestley, by this time in failing health, never learned of Sarah’s death before his own occurred. Priestley bequeathed to her an annuity of sixty pounds sterling, or to her children in case of her death, and stipulated through three named trustees, that Mr. Finch was expressly not entitled to any part of the money, nor could he exercise any control over it.

There is nothing to suggest that her marriage was unhappy, but even if it were she would have had very few options as a woman during this era. In the 1923 Matrimonial Act – a woman no longer had to prove desertion, cruelty or other faults in addition to adultery as grounds for divorce. It’s interesting that Sarah’s daughter became a teacher, but she chose the life of a wife and mother. Were there other paths she might have preferred?

Harriet Chamberlain 1835 – 1863 Teacher, wife and mother

Harriet was the daughter of Birmingham industrialist Archibald Kenrick of Edgbaston. The family were Unitarians and, like Chamberlain, worshipped at the Church of the Messiah on Broad Street.

Joseph Chamberlain got to know Harriet through his friendship with her brother, William, who was a fellow member of the Birmingham and Edgbaston Debating Society. The couple married in July 1861 and spent their honeymoon in Penzance. Joseph became a prominent MP, Mayor of Birmingham and there are several buildings and monuments commemorating him.

In October 1863 Harriet gave birth in May 1862 to Beatrice and in October 1863 to Joseph Austen Chamberlain (future PM). She died of puerperal fever a few days later.

At the time of her marriage, Harriet was committed to the provision of education and taught at an elementary school for working class children. Did Harriet want to give up her teaching once she became a wife?

Catherine (Taylor) Osler 1854 – 1924 Suffragist

Catherine’s Unitarian parents were members of the Birmingham Women's Suffrage Society from its formation. Catherine was their eldest child and she rose through the ranks of the society as she went from treasurer to secretary. She was also active in Birmingham trying to establish a role for women in local government. In 1919 Catherine was given a Masters degree by Birmingham University for her work in support of the social standing of her gender.

She married Alfred Osler who was involved with glass manufacture and who was a member of the Liberals. In 1888 the Women's Liberal Federation had a conference in Birmingham and Osler was asked to preside over it. Four years later the Women's Emancipation Union met in Birmingham and Catherine was invited to chair a session where she shared her ambition to get women involved in local government.

Catherine was opposed to the actions of the militant suffragettes and she had written to criticise the actions of the Women's Social and Political Union. However she did not approve of the way the WSPU militants were treated in prison. In 1909 she resigned as President of the Birmingham Women’s Liberal Association citing her objection to the Liberal government's policy of force feeding suffragette prisoners.

With increasing prosperity, due to the success of glass manufacture, the Oslers moved to a large house in Edgbaston, where drawing-room meetings about women’s suffrage were commonplace. All 4 of Catherine and Alfred’s children went on to become active in the women’s suffrage movement.

Catherine broadened the campaign to workers. She encouraged organisers to go around factories recruiting women to the cause and in July 1913, the BWSS took part in a national march, called the pilgrimage, from Carlisle to – joining the procession at Great King Street, Hockley, as they travelled through the city banners waving.

On 6th February 1918 all men over the age of 21 and certain women over the age of 30 were given the vote (householders, wives of householders, occupiers of property with an annual rent of £5 or graduates of British Universities)

On 21st November 1918 passing of the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act, which allowed women to stand as candidates to become members of parliament (Nancy Astor 1919)

On 14th December 1918 women went to the polls for the first time. 1928 Equal Franchise Act.

Class

Mary Showell Rogers d. 1884 Social Reformer

Showell Rogers attempted to rescue individual prostitutes and place them in a reform home, known as Mrs Roger’s Memorial Home.

Her team recruited the women from the courts, prisons and sometimes local brothels. If they were a first time offender, ladies would attend court with them and speak favourably of them to the judge. They were often taken into the care of a female volunteer rather than be fined or imprisoned. However these interviews were rigorous selection process and the successful ones were confined to a Reform Home for 2 years.

Showell Rogers attempted to tackle the perceived causes by using new legislative powers. She criticised employers of the time who paid women workers low wages, claiming such exploitation prohibited women from becoming economically dependant. [1970: Equal Pay Act]

Immorality was associated with poverty. Born into the lowest classes of society without decent family values, it was of her opinion these young women lacked the good habits of the gentility. Only young, penitent and impressionable women were considered worthy of reform. The reform home had only 18 women residents in 1891. However, these types of homes existed all over England. Appeals were made for books, ornaments and pictures to make it a more pleasant place to live.

The relationship between the women of different classes was maternal but as well as mothering, there was control. Control of the working class woman. At no time did these middle class philanthropists raise the sights of the working class women above that of domestic servant. Training was never offered in new occupations, such as typing. They were read to, taught sewing and occasionally went on daytrips. Only around 10 women ever secured jobs in service.

However the middle class women volunteering in these ‘homes’ gained new skills and experience, equivalent to a full-time job, and this challenged orthodox beliefs about sexuality and femininity. Their work also had an impact on social policy and they were the architects of local welfare systems, e.g The Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 (raised the age of sexual consent to 16, giving the police greater powers).

Jane Schollar 1848 – 1914 Servant

Jane was born in Dorset and worked as a servant her entire adult life. She is buried in the Cake family grave. The Cakes were a family of confectioners. It is unusual practice for servants to be buried with their employers. Although she and the family are clearly devoted to one another the inscription still refers to her as a servant:

‘Also Jane SCHOLLAR who departed this life January 2nd 1914 in her 66th year. For over 50 years (from the age of 16) the faithful servant of the above family.’

Ann Cotterill 1813 – 1889 Pen Maker

Ann is listed on the 1881 census as a steel pen maker (aged 68). The pen trade was a key economic factor in the success of Birmingham in the 19th century. It all started with small workshop based city trade in 1820s. Around 70 per cent of the total 8,000 workers employed at the height of the pen industry, at the end of the 19th century were women. All the operatives at the presses were women who had to make 18,000 pens a day. They could earn up to seven shillings a week, but there were strict rules: no talking, singing, wasting the metal, being late. It wasn't easy for women to get work in those days, in a time when men weren't keen to see them earning in case they earned more than they did. Most of the people who worked in the trade were illiterate, with no attempts by bosses to educate the workforce:

“Generally, men were employed in what were regarded as the skilled roles – as toolmakers, minders of furnaces and in the rolling mills – while women did the so-called unskilled jobs, such as hand press operators. Such roles were comparatively poorly paid.” – Brian Jones (Pen Museum founder)

Trailblazers

Marie Bethel Beauclerc (Bo-Clark) 1844 – 1897 First woman reporter in England

(Her grave) This stone was erected by the members of the congregation of the Church of the Saviour, Birmingham in grateful recognition of her services by which many of the prayers, sermons and lectures of the late M. A. have been preserved, not only for the edification and consolation of the members of his church, but of Christians the wide world over.

Marie Beauclerc was the first female reporter in England. Many of the prayers, sermons and lecturers of George Dawson have been preserved by her efforts. She was a pioneer in the teaching of Pitman's shorthand and typing in Birmingham, England. In 1888 she was the first woman to be appointed as a teacher in an English boys' public school, at Rugby School.

Born in London, she attended Weston Boarding Schools near Bath until circumstances forced her to leave school at age nine. Age 12 she began teaching herself shorthand from a manual which she found in some waste paper. The manual entitled The Phonographic Teacher, was written by Isaac Pitman

Maria and her mother moved to Birmingham where she continued her studies through a member of the Phonetic Society in Bath who corrected her exercises through the post.

Age 18, she was engaged for 2 months as shorthand amanuensis to a phrenological lecturer visiting Birmingham. George Dawson (1821–1876), editor of the Birmingham Morning News between 1871 and 1873, also engaged Maria Beauclerc because of her outstanding shorthand reporting skills.

The appointment of a female reporter by the Birmingham Morning News was extraordinary as it was the first time in England that a female had been engaged by a newspaper as a shorthand reporter. Her work at the Birmingham Morning News included the reporting of many public meetings, conferences and lectures.

In 1874 the Perry Barr Institute, the first suburban institute in Birmingham was established and Marie was appointed a teacher of phonography. She held her position at this institute for fourteen years until 1888. Marie was also engaged in teaching phonography when it was introduced at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in 1876. She also taught senior boys at the Birmingham Blue Coat School and in addition to achieving as a female teacher of predominately male students in the fields of shorthand and typing, Marie was a teacher of dancing and callisthenics.

In 1887, she established a Shorthand Writers Association and officially introduced the art of typewriting to Birmingham. In England at this time, shorthand, typing and reporting were still male domains with few places available for female students and few employment opportunities for females. Marie’s pioneering work in the fields of shorthand and typing, benefited the progress of Birmingham's business and cultural community, while her example and the discussion she generated, (e.g. International Congress) helped pave the way for the explosion of female stenography in the 20th century.

Harriet Martineau 1802 – 1876 Feminist, Author and Social scientist

Harriet was one of 8 children born to Elizabeth and Thomas Martineau, a textile manufacturer in Norwich. The Martineaus were Unitarians who held progressive ideas on the education of girls. However, while the boys were trained for careers the girls were expected to stay at home. Harriet’s anger at this unfairness produced an anonymous article to a Unitarian journal which was well received and her career as a professional writer was born.

Harriet was deaf from the age of 12 and suffered from ill health all her life. At 27 years old the family textile business failed and she began selling her articles. She said of this "one of the best things that ever happened to us". She described how she could then "truly live instead of vegetate"

Many articles followed and in 1832 she became famous as the author of ‘Illustrations of Political Economy’ - 25 short stories in episodes showing how economic and social conditions impacted on the lives of ordinary people. They became very popular, selling 10,000 copies monthly at their peak, outselling Dickens, and Harriet became financially secure. She moved to London and became popular with the intellectual elite, meeting Dickens, George Eliot, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and many others. She became a close friend of Erasmus Darwin, the brother of Charles. The young Princess Victoria was a fan of her writing and Martineau accepted an invitation to her Coronation.

From 1834-1836 she travelled to the USA to research how the young democratic Republic was developing socially and culturally. The result was a savage attack on slavery, Harriet remained a passionate supporter of the anti- slavery cause all her life. The social position of women also shocked her and in her book ‘Society in America’ claimed that women were ‘given indulgence rather than justice’ in a chapter called ‘The Political Non-existence of Women’.

In 1839, while in Europe, she became seriously ill from an ovarian cyst and spent the next 5 years in her bedroom expecting to die. During her incapacitation she continued to write, including ‘Life in the Sickroom’- a proclamation of independence on how to exert control in the sickroom which outraged the medical profession who advocated ‘unconditional submission’.

In 1846, she travelled to the Middle East and while in Egypt developed a theory of ‘Philosophical Atheism’ which suggested that religion became more spiritual as mankind progressed. This caused a rift with her beloved brother James, a Unitarian minister.

She wrote approx. 2000 articles for the Daily News from 1852-1866. She is thought to be the first female sociologist. Articles on social class, suicide, religions, delinquency, suffrage and women’s issues (including control of their own bodies) prostitution, philosophy, Darwinism and much more predated the works of Marx.

Her autobiography, written in 3 months when she feared imminent death from heart disease in 1855, is vivid and outspoken. A defiantly independent woman who earned her living as a prolific and influential journalist and writer, a key contributor to Victorian intellectual and social debates. In achieving this she had to overcome the misogyny of Victorian society and physical disabilities.

Her name is listed on the east face of the Reformers Memorial in Kensal Green cemetery in London. Erected in 1885 at the instigation of Joseph Corfield "to the memory of men and women who have generously given their time and means to improve the conditions and enlarge the happiness of all classes of society".