On 12 June 1915 four women fought for their right to medical education, paving the way for the future of females at St George's. The story of the 'The St George's four', is one that we are extremely proud to tell. Take a trip with us into the archives and discover the hidden documents that tell the tale of the women who refused to give up on their passion.
Hetty Claremont, Mariam Bostock, Helen Ingleby and Elizabeth O’Flynn were the first women to study at what was then St George’s Hospital Medical School. They were admitted to study for three months at St George’s for clinical skills training in 1915. At the time, it was an extremely controversial decision to allow the women to enrol, but agreed necessary with many men away in combat, depleting the numbers of medical students and doctors.
Source: St George's Hospital Gazette, July 1916 (Archives and Special Collections, St George's, University of London)
Although, it was a decision made with some reluctance by the board - the existing students at the medical school commented,
‘Among the many sorrowful effects which the War has had upon us it is pleasant to record one joyful result which we would never have attained without a war. Variety and charm has been added to the Medical School and its works by the admission of ladies as students’
Source: St George's Hospital Gazette, July 1916 (Archives and Special Collections, St George's, University of London)
Hetty Claremont, Mariam Bostock, Helen Ingleby and Elizabeth Flynn student cards. Source: (Archives and Special Collections, St George's, University of London)
Yet shortly after being admitted, the board changed their decision and no longer wanted to accept the women to study medicine.
The Letter that changed everything
In response, the four wrote an impassioned letter to the Dean arguing against this decision and they were allowed to continue with their studies.
“It is with great regret that we have received from the Dean and intimation that women students are not to be admitted to this Hospital and School after the end of July. We feel we are gaining so much from our work at St George's…we should like to express our thanks to the committee for whatever may be ultimately decided. We are most grateful at having been given this opportunity of work…”
Source: Female students letter 1915. Source: Archives and Special Collections, St George's, University of London
The letter kept in the St George's archives shows each of their signatures at the bottom of the letter.
Female students letter 1915. Source: Archives and Special Collections, St George's, University of London
It was unanimously resolved that the four ladies signing the letter be allowed to continue their studies in the School during the period of the war. They all went on to be pioneering women across clinical practice, research, and patient care. You can read their full stories here.
From our foundations to our future
A century later, reflecting how much change there has been in the role of women in science, medicine and healthcare, the make-up of St George's today looks very different. According to data available from our 2017/18 academic year:
- 66% (3280) of our students are females
- 60% (320) our our academics female lecturers
In 2015 our Principal Jenny Higham became the first female Principal to serve at St George's. As well as this she also became the first female to be elected chair of the Medical Schools Council .
Professor Jenny Higham, Current Prinicpal of St George's, University of London.
St George’s has also been committed to improving levels of equality, we have been awarded a Silver Athena SWAN award, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality in higher education, particularly within STEM careers.
Find out more about some of St George’s inspirational women, including researchers, alumni and current students.