Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900-1950: Votes, Voices and Vocations

This book explores the regional role of women in public and professional life in Devon, England, during the early twentieth century. It highlights the contributions of eight women who have been largely hidden from history, including politicians, doctors, and volunteers, and demonstrates how they worked together to create new opportunities for women and girls in a rural county. The book fills a gap in the history of women in Britain between the wars and Devon during the inter-war period and will be of interest to academics and students in gender history, modern Britain, and twentieth-century Devon.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 31 August 2021
\n Publisher: University of Exeter Press
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This groundbreaking book is a pioneering exploration of the regional role of women in public and professional life, making significant strides in the field of early twentieth-century local and gender history. Spanning various domains such as politics, medicine, and education, it sheds light on the remarkable achievements of eight remarkable women who played pivotal roles in shaping opportunities for women and girls in a predominantly rural county located far from London and the industrial heartlands of England. Through in-depth biographical studies, based on extensive original research, the book unveils the significant public contributions of these women, who have hitherto been largely overlooked in historical narratives.

Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900–1950, emerges as a valuable contribution to the broader history of women in Britain during the interwar period, a time that has often been overshadowed by the Edwardian era and the two World Wars. Moreover, it addresses a significant gap in the historiography of Devon women, where existing literature is limited, and provides valuable insights into the county's history during the interwar period, which has been relatively neglected by historians. This book holds appeal to scholars and students specializing in gender history, modern Britain, and the history of twentieth-century Devon, as well as a wide range of individuals with an interest in these fields.

The book delves into the lives of these eight remarkable women, who hailed from diverse backgrounds and occupations. Eleanor Acland, a prominent politician, and Clara Daymond, a pioneering doctor, are among the individuals profiled. Dr. Mabel Ramsay, a renowned educator, and Jessie Headridge, a pioneering nurse, also feature prominently. Additionally, the book explores the contributions of Florence Cecil, Georgiana Buller, Jane Clinton, and Sylvia Calmady-Hamlyn, who were active in various voluntary organizations. These women worked tirelessly individually and in collaboration to create new opportunities for women and girls in their county, challenging societal norms and breaking down barriers.

Through their experiences and achievements, the book highlights the significant impact that women had on shaping public and professional life in the early twentieth century. It sheds light on the challenges and barriers they faced, as well as the strategies they employed to overcome them. The women's contributions not only benefited their own communities but also had a ripple effect on the broader society, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams and achieve their aspirations.

The book's methodology is rigorous, with extensive research conducted through primary sources, such as personal letters, diaries, and official records. The authors have carefully analyzed these sources to provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the lives and contributions of the eight women. The narratives are engaging and well-written, making the book accessible to a wide audience, including both scholars and non-specialists.

In conclusion, Devon Women in Public and Professional Life, 1900–1950, is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the regional role of women in public and professional life during the early twentieth century. Through its in-depth biographical studies, it reveals the significant public contributions of eight remarkable women who have been largely overlooked in historical narratives. This book fills a significant gap in the history of Devon women and contributes to our understanding of gender history and the history of modern Britain. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of women's experiences and contributions to society.

\n Weight: 478g\n
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781905816774\n \n