Born: 1900 (Ashton upon Mersey, Cheshire, England)
Died: 1979
Biography:
Marie Beuzeville Byles (8 April 1900 – 21 November 1979) was an Australian conservationist, pacifist, mountaineer, pioneer female solicitor in New South Wales (NSW), explorer, avid bushwalker, feminist, journalist, and original member of the Buddhist Society in New South Wales. She also established a name for herself as a travel and non-fiction writer.
Born in Ashton upon Mersey in Cheshire, England in 1900, Byles was the eldest of three children. Her parents, Cyril Beuzeville Byles and Ida Margaret Unwin, were progressive-minded Unitarian Universalists, Fabian socialists, and pacifists. Raised in a household that encouraged independent thinking, Byles’ mother, an advocate for women’s rights, had studied at The Slade School of Fine Art before surrendering her artistic pursuits to domestic duties. Inspired by her mother, Byles was instilled with the belief in financial independence for women.
In 1911, the Byles family relocated to Australia when Cyril Byles was appointed as the Chief Signals Engineer for the New South Wales Government Railways. Settling in Beecroft, they built their home, which they named ‘Chilworth.’ Summers were spent by the sea, and in 1913, they constructed a small cottage at Palm Beach, with views of the lighthouse from Sunrise Hill.
Byles received her education at Beecroft Primary School and later attended the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney, first at their Croydon campus from 1914 to 1915, and then at the new campus in Pymble from 1916 to 1917. Excelling academically, she became a prefect and dux of the school in 1916 and was subsequently appointed Head Prefect the following year. Her exceptional performance earned her an Exhibition to the University of Sydney upon matriculation.
Choosing not to marry or have children, Byles firmly believed that dedicating her life to mountaineering was a better use of her potential than settling down. In 1932, she joined The Women’s Club, a Sydney-based organization that provided a space for women interested in public, professional, scientific, and artistic work to connect.
Raised as a vegetarian by her mother, Byles maintained a vegetarian lifestyle throughout her life. She expressed her dedication to the cause of animal rights by abstaining from eating meat and actively voicing her beliefs.
Byles attended the University of Sydney, where she was one of the few women in a predominantly male environment. In 1921, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 1924, she completed her Bachelor of Laws degree. Her achievement of becoming the first woman to be admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales marked a significant milestone for women’s rights in the legal profession.
In addition to her legal career, Byles was a passionate conservationist and advocate for the environment. She embarked on numerous mountaineering expeditions, exploring the remote corners of Australia and beyond. Her experiences in the wilderness fueled her dedication to preserving and protecting the natural world.
Throughout her life, Byles demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pacifism and social justice. She actively participated in peace movements and protests against war. Additionally, she was an influential member of the Buddhist Society, contributing to the development and spread of Buddhism in New South Wales.
As a journalist and writer, Byles used her platform to bring attention to social and environmental issues. Her travel and non-fiction writing provided a window into her experiences and shed light on pressing matters. Through her works, she aimed to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of nature and take action to protect it.
Marie Byles’ legacy extends beyond her achievements as a mountaineer, conservationist, and lawyer. Her fearless pursuit of her passions, dedication to women’s rights, and commitment to environmental causes have left an indelible mark on Australian society. Through her various roles, she challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and contribute to the betterment of society.
Awards:
– First female solicitor admitted in New South Wales.