Born: 1836 (Whitechapel, London)
Died: 1917
Biography:
Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (9 June 1836 – 17 December 1917) was an English physician and suffragist. She was a trailblazing figure in women’s history, being the first woman to qualify in Britain as a physician and surgeon. Anderson’s groundbreaking achievements extended far beyond her medical career, as she became a pioneer in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on society.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was born in Whitechapel, London, the second of eleven children. Her parents, Newson and Louisa Garrett, came from humble backgrounds but possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Garrett’s father, Newson, left his hometown of Leiston, Suffolk, to seek opportunities in London. There, he met and married Louisa Dunnell, and the couple settled in a pawnbroker’s shop in Whitechapel. Despite their modest circumstances, the Garretts were determined to provide the best for their children.
Raised in the bustling city of London, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson faced numerous challenges that were characteristic of the time. However, her parents’ belief in education and personal autonomy instilled in her a drive to succeed. At the age of three, the Garrett family moved to 142 Long Acre, where Elizabeth’s father, Newson, worked his way up from a pawnbroker to a silversmith. This upward mobility allowed the family to experience social advancement and provided Elizabeth with opportunities for personal growth.
In 1841, seeking further success, Newson moved his family to Suffolk, where he purchased a barley and coal merchants business in Snape. The family resided in a Georgian house in Aldeburgh, opposite the local church. Elizabeth’s upbringing in Aldeburgh was prosperous and comfortable, with her father’s malting business expanding and several more children being born. Her siblings were named Edmund, Alice, Agnes, Millicent, Sam, Josephine, and George, each leaving their mark on society in various ways.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s ambitions and hunger for knowledge led her to pursue a career in medicine, a field predominantly reserved for men at the time. She faced numerous obstacles in her path, as universities and medical schools barred women from entry. Undeterred, Garrett Anderson sought alternative pathways and pursued private medical tutelage, gaining the support of notable physicians, including physician Justin Richardson.
In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain after successfully passing the Society of Apothecaries examination. Despite her groundbreaking accomplishment, she faced significant opposition in her desire to practice medicine professionally. Numerous hospitals denied her access, citing her gender as a disqualifying factor. However, Anderson’s determination prevailed, and she established her own medical practice in London.
Recognizing the need for female medical practitioners, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson co-founded the New Hospital for Women in 1872. This was the first institution in Britain staffed entirely by women, breaking gender barriers in healthcare and providing much-needed support for female patients. Anderson’s tireless efforts also led her to become the first dean of a British medical school, the London School of Medicine for Women, in 1883. She played a crucial role in the education and training of future generations of female physicians.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s influence extended beyond the realm of medicine. She was a dedicated suffragist and fought tirelessly for women’s rights and equality in society. Anderson became the first woman in Britain to be elected to a school board, working to improve educational opportunities for girls. In addition, she made history as the first female mayor in Britain when she served as the mayor of Aldeburgh.
Throughout her life, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson faced numerous challenges and overcame significant obstacles. Her achievements had a profound impact on society, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine and other traditionally male-dominated fields. She empowered women, championed their rights, and inspired countless individuals to challenge gender norms and strive for equality.
Awards:
– Mention any official awards or recognitions received by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.