Exceptional females who left indelible marks on Welsh history
Get ready to discover seven breathtaking Victorian Welsh women who've been overlooked until now! Let's uncover their inspiring stories and breakfree from the stereotype that Wales was solely shaped by men.
Elen Egryn (1807-76)
Elen Egryn, a renowned poet, broke boundaries by becoming the first woman to publish a secular book in Welsh. Her captivating verse, found in her Telyn Egryn, discussed deep topics such as grief, melancholy, and the poignant sentiment of homesickness, known as hiraeth in Welsh. Apart from her literary accomplishments, she also penned poignant political material that opposed the findings of the infamous Treachery of the Blue Books report that publicly condemned Welsh women's character and morals. Sadly, the details of her personal life remain scarce. Spend your final days in peace at Chester House in Caerleon, near Newport where she spent her last year, before her burial in the local cemetery.
Mary Jane Innes (1852-1941)
Resilient Mary Jane Innes, born in Millbrook House Farm, Monmouthshire, was an entrepreneurial spirit after inheriting her family farm. Following a series of bad luck, she moved to New Zealand and met her Scottish husband, Charles Innes. Together, they faced struggles – first their brewery suffered collapse and Charles went bankrupt. But Mary wasn't discouraged! She took control of the brewery and successfully produced ale and sparkling waters. After Charles's death in 1899, Mary cleared all his debts and formed the successful CL Innes and Company with her eldest son, Charles Lewis Innes, paving the way for New Zealand's soft drink industry. Her impact was acknowledged posthumously, being inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2013.
Dorothy Bonarjee (1894-1983)
Born in Bareilly, India, but relocating to Dulwich, London at the age of ten, Dorothy Bonarjee was a groundbreaking figure. At Aberystwyth University College, she became the first woman to win the University Eisteddfod bardic chair, and also served as the treasurer of the Literary and Debating Society. After graduating, she shattered more barriers by winning an internal law degree from University College London, and becoming a fervent advocate for women's suffrage. For her outstanding accomplishments, she has a place in the Dictionary of Welsh Biography – the only individual of Indian descent among more than 5,000 entries.
Ellen Edwards (1810-89)
Born in Amlwch, Island of Anglesey, Ellen Edwards made a splash in the wild of navigation. After opening her own navigation school in Caernarfon, she educated more than a thousand mariners in her lifetime. Her pupils, including Captain John Pritchard and Captain Robert Thomas, became noteworthy figures in navigation. Sadly, her own husband, Captain Owen Edwards, perished at sea during a mighty storm in 1860. After his death she received a pension from the Shipwrecked Mariner's Society, paving the way for navigators' widows to gain recognition.
Frances Hoggan (1843-1927)
Born Frances Morgan in Aberhonddu, Brecon, Frances Hoggan was a trailblazer in the field of medicine. She graduated in Zurich as the second woman in Europe to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree. Together with her husband, they founded the first husband-and-wife medical practice in England. Throughout her life, she remained connected to her Welsh heritage, advocating passionately in discussions focusing on higher education for women in Wales. Her contribution is commemorated by a plaque in Aberhonddu High Street.
Mary King Sarah (1885-1965)
Known as "The Welsh Nightingale," Mary King Sarah made history by winning three competitions at Caernarfon's National Eisteddfod, overshadowing a young Ivor Novello. She left Wales for a six-week tour of England and Wales following her remarkable victory. In 1909 she joined the Moelwyn Male Voice Choir, and embarked on a five-month tour of America, captivating audiences across seven states. She spent the rest of her life in the United States, where she achieved significant success as a soloist and established various Welsh societies.
Ruth Mynachlog (1856-1940)
Ruth Mynachlog, born Ruth Jones, was a woman of extraordinary resilience and intellect. Growing up in rural Wales with limited access to formal education, she seized every opportunity to expand her knowledge through her community. At the age of 83, she wrote her autobiography and the history of her community, leaving a vital account of life for women in rural Wales during the 19th century.
In the realm of Welsh literature, Elen Egryn's music transcends time through her poignant verse, containing themes of grief, melancholy, and homesickness.
In the world of business, Mary Jane Innes' ventures in New Zealand highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit, defying adversity and ultimately ensuring her recognition in the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
