Not forgotten: Women of Ealing

Lady Byron (1792 - 1860), a philanthropist, left an indelible mark on the town of Ealing

Lady Noel Byron not only received the best education herself but was interested in providing education to the poor. It was her mission to educate people.

In Ealing, she established the Ealing Grove School in 1834 – the first school for the working classes. Lady Byron believed that only improved infant and elementary schools would produce the desired result. The school eventually closed, however a former headmaster of the Lady Byron school set up the Byron House School in St. Mary's Road. This site has evolved through many changes into the present-day University of West London. At the main entrance is a blue plaque dedicated to Lady Byron and her pioneering, enlightened approach to education.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852), a famous British scientist

Ada was an English mathematician and writer who lived for a time early in her life at Ealing Common. Ada’s mother was interested in the education of her daughter.

As Ada grew up, Lady Byron feared she might inherit her father's behaviours and dark moods. From the age of six she schooled Ada in science and mathematics and discouraged literary study. For Ada, she mapped out and followed through on an individual programme of education.

Ada is considered to have been the world's first computer programmer, having written the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine—Charles Babbage's analytical engine. Ada’s reputation has grown significantly after her death. A computer programming language was named ‘Ada’ in her honour. In 2019 a Green Plaque was installed in Ealing for Ada recognising her pioneering work - the first plaque erected for a woman scientist in Ealing.

Susan Mary Smee (1859 - 1949), Acton’s first female mayor and the first curator of Gunnersbury Park Museum

Her main roles were in education and health; two spheres that were traditionally seen as women’s roles.

The very fact that she was the first in so many ways is important to note – the first female councillor in Acton, the first female chairman for various committees, the first chairman of the council, the first mayor, the first JP (Justice of the Peace) and the first curator of Gunnersbury Park Museum.

These firsts are testimony to her skill, hard work and tireless devotion to the public good of the district. She was a pioneer and helped other women to follow her example. There is no plaque or monument to her, but perhaps she would be happiest to see Gunnersbury Park Museum as it is today as a monument to her life and achievements.

Emily Sophia Taylor (1871 - 1956), Ealing’s first female mayor

Emily Sophia Taylor was an active member of the Education Committee and the Child Welfare Committee. Taylor found that some mothers could not afford the services of a midwife, so she studied and quickly obtained her qualification, and acted as a midwife for those who could not otherwise have paid for one.

In later years she worked as chairman of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee, and chairman of the Hanwell School. She was the first and only woman chairman of the Hanwell Council and the first female councillor of the Ealing council. In 1938 she became the first female mayor. Her crowning glory was when she became the first female Freeman of the Borough in 1953.