The doctor will see you now

Across the Square is set on the day after the funeral of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.

If that name sounds vaguely familiar, then pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s share the story of a pioneer.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson

Elizabeth, Millicent Fawcett’s older sister, decided to break the barriers which had prevented women from becoming qualified as doctors. Born in 1836, in the face of constant opposition, Elizabeth tried every possible route available to gain the necessary medical training, first through nursing then as a qualified apothecary. She opened her own dispensing hospital for women and children when finally in 1873 she gained membership of the British Medical Association. 

Elizabeth set up The New Hospital for women on Euston Road in London. Her daughter Louisa followed her into the medical profession, but that's a story for another time..!

In 1908 Elizabeth was elected mayor of Aldeburgh, the first woman  in England to do so. She died on the 17th December 1917. The following year the New Hospital was renamed as the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. The building on Euston Road still stands and is now listed and restored. The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Maternity Wing forms part of the University College Hospital.