Appeal for plaque to honor first female surgeon in the city

A commemorative plaque is set to honor Margaret Glen Bott, a pioneering female doctor, at a Nottingham building. Bott graduated in London in 1915 but faced difficulty securing employment, ultimately finding a position in Nottingham. She became the city's first female surgeon at Nottingham Women's Hospital and later served as a magistrate and city councillor, while also representing her county in badminton.

Sian Trafford from the Nottingham Women's History Group, which is leading the fundraising campaign, said, "She was an extraordinary woman, and without recognition, her contributions risk being forgotten."

Born in Bolton in 1891, Bott aspired to a medical career despite significant barriers. Women were only admitted to the British Medical Association starting in 1892, and the Royal College of Surgeons of England did not allow female members until 1909. She trained at the London School of Medicine for Women, but many hospitals initially refused to hire female doctors.

In 1916, Bott joined Nottingham General Hospital during World War I, treating injured soldiers. By 1919, she had opened her own practice and became the first woman surgeon at Nottingham Women's Hospital, then located on Castle Gate. She also served as assistant surgeon at Nottingham Children's Hospital and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Early in her career, Bott traveled across Nottingham and the surrounding county by bicycle to attend appointments and emergencies. She was appointed a magistrate in 1937, focusing on juvenile cases, and served on the city council from 1939 to 1958.

Margaret Glen Bott was awarded an OBE in 1961 and retired in 1968, a year before her passing. The plaque will be installed at her former home on Regent Street, where she spent her final years. The fundraising effort has already reached half of its 900 goal, with hopes to unveil the plaque by March.

Analysis: Honoring the Legacy of Margaret Glen Bott

The upcoming installation of a commemorative plaque for Margaret Glen Bott in Nottingham is not just a celebration of an individual's achievements, but also a critical step in ensuring that the contributions of pioneering women in medicine are not forgotten. Bott's career, which spanned across various fields, reflects both the personal determination to overcome societal barriers and the collective progress made by women in the medical profession.

Bott’s story is one of resilience, particularly given the historical context in which she worked. The early 20th century was a time when women were systematically excluded from many professional spheres, especially medicine. Yet, Bott’s success was not just about breaking barriers within her profession—it was about the broader impact she had in shaping public perception of women’s capabilities. As the first female surgeon at Nottingham Women's Hospital, her trailblazing role set a precedent for future generations of women in the field.

Her transition from surgery to civic service, and later her work as a magistrate, further showcases her diverse contributions to the community. It is significant that she was recognized with an OBE in 1961, a fitting acknowledgment of her remarkable life and service. However, it’s important to note that, as Sian Trafford from the Nottingham Women's History Group rightly points out, without such recognition, Bott’s pioneering efforts could easily fade into obscurity.

While the fundraising efforts for the plaque have been progressing well, the story of Bott’s life and career serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to highlight the overlooked contributions of women in history. The unveiling of this plaque will be a small but vital step in ensuring that Bott’s legacy, and the barriers she overcame, are remembered for years to come.

Sources:

• Plaque appeal to honour city's first female surgeon