For International Women’s Day, Museum Assistant Mandy Smith celebrates Mary Esslemont, General Practitioner and “mother of Aberdeen”.
Aberdeen is very proud of all its daughters. Some have excelled in their field of expertise and their achievements have been lauded on the world stage. Dr Mary Esslemont (1891-1984) was one such woman. She did a great deal to improve the wellbeing of mothers and babies, and helped to shape the early NHS.
Mary was born in 1891 to local MP George Esslemont and President of the Aberdeen Women’s Liberation, Clementine MacDonald. She studied at Aberdeen High School for Girls and furthered her education at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with a BSC in 1914 and an MA in 1915.
Esslemont’s first role was as a Science Lecturer in London before returning home in 1923 to complete a medical degree.
After a brief spell working in Yorkshire, Mary became a GP in 1929 and was appointed Gynaecologist at Aberdeen City’s Free Dispensary. She was praised for her role in women’s rights and for caring for the cities under privileged.
The late 1940s Mary Esslemont sat on the committee that negotiated the birth of the National Health Service. Not only was she the sole woman on board, but she was also the solitary Scot. This led to a CBE in 1955 and being elected a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1969. In 1970 the British Medical Association honoured her as Vice President in recognition of her achievements.
Outwith the field of medicine, Mary Esslemont served on the University of Aberdeen’s General Council and was the first female President of the Aberdeen Liberal Association. In 1976 University of Aberdeen named a student residence “Esslemont House” in her honour. In 1981 she was given the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.
Dr Mary Esslemont passed away in 1984 after a remarkable career that helped thousands of women and heralded the arrival of the NHS.
To mark her impact on the city, there is a commemorative plaque sited at her old residence of 30 Beechgrove Terrace. She is one of the significant Aberdonians featured in the displays at Provost Skene’s House.
Find out more about International Trailblazers, including Dr Mary Esslemont, Scientific Saviours and World Life Savers at Provost Skene’s House, Marishcal Square. Open daily, admission free.
Find out more about the commemorative plaque dedicated to Mary Esslemont here
Image: Mary Esslemont
