Justice for Mary

If you’ve read my earlier blogs, you’ll notice I have a bit of a Mary obsession. We’re talking Lady Mary Wortley Montagu here, not the blessed virgin. If you’ve not heard of her, you're in for a treat because this incredible woman was a true game-changer in the world of medicine!

Picture this: it's the early 18th century, and smallpox is wreaking havoc in England. Lady Montagu, a brilliant writer and thinker, had already lost her brother to the disease and even battled it herself, leaving her with permanent scars. But during a visit to Constantinople, she stumbled upon a mind-blowing discovery in the Turkish harems.

In these harems, Lady Montagu noticed something extraordinary: the women had flawless, unblemished skin. It turns out that they had conquered smallpox through a procedure called inoculation, which drastically reduced mortality rates.

Armed with this knowledge, Lady Montagu had her own children inoculated, despite the procedure's controversy. She launched a determined campaign to bring this life-saving intervention to England and let me tell you, she faced some serious public criticism along the way.

But our girl Mary didn't let that stop her. She boldly urged the royal family to adopt inoculation, and thanks to her efforts, countless lives were saved. Lady Montagu was the driving force behind introducing this revolutionary medical practice to England, yet sadly, she never received the formal recognition she deserved.

Despite facing scorn from some members of society, Lady Montagu teamed up with a doctor to continue inoculating wherever she could. And get this—she even defended herself in print, posing as a man! Historians say this was to protect her social standing (her reputation was at times a little bit iffy).

Here's the thing: the Royal College of Physicians' 18th-century smallpox hospital (formerly found in Whitfield Street) owes its very existence to Lady Montagu's unwavering conviction. However, there’s not a jot of thanks to Mary for all her courtly influence. Don't you think it's about time Mary gets the official recognition she deserves for her instrumental impact?

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu was a brave innovator and a true force for change. Her tireless efforts laid the groundwork for better health, and it's high time she takes her rightful place in medical history.

You can hear me fight her corner on my Pioneering Women in the City Walk and book via walkswithbex.com