Ethel Shakespear facts for kids
Dame Ethel Mary Reader Shakespear (born Wood; 17 July 1871 – 17 January 1946) was an amazing English geologist. She also worked as a Justice of the Peace and a public servant. On top of that, she was a kind philanthropist, meaning she helped others.
She was born in Biddenham, Bedfordshire. Ethel was the youngest daughter of Reverend Henry Wood. She went to Bedford High School. Later, she studied at Newnham College, Cambridge from 1891 to 1895. She earned her degree in natural sciences.
Becoming a Geologist
In 1896, Ethel started working with Charles Lapworth. This was at Mason Science College, which later became the University of Birmingham. Here, she began her most famous work. It was called British Graptolites. She worked on this book with her friend from college, Gertrude Elles. Ethel was especially good at creating the pictures for the book.
This important book became a standard guide for many years. It was used by people studying fossils (palaeontology). She also wrote other scientific papers. In 1919, she became a member of the Geological Society. This was a big honor. The next year, in 1920, she received the Murchison Medal. This award was for her excellent work on the graptolite book.
Family and Public Service
In 1906, Ethel earned her DSc degree. This was from the University of Birmingham. Soon after, she married Gilbert Arden Shakespear. He was a physics teacher at the university. They had met while studying in Cambridge. They had one daughter, but sadly, she died when she was a baby.
During the First World War, Ethel dedicated her time to helping others. She focused on helping soldiers who were disabled. She was the honorary secretary for the Birmingham War Pensions Committee. From 1917 to 1926, she was part of the Special Grants Committee. This committee was part of the Ministry of Pensions.
In 1922, she became a Justice of the Peace for Birmingham. She specialized in cases involving children and young working-class girls. She also visited foster parents to check on children. Ethel even invited many poor women and girls to stay at her home. This was at Caldwell Hall, Upton Warren, Worcestershire.
Awards and Legacy
Ethel Shakespear was recognized for her hard work. In 1918, she was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This was for her efforts during the war. Then, in 1920, she received an even higher honor. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This was part of the civilian war honors.
Dame Ethel Shakespear passed away in 1946. She was 74 years old.
