Mabel Jones facts for kids

Mabel Jones (born around 1865, died 1923) was a British doctor. She was also a supporter of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group worked hard to get women the right to vote. Women who fought for this right were often called suffragettes.

Mabel Jones's Medical Work

Mabel Jones trained to be a doctor in London. From 1898, she worked in Brighton with another doctor, Helen Boyle. They had a clinic that mainly treated women. Later, in 1908, Dr. Jones moved to Glasgow.

Dr. Jones was also known for helping others who supported the suffragette cause. She often helped people who were sick, including those involved in the movement.

Queen Elisabeth Medal

During World War I, it is believed that Dr. Jones either worked in Belgium or helped Belgian soldiers who were wounded in Scotland. Because of her efforts, she was given the Queen Elisabeth Medal. This special medal was sent to her medical friend, Dr. Helen Boyle, after Dr. Jones passed away.

Helping Suffragettes in Need

Dr. Jones played an important role in checking on suffragettes after they were released from prison. These women often went on hunger strike to protest, and their health suffered greatly.

Frances Gordon's Health Report

After suffragette Frances Gordon was released from Perth prison, Dr. Jones checked her health. Dr. Jones wrote a report about what she saw. A part of her report was shared in a newspaper, the Glasgow Evening Times. It said:

"I saw her (Miss Gordon) at Midnight in July 3. Her appearance was appalling, like a famine victim: the skin brown, her face bones standing out, her eyes half shut, her voice a whisper, her hands quite cold, her pulse a thread."

This powerful description, along with pictures of women on stretchers after leaving prison, led to questions in the British Parliament. This helped to bring more attention to the cause of women's right to vote.

Supporting Other Activists

It is not fully clear if Dr. Jones traveled to London to meet with the Pankhurst family, who were leaders of the WSPU. She may have gone to discuss issues within the suffragette movement. The Women's Library Archive has a leaflet that mentions Dr. Jones visiting Mrs. Pankhurst in a police station cell.

Later Life and Legacy

Mabel Jones died in 1923. She passed away after falling from a train in Northampton. Her work as a doctor and her support for the suffragette movement left an important mark on history.