Mary Kendrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Kendrick
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| Born |
Mary Patricia Boak
2 May 1928 |
| Died | 8 June 2015 |
| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Education | University of Cambridge |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Employer | Hydraulics Research Station at Wallingford. |
| Known for | understanding river silt (e.g. Thames Barrier) |
| Spouse(s) | Les Kendrick |
Mary Patricia Kendrick (born Mary Patricia Boak) was an amazing British engineer. She was born on May 2, 1928, and passed away on June 8, 2015. Mary was a top expert on silt, which is like fine mud or sand carried by water. She worked on many big projects. One of her most famous jobs was leading the team for the Thames Barrier. She also made history by becoming the first woman to be the Acting Conservator of the River Mersey. This important job, which keeps the river clear for ships, had been held by Admirals for over 200 years!
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Mary's Life and Work
Mary Kendrick was born in Nottingham in 1928. Her parents were Dorothy Ellen and Charles Manley Boak. In 1951, she graduated from Cambridge University. She earned top grades in both English and Geography.
Starting Her Engineering Career
Mary's first job was at the UK government's Hydraulics Research Station (HRS). This is a place where scientists study how water moves. She applied to be a secretary. But the person interviewing her saw how smart she was. They decided she should be an Assistant Experimental Officer instead. Her very first task was to study the growing amount of silt in the River Mersey. Silt can make rivers too shallow for boats.
Breaking Barriers in Engineering
By 1964, Mary was a senior manager at the Hydraulics Research Station. She was the only woman in such a high position. She led a team of ten people, all men. That same year, she won the Telford Medal. This is a very important award given by the Institution of Civil Engineers. She was the first woman ever to receive this honor. She won it for her research paper about why the Mersey River was getting so much silt.
Working on the Thames Barrier
In 1968, Mary was asked to lead a big project. This project was to study how a barrier across the River Thames would affect the river. They needed to understand how it would change water levels and silt movement. This work eventually led to the building of the famous Thames Barrier. Her studies for this project continued until 1981.
Keeping the Mersey River Clear
In the 1980s, Mary's team won a contract to work on a new project for the Mersey River. This project was about building a barrier there too. Mary led this important work. She retired in 1988, but her influence continued. For 200 years, only Admirals had held the job of Acting Conservator of the River Mersey. This person's job is to make sure the river is clear for ships. Mary broke this long tradition when she became the Acting Conservator in 1988. She held that important job for ten years.
Sharing Her Knowledge
Mary was also a member of the Women's Engineering Society. In 1983, she gave a special talk called the Verena Holmes Lecture. She spoke about her amazing work in engineering. She even repeated her talk in Spain in 1986.
Mary Kendrick passed away in Henley-on-Thames in 2015.
Private Life
Mary Kendrick married Les Kendrick in 1951.
