Mary Stewart, Baroness Stewart of Alvechurch facts for kids

Mary Elizabeth Henderson Stewart, also known as Baroness Stewart of Alvechurch, was an important British politician and teacher. She was born Mary Birkinshaw on May 8, 1903, and passed away on December 28, 1984. She held a special title, "Baroness," which she earned herself. She was also married to Michael Stewart, who was a leading politician in the Labour Party and served as the Foreign Secretary.

Early Life and Education

Mary was born in Bradford, England. Her father, Herbert Birkinshaw, was a traveling salesperson. When Mary was four, her family moved. She went to King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham. Later, she studied at Bedford College, University of London. In 1928, she earned a degree in Philosophy. After college, she taught psychology and sociology. She worked with students from the Workers' Educational Association.

Political and Public Service Career

During World War II, Mary Stewart joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She served in different places across the country. After the war, she became very interested in education and psychology. A friend, Barbara Wooton, encouraged her to become a magistrate in the juvenile courts. Magistrates are like judges for less serious cases. Mary worked with young people in these courts.

She continued to teach for the Workers' Educational Association until 1964. Mary also became a member of the Fabian Society Executive. This group discusses and promotes social and political ideas. She was even the chairman of the society in 1963–64. She wrote papers for the Fabians. These papers suggested that young people in trouble should be treated more gently. In 1964, she wrote about "Unpaid Public Service." This paper looked at the role of volunteers on committees. She believed volunteers should get their expenses paid. She also thought these meetings should happen in the evenings.

Mary was also involved in local hospitals and schools. She became the head magistrate for the East London Juvenile Court.

Joining the House of Lords

On January 15, 1975, Mary Stewart was given a special title. She became a life peer called Baroness Stewart of Alvechurch. This title was for her lifetime. She was officially welcomed into the House of Lords on January 28, 1975. The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament. She gave her first speech there on March 26, 1975. The speech was about schools that received government funding.

Personal Life

Mary married Robert Godfrey Goodyear in 1931. He worked as an advertising clerk. They divorced in 1941. Two months later, on July 26, 1941, she married Michael Stewart. He was also a very important politician. Mary and Michael were one of the few couples in Britain where both husband and wife held special titles in their own right.

Mary Stewart passed away on December 28, 1984.