History of Mary Stocks, Baroness Stocks in Timeline

Mary Stocks, Baroness Stocks, was a British writer deeply involved in social reform movements. Connected to influential families like the Stracheys and Wedgwoods, she participated actively in women's suffrage and the development of the welfare state. Her life reflected significant social changes during the Victorian era and beyond, marking her as a notable figure in British social history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1903: Workers Educational Association (WEA) founded

In 1903, the Workers Educational Association (WEA) was founded, Mary Stocks was commissioned to write a book on the first 50 years.

December 1913: Marriage to John Leofric Stocks

In December 1913, Mary Stocks married the philosopher John Leofric Stocks, who was a fellow of St John's College, Oxford. They later had one son and two daughters.

1913: Graduation from London School of Economics

In 1913, Mary Stocks graduated with a first-class degree in economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).

1924: Move to Manchester

In 1924, Mary Stocks and her family moved to Manchester, where her husband became a professor of philosophy.

1930: Appointment as Magistrate in Manchester

In 1930, Mary Stocks became a magistrate in Manchester, a position she held until 1936.

1936: End of service as Magistrate in Manchester

In 1936, Mary Stocks ended her service as a magistrate in Manchester, after serving since 1930.

1937: Return to London and Appointment at London Council of Social Service

After her husband's sudden death in 1937, Mary Stocks moved back to London and became secretary of the London Council of Social Service.

1937: Move to Liverpool

In 1937, Mary Stocks and her family moved to Liverpool, where her husband became briefly vice-chancellor for 6 months.

1939: Principal of Westfield College

In 1939, Mary Stocks became the Principal of Westfield College.

1944: Related to Elinor Strachey

In 1944 Mary Stocks mother was related to Elinor Strachey.

1945: Family allowances granted

In 1945, family allowances were finally granted. Mary Stocks had campaigned for them.

1945: Contested London University seat

In the 1945 general election, Mary Stocks, running as an Independent Progressive, contested the London University seat but was narrowly defeated.

1946: Contested seat for Combined English Universities

In 1946, Mary Stocks contested a seat for the Combined English Universities at a by-election as an Independent candidate, finishing as the runner-up.

1949: Biography of Eleanor Rathbone written

In 1949, Mary Stocks wrote a biography of Eleanor Rathbone.

1951: Retirement from Westfield College

In 1951, Mary Stocks retired from her position as Principal of Westfield College, after having been there since 1939.

1953: Published book on the first 50 years of the WEA

In 1953 Mary Stocks published a book on the first 50 years of the WEA (Workers Educational Association).

1955: Honorary Doctorate from Manchester University

In 1955, Mary Stocks received an honorary doctorate from Manchester University.

1956: Honorary Doctorate from Liverpool University

In 1956, Mary Stocks received an honorary doctorate from Liverpool University.

1957: Honorary Doctorate from Leeds University

In 1957, Mary Stocks received an honorary doctorate from Leeds University.

January 1966: Became Baroness Stocks

On 17 January 1966, Mary Stocks was created a life peer as Baroness Stocks, of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, entering the House of Lords.

May 1974: Oral history interviews recorded

In May 1974, Brian Harrison recorded oral history interviews with Mary Stocks, focusing on her participation in the NUWSS and relationships with other suffrage movement figures.