The 1848 school that faced backlash for teaching women mathematics
In short: In mid-19th century London, educating women was a radical act. When Queen's College was established, the press attacked the curriculum, claiming that teaching subjects like mathematics to women could lead to dangerous consequences. This is the story of a school built on reform and resilience.
Founded in 1848 by the theologian and social reformer Frederick Denison Maurice, Queen's College, London, began with a mission far more specific than general education. The roots of the institution lie in 1845, when David Laing, the chaplain of Middlesex Hospital, sought to create a dedicated home for unemployed governesses at 47 Harley Street. By 1847, with the support of professors from King's College London and the patronage of Queen Victoria, the college began providing lectures and issuing certificates to women.
The college's expansion was not without controversy. As the curriculum grew to include women beyond the profession of governess, the press targeted the school's academic ambitions. Specifically, Maurice was forced to defend the teaching of mathematics to women against critics who believed such studies carried 'dangerous' consequences. Despite this, the school secured a Royal Charter in 1853, becoming the first girls' school to receive such an honor for the advancement of women's education.
Throughout its history, the college has maintained a distinct identity. It has resisted attempts to merge with London University and has survived significant hardships, including the Second World War, when a bomb exploding on the opposite side of Harley Street shattered its windows. While the school has evolved—ceasing boarding in the 1980s and transitioning from a home for governesses to a private day school for girls aged 11–18—it retains its Anglican affiliations and the long-standing tradition of the Bishop of London serving as its 'Visitor'.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Queen's College, London
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