Lady Barrett was an obstetric surgeon at the Mothers’ Hospital. One of the foremost gynaecologists and obstetricians of her time, she seems to have been a particularly interesting and complex character, whose interests ranged from the supernatural to eugenics and women’s employment rights.

The opinions she forcefully expressed on many social and medical issues can be difficult to reconcile, and where eugenics is concerned can be offensive to the modern sensibility, but a study of her leaves an impression of an intellectually powerful woman and a tirelessly committed doctor. An adherent to many of the prejudices of her time and class, she could also be imaginative, innovative and empathetic when dealing with the problems of the urban working class mother. She was intensely committed to the causes in which she believed, and to the idea of improving society.

Follow the links below to find out more about her impressive life and career.