We are delighted to announce that alumna and engineering pioneer, Margaret Partridge ((BHS 1904-1911) features in a new book, Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders: The Pioneering Adventures of the First Professional Women by Jane Robinson.

The premise of Robinson’s book is about pioneering women and begins with the 1919 Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, which was intended to enable women to become professionals in the work place without hindrance. Whilst this was an Act to be celebrated, the reality was not so plain sailing: the title of the book was one of the arguments that architects used to discourage women from their profession.

In 1917, Margaret joined thousands of women during World War I taking on traditional males roles in the work place. Margaret secured a job in an engineering firm, progressing quickly through the ranks.

Following the end of World War I, Margaret lost her job once the service men came home and returned to her native Devon and set up her electric power supply company, M Partridge & Co Domestic Engineers. Margaret and her workers changed the lives of rural Devonians by bringing electricity to their homes.

Margaret didn’t believe her gender should hold her back and advised other women looking to break into traditional male employment roles they would need the following: ‘The impudence of a small monkey, the epidermis of a hippopotamus, the patience of a small elephant, the energy of an ant, a modicum of knowledge of the job — and as much capital as possible.’

Margaret was born in 1891 and died in 1967. Following Bedford High School, Margaret went on to Bedford College, London where she was awarded a Mathematical Scholarship. She kept in touch with Bedford High School throughout her career, visiting several times and spending time talking to pupils.