Edinburgh Seven

Had no idea this was the name given to the first seven female undergraduate students at Edinburgh University in 1869. 

They didn’t graduate as doctors initially because they were prevented from doing so, but they campaigned hard and eventually in 1876 legislation was passed to allow women to study medicine.

A commemorative plaque near the entrance of the medical school honours Dr Sophia Jex-Blake leader of the campaign and first Edinburgh female doctor as I understand it.

A second one was unveiled in 2015  to commemorate the 1870 riot where some students tried to prevent them from taking their exams.

Let’s not take education for granted-some people fought hard for everyone to get the chance to learn.