Breaking Barriers: 5 Pioneering Welsh Women from History

Wales boasts a rich history of female pioneers, from business owners to doctors to novelists. Therefore, it seems fitting to delve into their stories as we come to the end of Women’s History Month. 

From defying social norms and laying the groundwork for future generations of female pioneers, these people offer invaluable insights and inspiration for women today. 

Chronologically, we will explore the women who pioneered the 18th/19th centuries and the contributions to business and society that make them so remarkable today.

Lucy Thomas – Businesswoman and Colliery owner (1781-1847)

Thomas was hailed as the mother of the Welsh steam coal trade. After the death of her husband, Robert Thomas, in 1833, she assumed control of their coal mining operations near Merthyr Tydfil. At a time when women’s societal roles were predominantly in the domestic sphere, Thomas ventured into a male-dominated coal industry. 

Initially, the coal was sold to local households in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil, but under Thomas’s leadership, a contract was written with Messrs Wood and Company to supply the London-based coal merchants with a quantity of 3,000 tons of coal per year.

Under her control, Thomas increased the worth of the coal business from £1,000 to over £11,000 by the time of her death in 1847. Her success is commemorated through a decorative fountain at the Southern end of Merthyr High Street as a reminder of her resilience for aspiring female pioneers today. 

Margaret Jones – Traveller and Writer (1842-1902)

Jones was born in Rhosllannerchrugog, North Wales, and gained recognition as “the Welsh lady from Canaan” - a title reflecting her remarkable travels and cultural insight. 

At a time when few women ventured beyond their hometowns, Jones defied societal norms, journeying across the world. Her travels led her to explore Europe, the Middle East, Africa, America, and Australia. Notably, she spent two years in Paris and four years in Jerusalem, working in the Jewish communities there, before settling in Queensland, Australia. 

Her experiences travelling led to the publication of two books: The Letters of a Welsh Lady from Canaan, 1869 and Morocco, and What I Saw There, 1883. These books provided Welsh readers with rare first-hand accounts of life abroad, shedding light on different cultures and social structures. 

Jones remains an inspiring figure - an early feminist, an explorer, writer, and a pioneering Welshwoman whose legacy paved the way for future generations.

Frances Hoggan – Doctor and Pioneer (1843-1927)

Hoggan was known for her ground-breaking contributions to medicine and education in Wales. Although she was not a businesswoman in the traditional sense, her dedication to medicine displayed her pioneering spirit and leadership. 

Growing up in Brecon, Hoggan was educated in Cowbridge before becoming the first woman ever in the UK to receive a doctorate in medicine. She and her husband then went on to open the first husband-and-wife medical practice in Britain.

Hoggan helped found the National Health Society in 1871 to promote health amongst all classes of the population. Alongside this, her career in medicine also included writing medical research papers and becoming a superintendent at the North London Collegiate School for girls. 

Her advocacy for women in medicine and science helped break barriers in professional fields that had long been closed to women. Hoggan’s success is honoured by being given the Welsh 11th purple plaque, which can be found in her hometown of Brecon.

Amy Dillwyn – Novelist and Businesswoman (1845-1935)

Dillwyn was born in Sketty, Swansea, and was known for her dedication to writing. She wrote a notable number of 6 novels between the years of 1870-1890, which gained her vast amounts of recognition. Her literary works often explored themes of feminism and social reform, which were popular with her readers, solidifying her legacy as a writer. 

Following her father’s death in 1892, Dillwyn became responsible for managing his Zinc melting business (and his debts), which she fully repaid by 1899 before turning the business into a registered company. 

Alongside being a novelist and business owner, Dillwyn joined the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and campaigned for women's suffrage, demonstrating resilience and determination towards a more inclusive future for women. 

Lady Rhondda (1883-1958) – Equality Campaigner and Global Businesswoman

Lady Rhondda, born Margaret Haig Thomas, was a fearless campaigner, businesswoman and suffragette who redefined the role of women. Though born into privilege, she used her position to fight for gender equality, leaving a legacy that still inspires women today. 

Lady Rhondda played a key role in the suffrage movement and mobilised the people of Newport in the fight for a vote. Her determination led to a confrontation directed at Prime Minister Asquith, where she leapt onto his car before setting fire to a post box. As a result, she was imprisoned, where she endured hunger strikes as a sacrifice for equality. 

In the First World War, Lady Rhondda was appointed Commissioner of Wales in the Women’s National Service Department, later becoming Chief Controller of women’s recruitment at the Ministry of National Service in London. Her pioneering helped integrate women into industries and services previously reserved for men.

One of Lady Rhondda’s most defining moments was when she survived the torpedoing of the Lusitania in 1915 while crossing the Atlantic Ocean during the war. Claiming over 1,100 lives, Lady Rhondda survived for hours in the freezing water. What a woman! 

The achievements of these five pioneers highlight how Welsh women have historically led the way as businesswomen and leaders. Despite the legal and societal challenges of their time, their determination and resilience enabled them to build successful careers and redefine the role of women. As we come to the end of Women’s History Month, recognising their contributions not only honours their impact but also motivates the next generation of female leaders.

Photo Credit: Lizzie Spikes (DriftWood Designs)

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