Beatrix Lyall

Dame Beatrix Margaret Lyall, DBE, JP (née Rostron; 27 October 1873 – 8 May 1948) was a British social reformer and London politician.

Early life She was born in 1873 to Simpson Rostron, a barrister from Beddington, Surrey, and his wife Christina Jane (née Riley), both of whom held strong Christian beliefs, and were deeply involved in the activities of the Church of England, as well as being active in the Conservative Party. In 1924 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

In 1934 she lost her seat on the council when the Labour Party took control for the first time. She returned to the council in December 1935 when a by-election was held, but did not stand for the subsequent election in 1937.

Later years and death Following her retirement from local politics, Lyall continued to be active in the Mothers Union, authoring pamphlets promoting "Christian marriage" and denouncing divorce. She was made a life vice-president of the organisation in 1937.

During the Second World War, she was appointed head of hospital supplies for South London, and was a member of the executive of the National Council of Women. She spent her final years at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Kensington. She died at the hotel in May 1948 from heart failure, aged 74. She was cremated at Golders Green.