Dora Julia Dawson Myddleton Worrall

Dora Julia Myddleton Worrall (née Dawson; 9 July 1866 – 3 October 1946), known by her pen name Julia Dawson was a British journalist, socialist, and editor of the women's section of The Clarion. She is notable for pioneering the use of the Clarion Van for spreading the ideas of socialism around Britain.

Early life and marriage Dora Julia Dawson was born in Egerton, Kent in 1866. She married Harry Myddleton Worrall, an export merchant,

Dawson began her career as a journalist, writing for YWCA publications and she was a seasoned socialist activist before she was chosen to be the editor of The Clarions women's column.

Dawson was editor of the women's section (called 'Our Woman's Letter') As editor, Dawson's concerns have been described as "immediate and practical", including "hints about more efficient housekeeping, propaganda for rational dress, appeals to women to join their nearest ILP branch, and contacts for isolated readers". Barbara Green has argued that 'Our Woman's Letter' "not only recognized the significance of domestic routine, but also argued that socialism could enliven the private arena as well as the public sphere". By 1907, there were six vans.

In the same editorial, Blatchford highlighted Dawson's significant role in managing the Cinderella Clubs (of which she was the first National Secretary), She was also pioneering in the Clarion Handicraft Guild, Blount had himself founded The Peasant Arts Society. The handicraft clubs were very successful although the quality varied considerably. The members would discuss their work via the newspaper and in 1904 there was an exhibition where 30 clubs exhibited. Hannam argued that "under socialism every woman and child would be looked after by the State. The removal of poverty would alter relationships within the family and transform the quality of domestic life".

Death and legacy Julia Dawson died at her home in Shoreham, Sussex on 3 October 1946. The Daily Herald described her as "one of the bright spirits of the earlier days of Socialism in Britain".