Henrietta Jex-Blake

Henrietta Jex-Blake (8 July 1862 – 21 May 1953) was a British violinist, and the principal of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, from 1909 to 1921.

Early life and education Henrietta Jex-Blake was born at Rugby School on 8 July 1862 to Henrietta (née Cordery) and Rev. Thomas Jex-Blake, Anglican priest and educationalist, headmaster of Rugby School 1874-1887. She was one of nine daughters and two sons. Her siblings included Katharine Jex-Blake, Mistress of Girton College from 1916 to 1922; Bertha Jex-Blake, physician who studied at the Edinburgh College of Medicine for women (who drowned near Whitby in 1915) and Arthur John Jex-Blake. Her paternal aunt Sophia Jex-Blake was the first practising female doctor in Scotland, and a leading campaigner for medical education for women.

She educated at home by masters from Rugby School, as were her sisters. Henrietta Jex-Blake studied music at the Leipzig Conservatoire, Dresden, and in Vienna, and became an accomplished violinist. She was also a supporter of women's suffrage.