Margaret Damer Dawson

Margaret Mary Damer Dawson (12 June 1873 – 18 May 1920) was an English animal rights activist, anti-vivisectionist and philanthropist who co-founded the first British Women's Police Service.

Early life Margaret Dawson was born on 12 June 1873 to a wealthy family in Burgess Hill and grew up in Hove. After her father, Richard Dawson, died her mother remarried, becoming Lady Walsingham. Her step-father was Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham. Dawson had a private income and studied music with the Austrian pianist Benno Schoenberger at the London Academy of Music. She became involved in anti-vivisection and other causes and founded a home for foundlings. She was awarded silver medals by Finland and Denmark for her campaigning work for animal rights.

Career

Dawson was also asked to advise the Baird Commission when it looked at the role women in policing. She and many of her followers had been excluded from being on the Baird Committee on the advice of the Police Commissioner who disliked lesbians and in particular Dawson. Dawson thought that the women's police force should be entirely separate from the male service, but her view did not prevail.

Death and legacy Dawson died unexpectedly of a heart attack on 18 May 1920. Her leadership role was taken over by Allen, who had been Dawson's assistant for many years. Allen also inherited Dawson's house and most of her money. A memorial was erected in the corner of Lympne churchyard. Her finances had dwindled as she had spent money on the voluntary police service. A bird bath, installed in Cheyne Walk, was organised by Miss St John Partridge and designed by Charles Pibworth It has since been restored and incorporates a quote from Rime of the Ancient Mariner "He prayeth best who lovest best all things great and small".