Ladies Dining Society

Kathleen Lyttelton circa 1898

Ladies Dining Society

The Ladies Dining Society was an exclusive social club founded in Cambridge, England in 1890. The society was established by a group of women associated with the University of Cambridge, primarily the wives of prominent academics. The society provided a platform for intellectual discussion and social interaction among its members.

History

The Ladies Dining Society was founded by Louise Creighton, the wife of the historian and bishop Mandell Creighton, and Kathleen Lyttelton, the wife of Arthur Lyttelton, the first Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge. The society's formation was inspired by the lack of opportunities for women to engage in intellectual discourse within the university setting.

Membership

Membership of the Ladies Dining Society was by invitation only and was limited to twelve women at any given time. Notable members included Eleanor Sidgwick, a principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, and Mary Paley Marshall, an economist and one of the first women to study at University College London.

Activities

The society met regularly for dinner at the homes of its members. These gatherings provided a space for the women to discuss a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, and social issues. The society also invited guest speakers to address the group on various subjects.

Legacy

The Ladies Dining Society played a significant role in the intellectual and social life of Cambridge during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It provided a rare opportunity for women to engage in scholarly discussions at a time when their participation in academic life was limited. The society's influence extended beyond its members, contributing to the broader movement for women's education and rights.

Notable Members

• Louise Creighton
• Kathleen Lyttelton
• Eleanor Sidgwick
• Mary Paley Marshall

See Also

• University of Cambridge
• Newnham College, Cambridge
• Selwyn College, Cambridge
• Women's education in the United Kingdom