Mary Sophia Allen

Mary Sophia Allen (cropped)

Mary Sophia Allen (12 March 1878 – 16 December 1964) was a pioneering British policewoman and a prominent figure in the early 20th-century women's rights movement. She was one of the first women to serve in the police force in the United Kingdom and played a significant role in the development of women's policing.

Early Life

Mary Sophia Allen was born on 12 March 1878 in Cardiff, Wales. She was the daughter of a wealthy family, which allowed her to pursue various interests and causes throughout her life.

Career in Policing

Allen joined the Women's Police Service (WPS) in 1914, an organization founded by Nina Boyle and Margaret Damer Dawson. The WPS was established to provide a female presence in the police force during World War I, primarily to deal with issues related to women and children. Allen quickly rose through the ranks and became a leading figure in the organization.

In 1918, she was appointed as the second-in-command of the WPS. After the war, she continued to advocate for the inclusion of women in the police force and worked tirelessly to improve the conditions and recognition of female police officers.

Women's Rights Activism

Mary Sophia Allen was also deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement. She was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization led by Emmeline Pankhurst that campaigned for women's right to vote. Allen participated in various demonstrations and was known for her passionate speeches advocating for women's rights.

Later Life and Legacy

In the later years of her life, Allen became involved in several controversial political movements. She was known to have expressed support for fascism and attended meetings of the British Union of Fascists, led by Oswald Mosley. This aspect of her life has been the subject of much debate and criticism.

Mary Sophia Allen passed away on 16 December 1964. Despite the controversies surrounding her later years, she is remembered for her pioneering work in women's policing and her contributions to the women's rights movement.

See Also

• Women's Police Service
• Nina Boyle
• Margaret Damer Dawson
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• British Union of Fascists
• Oswald Mosley