Blue Plaque awarded to trailblazing twentieth century Doctor

Blue Plaque awarded to trailblazing twentieth century Doctor

An extraordinary Wigan Borough woman who became a celebrated doctor in 1929 has been recognised with a Blue Plaque outside Wigan Town Hall – the former Wigan and Leigh Mining and Technical College where she studied.

Mary Tomlinson, who left school at 13 before becoming a nurse and later, a doctor, travelled overseas to India in 1930.

There she became a well-loved member of her community and was devoted to tackling challenging health issues like leprosy and tetanus.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “Dr Mary Tomlinson is an amazing example of a Wigan Borough woman achieving extraordinary things.

“When you consider the barriers she faced during a time when social mobility and gender equality were a long way from where they are now, it is fitting that she should be recognised in this way.”

Wigan Council awards two Blue Plaques annually.

A Blue Plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a link between that location and an iconic person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker to increase interest in local heritage and culture.

Councillor Sheila Ramsdale, who has researched Mary's life for the last 20 years and made the Blue Plaque nomination, added: "Mary came from an incredibly humble background and was a truly inspiring and remarkable woman.

"She had so much courage to go to India, which at the time took seven months by boat, to live out her vocation of helping people in the country.

"Despite being a very humble person who didn't want any publicity while she was alive, I am so glad that she will always be remembered and has received the recognition of a Blue Plaque."

Find out more on our Blue Plaque Scheme page.