Newcastle woman and pioneer in the world of engineering …
A Newcastle woman who over 100 years ago was a pioneer in the male dominated world of engineering has been honoured with a plaque. Rachel Mary Parsons (1885-1956) became the first President of the Women's Engineering Society, and was one of the first three women to study Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge University.
The daughter of Charles Parsons, the inventor of the compound steam engine and the Turbinia, she became director of her father's Heaton[1] Works, replacing her brother who went to fight in the First World War. After the war, there was a huge push to expel women from the workforce, but Rachel pushed back against it, setting up the Women's Engineering Society with her mother.
In 1919, she became one of the first three women to be admitted to the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and a year later she founded Atlanta Ltd, an all-female engineering company. The plaque in her memory was unveiled on Tuesday, at 6 Windsor Terrace, which is now part of Newcastle University's halls of residence.
Rachel was nominated for the plaque by the Common Room, a group which celebrates the region's industrial past and present. The unveiling was done by Councillor Veronica Dunn, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, who spoke about Rachel and the impact that she has had, as well as being attended by author and historian Henrietta Heald.
Councillor Veronica Dunn said: "Rachel Parsons was a remarkable woman. In a male dominated profession, she fought for women to follow their dreams and did more than just about any other person to encourage women into engineering.
Rachel Mary Parsons, who has has been honoured with a plaque for her pioneering engineering work. (Image: Newcastle City Council)
"She went on to employ women engineers and fight for fairer employment rights for women. I am proud that she lived in Newcastle for at least part of her life.
"She attended Newcastle High School for Girls and later worked in a prominent role at her father’s Heaton factory. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and I am delighted we are honouring her considerable contribution today."
Liz Mayes, Chief Executive of the Common Room, added: "The Common Room uses our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers. Through our Graft and Glory exhibition, education workshops and public engagement activities, we are telling the stories of how engineers and innovators from the North East impact the world in the past, present, and future.
"Our Inspiring Pioneers Commemorative Plaque scheme aims to highlight the remarkable women who went unnoticed or underappreciated during their lifetime, their fantastic work still stands the test of time, and we must know more about them.
"Rachel Parsons was a pre-eminent thinker, creator, and innovator, who did not take no for an answer. Having achieved many firsts during her career, she was a true trailblazer both in engineering and feminism. The Common Room is hugely proud to be able to give these women a platform from which they can shine."