Commemoration for North Yorkshire's first female doctor who defied discrimination to pursue profession

When the medical school in Leeds shut its doors in the face of Laura Sobey Veale in the late 1800s, she instead travelled to London to pursue her studies at the University of London.

Although the era was one of great enlightenment and innovation in understanding medicine and human anatomy, it was still backwards in its attitude towards women entering the profession, and Laura was a little older than most when she embarked on her career as a doctor.

In a tribute to her determination and contribution, pioneer Dr Veale has been nominated for North Yorkshire County Council's Sons and Daughters campaign.

In the 1901 census, Dr Veale is found as a 33-year-old medical student living in St Pancras, with her medical education carried out at the Royal Free Hospital.

After qualifying, Dr Veale’s first post was at the Hospital for Women and Children in Leeds, but she quickly returned to Harrogate where she began general practice.

Setting up her practice in 1904, at Victoria Avenue, Dr Laura Veale made history as the first female doctor in the county.

A popular figure in the spa town's community, Dr Veale lived the rest of her life in Harrogate where she died on August 14, 1963, aged 95, at Scotton Bank Hospital.

After the First World War, Dr Veale achieved her ambition in setting up a department for women and children with the establishment of a hospital maternity department, which opened in 1937 – a year after her retirement and just two years before the Second World War.

She also established infant welfare and antenatal clinics in the town and was medical officer of the Municipal Babies’ Hospital.

Dr Paul Jennings from Harrogate Civic Society History Group, said: “Whilst technically born in the former West Riding of Yorkshire she was, of course, a daughter of North Yorkshire. She deserves recognition as an important figure in the history of both medicine and feminism and a key figure in medical provision, especially for women and infants, in her native county and more particularly Harrogate.

“It is as a pioneering woman in the medical profession, in her work for medical provision in Harrogate, particularly for women and children, and through her wider work for the community that she is so important to Harrogate.”

Despite her retirement, Dr Veale continued to be a prominent member of the community and organised the Women’s Voluntary Service for Harrogate during the Second World War.

She is also recorded as having led the campaign to collect scrap metal for the war effort, riding through the town in a car pulled by local scouts, shouting out at the top of her voice.

A plaque honouring her achievements was unveiled in the town in April 2017, at the site of her surgery.

Coun Carl Les, Leader of NYCC, said: “During the current pandemic, it is important we recognise the hard work of all doctors and nurses across the country.

"Figures such as Dr Laura Veale are incredibly important to the county. She showed determination and dedication not to give up in difficult times.”

North Yorkshire residents will be invited to cast their votes for whoever they think deserves the title of the Great North Yorkshire son or daughter. Details of how to vote will be announced shortly on the County Council’s social media channels.

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