1945 - 1956 University

During her four and a half satisfying years in the Women’s Land Army (WLA), Mary realised that a return to the drudgery of an office job in the city was impossible if her life was to be more than mere existence.

As a former member of the WLA, she was eligible for a grant to go to university, something her family couldn’t have afforded in peacetime. Initially, she studied at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and gained a degree in agriculture.

Encouraged by her professors, she followed this up with first-class honours in botany and a doctorate in plant ecology, based on research carried out on the sea-bird islands of Pembrokeshire in south Wales. Mary then began her 35-year academic career by lecturing in Botany at Exeter University.

The lead up to university

March 1945

Events while Mary was still working as a Land Girl with the Women’s Land Army ...

BSc Agriculture at Aberystwyth

1 October 1945

From October 1945 to June 1948, Mary was at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth, studying for her BSc in Agriculture with Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry.

The summers of 1947 and 1948

20 June 1947

Mary spent at least part of her summer holiday during these two years on the Welsh islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire, surveying, researching and investigating the flora and fauna, and having fun!

BSc Honours at Aberystwyth

1 October 1948

During the 1948-49 academic year Mary completed a BSc Honours (Class 1) in Botany at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. During 1949, she also worked at the university as a Research demonstrator.

The PhD: Doctor Mary

1 October 1949

From 1949 to 1953 Mary studied for a PhD in Botany at the University College of North Wales, Bangor. Her research dealt 'with the effects of salty winds, hungry rabbits and clamorous seabirds on vegetation' on Welsh islands.

The summers, 1950-53

June 1950

Mary spent at least part of her summer holidays on the Welsh islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire, surveying, researching and investigating the flora and fauna for her doctoral thesis, and having some fun along the way!

Skiing in Switzerland

30 January 1952

From 30 January to 10 February 1952, Mary joined a party of around 50 Girl Guides, learning to ski in Adelboden, in Switzerland. Fortunately, she returned without plaster!

Assistant Lecturer at Exeter

1 October 1953

After completing her PhD Mary’s first lecturing experience was as an Assistant Lecturer in Botany at Exeter University, where she worked for three and a half years.

Find out what happens next during the International Travel years!

November 1953 Read more