Carol lifts the veil on amazing Mary

MOTHER, undercover investigator and the first woman to study natural sciences at Cambridge; Mary Higgs was remarkable in many ways.

The social reformer and champion of women’s rights disguised herself as a tramp to uncover conditions in local hostels, common lodging houses and workhouse wards 30 years before George Orwell published “Down and Out in Paris and London”. Yet Mary is largely unknown in her adopted home of Oldham according to Carol Talbot.

The retired primary school teacher from Austerlands is hoping to put that right with her book The Amazing Mary Higgs, launched at Gallery Oldham tomorrow.

“A member of staff at Oldham Local Studies Library suggested that Mary would make an interesting subject,” said Carol.

When I started to research books, articles and letters written by Mary, I was surprised that the name of this remarkable woman was not more widely known.”

“The Amazing Mary Higgs” is published by OWC (Oldham Writers Cafe) and costs £6.99. Profits from the sale will go to charities for the homeless in memory of Mary.

It will also be on sale at the Oldham Chronicle office from next week.