Who was Margaret Glen Bott and why is she being honored in Nottingham?

Margaret Glen Bott was Nottingham's first female surgeon and is being honored with a plaque for her pioneering work in medicine and her contributions to the city.

What challenges did Margaret Glen Bott face as a woman in medicine?

Bott faced significant obstacles, as many hospitals would not employ female doctors, and professional organizations excluded women until the early 20th century.

Where will the plaque commemorating Margaret Glen Bott be placed?

The plaque will be installed on the building in Regent Street, Nottingham, where Margaret Glen Bott spent the last years of her life.

Home / Lifestyle / Nottingham Plaque Honors Pioneering Woman Surgeon

Nottingham Plaque Honors Pioneering Woman Surgeon

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A plaque will commemorate Nottingham's first female surgeon.
She overcame significant obstacles to practice medicine.
Recognition planned for a building where she lived.

Nottingham Plaque Honors Pioneering Woman Surgeon

A plaque is set to be installed in Nottingham, commemorating Dr. Margaret Glen Bott, a pioneering female surgeon. Bott, who qualified in 1915, faced significant challenges in finding employment due to her gender, eventually securing a position in Nottingham. She became the city's first female surgeon at Nottingham Women's Hospital.

Her contributions extended beyond medicine; she also served as a magistrate and city councillor. Born in 1891, Bott's medical career faced systemic barriers, as professional bodies only began admitting women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite these hurdles, she established her practice and held positions at various Nottingham hospitals.

The commemorative plaque will be placed on the building in Regent Street where she lived during her later years. A local history group has launched a fundraising appeal, which is now halfway to its £900 target, with hopes for installation by March.