Pioneering PE: How 1903 College Shaped Women's Sports

A remarkable collection of 1,000 images, unearthed 26 years ago, forms the basis of a new exhibition celebrating Margaret Stansfeld. Stansfeld established the Bedford Physical Training College in 1903, an institution solely for women that later became part of the University of Bedfordshire. The exhibition, "Stanny's Stus - A Glimpse into Women's Sporting and Social History," showcases the profound impact Stansfeld had on physical education.

Stansfeld, known as "Stan," was instrumental in advancing women's opportunities in sports. She championed the idea that women should play "on a par with the men," directly contributing to the rise of professional women's sport. Her foresight ensured physical education became a standard part of the curriculum for girls in schools. She retired in 1945.

The college evolved significantly over the decades, merging with other institutions and eventually becoming part of the University of Bedfordshire. Beyond sports, students at the college's clinic learned bandaging and ailment treatment, with students serving as hygiene mistresses in schools before the NHS existed.

The exhibition, funded by Arts Council England and the Bedford Physical Education Old Students' Association, is on display at The Higgins Bedford until May 31st. It offers a vital glimpse into social history, highlighting Stansfeld's pioneering spirit and her enduring legacy.