Bryant, Sophie (1850–1922)

Irish campaigner for women's education. Name variations: Dr. Sophie Bryant. Born Sophie Willock, 1850, in Sandymount, Ireland; died 1922 while hiking near Chamonix; dau. of Rev. W.A. Willock, DD; attended Bedford College; London University, BSc in Mental and Moral Science and Mathematics, 1881, DSc, 1884; m. Dr. William Hicks Bryant (surgeon), 1869 (died 1870).

The 1st woman with a DSc in England, was also a campaigner for women's education and Irish Home Rule; moved to England with family (1863); elected member of London Mathematical Society and wrote the 1st paper by a woman member (1884); taught at North London Collegiate School, before becoming headmistress (1885); served as member of Board of Studies in Pedagogy for 20 years and on Bryce Commission on Secondary Education (1894–95), positions which provided a forum to promote education for women; was one of the 1st three women appointed to the Senate of London University; during tenure, advocated and achieved founding of the Day Training College for teachers (which later became the Institute of Education); became involved in campaign for Home Rule for Ireland (1886); played instrumental role in the founding of Cambridge Training College for Women (which became Hughes Hall); was founding member of Psychological Society; was 1st woman awarded honorary doctorate from Trinity College, Dublin (1904); wrote books on Irish history and ancient Irish law as well as women's suffrage; retired (1918); an ardent sportswoman, climbed the Matterhorn twice and is said to have been one of the 1st women to own a bicycle.