First Wrexham History Circle 1876 Tour Highlights Marvellous Medical Women

Celebrating 1876, Wrexham’s Year of Wonder also means celebrating and remembering some of the marvellous people of that time, remembering and respecting how they shaped and impacted Wrexham’s community; the first of Wrexham History Circle’s series of Year of Wonder tours at Wrexham Cemetery took place on 7th of March and did just that. The tour was held in recognition of International Women’s Day to share the histories of the remarkable women we may not have known about and shine a light on their efforts in the social context of their times. 

If you missed out on this fantastic tour, here are the stories of some of the Marvellous Medical Women that the tour covered:

Agnes Bertha Pugh

World War I Heroine (25 January 1895-30 October 1917)

When on the morning of 17th June 1917, German Gotha bombers made their first raid on London, the target being Liverpool Street Station, Wrexham-born nurse, Agnes Bertha Pugh was on one of the platforms. A child near her was injured. Agnes, known as ‘Cissy,’ covered the small boy in her cloak, and then was wounded herself. After spending time in a London hospital, she was evacuated to Croesnewydd Hospital where she died on 30th October 1917. She was 22 years old. Her grave is unmarked. This is her parents’ grave. 

(Madeleine L. Dale, Wrexham History Circle 8/3/2026)

Photo credit to Nicholas Roe

Dr. Maria Grabska

World War II Heroine (25 March 1901-25 September 1966)

Born in Central Poland, multi-lingual Maria Grabska was a Roman Catholic political prisoner at Ravensbrück, the only Nazi concentration camp designed for women. As a prisoner doctor, she took part in at least one recorded life-saving deed. Three Austrian women scheduled for execution were hidden in the Polish barracks so Dr. Grabska and Yogoslvian doctor Majda Mackovesek-Perjiov could surgically remove the Austrians’ identifying tattoos from their forearms. The three Austrians were later taken to safety by the Swedish Red Cross. After the war, Dr. Grabska worked at Penley Hospital, where she died. Her grave was purchased by her heir, a retired Polish engineering lecturer.

(Madeleine L. Dale, Wrexham History Circle 8/3/2026)

Photo credit to Nicholas Roe

Dr Katharine Drinkwater and Dr Mary Share Jones

Dr Katharine Drinkwater was born in 1872 and Dr Mary Share Jones in 1873. Dr Drinkwater was Wrexham’s first woman Doctor, appointed in 1907 whilst Dr Share Jones was appointed in 1921 as the first woman Doctor covering Wrexham’s industrial and rural areas (Rhos, Brymbo, Marchwiel etc).

At this time, women Doctors were only allowed to work with women and children, but this wasn’t a soft option. Wrexham’s maternal death rates, infant and child mortality rates were above the national average due to poor housing and poverty.

Both women established clinics to care for women and children from birth until they left school and they were the only port of call for maternal, gynaecological and obstetric services. Many of Wrexham’s families probably owe them a great deal, if not their lives.

Dr Drinkwater was awarded an OBE in 1918 in recognition of her work in Malta during the first world war. She was a member of many medical organisations pioneering the care of women and children. She bred pedigree Westies and judged Westies at Crufts. 

Dr Share Jones lived at Pentre Bychan Hall with her husband John Share Jones, Professor of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University, along with their many animals.

This information is taken from the tour material and if you’d like to read more, please follow this link to an article by Georgina Gittins.

Don’t miss the next free tour on the 4th of April which will explore the Garden Cemetery Movement and the founders and builders of Wrexham Cemetery!