Beatrice Monk

Beatrice Mary Marsh Monk, also known as Mary, was born on 31 August 1882 in the Wirral, Cheshire. She was the seventh child of at least nine born to her father John Monk, a farmer with 300 acres who employed 14 men, and her mother Elizabeth Isabel. Her father died before Monk was ten years old. == Nursing Career ==

Monk started her nursing career at the Hospital for Women in Liverpool. In 1931 she founded The London Hospital League of Nurses, and was appointed as first President of the league. This league is one of the few remaining nurses league's in London. Monk wanted to reduce nurses working hours, and supported a 48 hour working week. Monk was founding President of the League London Hospital Nurses, 1931-1934. Monk was actively involved in the National Council for Nurses (NCN), and was Honorary Treasurer. She was also on the executive committee of the Association of Hospital Matrons and the council of the College of Nursing. == Retirement and death ==

Following her retirement as matron in 1931 Monk volunteered on a variety of military and prison advisory boards. She was on the Advisory Nursing Board to HM Prison Commissioners and led many reforms. She left £33257 to her nephew and niece. == Honours ==

Monk was awarded a Royal Red Cross 1st class (Civil Division) in 1920 for her work as House Steward of The London, the capital's largest voluntary hospital, during the First World War. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1929. In 1931 Monk was made Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem for her contribution to nursing. == References ==