On Saturday 23 March, a blue plaque was unveiled at 17 St Michael’s Place, Brighton, the home of Mary Hare and the location of her first school in Brighton for children born with hearing and speech impediments.
The mayor of Brighton, Jackie O’Quinn, presided and among those present to witness the occasion and pay tribute to Mary Hare’s trailblazing achievements were Margaret Stewart who, as an ex-pupil, proposed and raised funds for the plaque; Robin Askew, current head teacher of the Mary Hare School; and members of Brighton and Hove’s Women’s History Group.
Mary Hare’s innovative school for deaf children
Mary Adelaide Hare was born in London on 3 November 1865. After leaving school, she attended the Ealing Training College for Teachers of the Deaf and was introduced to the idea that those born deaf should learn to speak, rather than rely on sign language. This was a unique approach at the time.
In January 1885, Hare’s ambition to provide a fully oral education was realised when she opened her own private school in Upper Norwood. From the outset, she had high expectations of her pupils. Her view was that deaf children required an education, rather than protection in ‘asylums’ (which was, disturbingly, the norm at that time).
By the age of 29, Hare was confident enough, in both her teaching methods and abilities, to move from South London to Brighton and establish a new co-educational private oral school for deaf children. The venture was a great success and her small school in St Michael’s Place soon acquired a worldwide reputation.
By 1901, bigger premises were required and she relocated to 19 Goldsmid Road, Hove. The school moved again in 1909, this time to 8 San Remo on the seafront in Hove. Here Hare was able to take in boarders and day pupils of all ages. There was no set scale of charges: pupils from more affluent families simply paid more to subsidise those from less well-off backgrounds. Hare inspired her pupils to work hard. She wanted to prove to the hearing world that deaf people could attain academic qualifications.
Campaigning for women’s suffrage
Alongside her teaching, Hare was active in the newly established National Association of Teachers of the Deaf (NATD) and, in keeping with her belief in equal rights, she openly challenged those who argued that the growing number of female teachers was depriving men of the opportunity to earn a living.
She was a member of the Women’s Freedom League which campaigned for women’s suffrage, becoming secretary of the Brighton branch. On 9 February 1907, she took part in what has become known as the ‘Mud March’. This was one of the largest and most successful demonstrations organised by the League. Despite torrential rain, three thousand women formed a mile-long procession and marched from London’s Hyde Park to the Strand in support of women’s suffrage.
Like many suffragettes, Hare boycotted the 1911 UK census in protest against the Liberal government’s reluctance to give women the vote. Some suffragettes refused to fill in the forms, some ensured that they were not at home on the night of the census, while others, like Hare, deliberately spoilt their return. She audaciously wrote across her return: “Women don’t count therefore they will not be counted!”
Women’s police volunteers
In 1914, with the onset of war, Hare saw an opportunity to practically help improve the lives of woman by organising and running the Brighton branch of the Women Police Volunteers. Through her endeavours, new recruits were provided with a uniform and offered training in first aid, self-defence (possibly ju-jitsu!) and giving evidence in court. Their specific role was to assist Brighton and Hove’s vulnerable women and children, including those in prison.
As Hare declared at the time: “We are out to do good work in Brighton, and we have had unsolicited testimonials to the effect that we have done good.”
An article in the Brighton, Hove & South Sussex Graphic titled: ‘Bobby, the Woman Policeman’ gives a sympathetic account of Hare’s work and describes her as looking “particularly smart in her uniform” and distinctive bowler hat.
Education for the deaf came first
Despite her many memberships and voluntary commitments, Hare’s main cause was always the education – rather than asylum – of deaf children. She moved her school to Dene Hollow in Burgess Hill in 1916 and put her boundless energy into providing a family atmosphere, as far removed from the old institutions as possible, and inspiring her pupils to achieve the best they could, including ‘good’ speech.
Mary Hare died on 5 November 1945. Through her will, she created a trust so that her school could continue to fulfil her vison for the oral education of deaf children. The school changed its name to the Mary Hare Grammar School in 1946, and moved to its present site, Arlington House, Newbury, Berkshire in 1949, where it continues to develop and expand.
Mary wrote in her will: “My efforts on behalf of the Deaf have been my greatest joy in life.”
Mary Hare is celebrated on Brighton buses.
