Irish Coins & Historical Medals

Trinity College, Dublin, a silver award medal, unsigned [by W. Woodhouse], bust of Elizabeth I three-quarters right, rev. arms, named (Violet M.K. Moore, 1920), 49mm (Went, Heritage, 142; Frazer p.614; E 1453A). Polished, two edge bruises, otherwise extremely fine; in original fitted case by West & Son, 102 & 103 Grafton Street, Dublin £100-£120

Violet Mabel Knox Moore, born Glasnevin, Dublin, 1899, is recorded in the 1901 census as being the daughter of David Francis Moore, a solicitor. Educated at Alexandra College, Dublin, she entered Trinity College as a ‘Pensioner’ student in January 1917, one of the earliest female students to be educated there, and is recorded in the Irish Society and Social Review of 20 November 1920 as one of seven female students to have graduated from Trinity College that year, all seven students being awarded degrees in Modern Literature.

Although Trinity College was founded in 1592, women were not allowed to study there until 1904. Admitting female students was regarded as morally hazardous, and right up until the point that female students were admitted there was great resistance to the idea, the Board of Trinity College warning in 1895 that “If a female had once passed the gate it would be practically impossible to watch what buildings or what chambers she might enter, or how long she might remain there.” In January 1904 the Board received a letter from King Edward VII authorising them to admit women to Trinity College.

See also the footnote to lot 523