Dorothy Scouler 1910-1972

Dorothy was born in August 1910 in the Parish of Cosgrove. Unfortunately her mother, Alice Jubilee Scouler, died shortly after her birth. Dorothy lived with her Grandparents, William and Elizabeth Panter, of Ivy Cottage, Watling Street Old Stratford. This was situated between The Swan and the Cosgrove Road. William had bought the freehold of the cottage in 1905 for £300 (ref Wolverton Express 8 Sept 1905) Also living there were four of her mother’s brothers and sisters. Her father, John Scouler, a native of Scotland, moved to Canada

William had previously been a coal dealer but was listed in the 1911 census as a cattle dealer and grazier.

Dorothy went to school at York House in Stony Stratford. (Ref Bucks Standard September 1926). This establishment was originally in the building that is now the conservative club in the High Street in Stony Stratford – then called York House. It moved, in 1905 to Clarence House in London Road bringing the name “York House” with them. It was a private day and boarding school for girls. The principle was Mrs Slade assisted by her 2 daughters. You can see more about the school by clicking on this link https://www.greatlinfordhistory.co.uk/slades-school-manor-house-great-linford.html

Dorothy didn’t take running seriously until she was about 14. However, in 1925 she entered a competition in Luton and won. From then her commitment to the sport grew. She then attended trails at Middlesex Ladies Athletics Club and gained a membership there. The club was co-founded by Vera Maud Palmer and became one of the most prestigious for women athletes. In their early days events were held mainly in London parks, like Battersea, Regent’s and Victoria. During 1925 and 1926 she won several more races at amateur athletic meetings collecting prize money totalling around £40

Dorothy’s performances improved over the next year or so and in 1926 she was selected to represent Great Britain at the Women’s Olympic Games in Gothenberg, Sweden. There was some controversy in the build up to the trip to Sweden as her grandfather would not let her attend with a chaperone from the family accompanying her. Initially there was resistance by the organising body to contribute towards travel costs. However, eventually this was resolved.

In August 1926, in the same week she turned 16, Dorothy Scouler arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden, to take part in the 1926 Women’s World Games, at the Slottsskogsvallen Stadium. She was accompanied by her aunt, who acted as a chaperone.

These games were the forerunner of the Olympics for women athletes. It was not until 1928 that they were allowed to compete at the official Olympic Games. Click Here to view British Pathe Film showing footage from the games

Dorothy ran in the 4 x 100 yard relay team along with Florence Haynes, Eileen Edwards and Rose Thompson. They produced a winning time of 49.8 seconds, breaking the world record for the event.

The following month, September 1926 she ran against her trainer, Mr C Sibthorpe, at an evening event promoted by Wolverton Armature Athletics Club, at the Park, Wolverton. This was a show casing event following Dorothy’s success in Sweden. There was much hope for her continued successful running career. In June 1927 the Wolverton AAC held an event, again at The Park. It was reported by the Bucks Standard as having over 4000 people attending. Dorothy and other members of the Middlesex Ladies Athletics Club competed. This event was the first at Wolverton to include ladies events.

However Dorothy was only to run for around another year.

Dorothy Elizabeth Scouler 1910 – 1972