Constance Louisa Maynard (1849-1935), was a pioneer of women’s education and the first Mistress of Westfield College. A prolific writer, she kept different diaries to reflect upon the different aspects of her life. In her ‘Green Book’ diaries, she explored her emotional and spiritual responses to the events of her life. Maynard also wrote a detailed autobiography, which she worked on for over 30 years.
Her writings are now available to view online and reveal her experiences of joining the first generation of women students at Girton College, her role as Mistress of Westfield College, and her relationships with women. To see more examples from the her archives see the Constance Maynard Gallery or the Women at Queen Mary Exhibition. Her collection contains additional papers including other diaries, writings and personal memorabilia, available to view in the Archives Reading Room.