In the idyllic village of Radwinter, Mary Colton’s legacy stretches beyond her impactful legal career, painting a portrait of a fervent advocate for equal rights and a dedicated supporter of wildlife conservation. To celebrate her remarkable life, we unveil the profound impact she had, reaching far beyond the courtroom and into the heart of nature preservation.

Mary’s forway into the legal profession in 1955 coincided with a challenging era for women in law. Unyielding in face of discrimination, she emerged as the first female member of her Chambers, becoming a trailblazer for subsequent generations of female barristers. Patrica May, a colleague, fondly referred to Mary as an “unsung hero of women’s equality,” highlighting her instrumental role in breaking down barriers.

Beyond her legal prowess, Mary’s passion for gender equality extended to her association with the Conservative Party Bar Group, where she authored the booklet ‘Fair and Equal.’ Moreover, she actively supported the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign, recognising the threat posed to local flora, fauna, and community well-being.

Mary’s love for wildlife was not just a casual interest; it was a profound commitment reflected in her active participation in preserving the local environment. Unbeknownst to us, Mary, in her unassuming manner, bequeathed her entire estate to Essex Wildlife Trust in her Will, a testament to her enduring dedication to nature preservation.

Mary Colton was not only a legal luminary and advocate for equal rights but also a dedicated protector of nature. Her legacy lives on in legal precedents and the flourishing landscapes of Essex, thanks to the substantial gift she left for wildlife, ensuring its beauty endures for future generations. Mary Colton’s imprint remains indelible, ensuring she will be forever cherished and not forgotten, both in the legal profession and the thriving natural world she held so dear.