Helen Cox 1860 – 1930

Helen Cox (nee Clegg, also known as Mrs Harold Cox)

Accountant, auditor.

30 November 1860 – 1930

Credit to Lizzie Broadbent and womenwhomeantbusiness

Education

Attended school until the age of 15.

Went to the Working Women’s College (founded in 1864 by Elizabeth Malleson) for evening classes learning book-keeping.

Continued her studies at College for Men and Women in Queen Square (when Working Women’s College went co-ed) then at Birkbeck.

Took accountancy exam through the Royal Society of Arts.

Some Key Achievements and Interests

Was employed as an auditor by Henrietta Muller who set up Women’s Penny Paper in 1888 ‘the only paper in the world conducted, written, printed and published by women.’ 

Audited the accounts of the Notting Hill, Norland Place School for Emily Ward. 

By 1887 ran her business from her home at 25 Alfred Place, Bedford Square specialising in work for schools and colleges.

Was determined to teach women how to manage their own money and created an ‘Investment Record Book‘ so women could keep track of their investments. 

Issues

Had to run her business from home eventually creating a small office space in the house to work in.

Unable to call herself a ‘chartered accountant’ as the Institute of Chartered Accountants did not accept women until in 1919 the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed).  This resulted in women being expected to charge less which Helen refused to do.  

After her husband Harold Cox was elected MP she had to assume the responsibilities of a MP’s wife while running her business.

Connection to Bloomsbury

Studied and lived in Bloomsbury.

Further Reading

Helen Cox (1860-1930) – Women Who Meant Business

Helen Cox: A pioneering accountant – Lizzie Broadbent – Women’s History Network (womenshistorynetwork.org)Professional Women and their Professions: Conversations recorded by Margaret Bateson – one of her interviews is with Mrs Cox Professional Women Upon Their Professions …: Conversations Recorded : Margaret Bateson : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive