The wife of Humphrey Verdon Roe, with whom she founded a ground-breaking clinic in Britain, was also an author, palaeobotanist and campaigner for women's rights. What was the field in which she is known for pioneering effective, widespread and consistent action?
Humphrey Verdon Roe Humphrey Verdon Roe Humphrey Verdon Roe (18 April 1878 – 27 July 1949) was a British businessman, a philanthropist, aircraft manufacturer and the usually unacknowledged co-founder of Britain's first and most successful birth control clinic along with Marie Stopes, who became his wife. He was the father of the British philosopher Harry Stopes-Roe. Roe was from Manchester, son of Edwin Roe and Annie Verdon, and younger brother of Alliot Verdon Roe. After leaving school he enlisted as an officer in the Manchester Regiment and served in the Boer War. In February 1902 he returned to Birmingham and took control of
Humphrey Verdon Roe 1921 at 61, Marlborough Road, Holloway, North London. Stopes became the figurehead and Roe acted as the hardworking secretary. Together they worked tirelessly to keep the clinic running and expand their operations to other cities in Britain. Their relationship failed in the mid-1930s. During World War II at the age of 61, Roe joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and for a third time did his duty for his country. In 1949 he developed kidney trouble and died on 27 July aged 71. Humphrey Verdon Roe Humphrey Verdon Roe (18 April 1878 – 27 July 1949) was a British