Victoria Jones

Victoria Jones was born in Carmarthen in 1837 and left the town in 1878, to study nursing as a ‘lady-pupil’ at Guy’s Hospital, London. Within a few years, she had become a ward sister.

When the controversial matron of Guy’s, Margaret Burt, left her post in 1882, Victoria was appointed in her place. Victoria was committed to the formal training of nurses and was one of the pioneers of the movement for registration.

Victoria played a pivotal role in the creation of the first generation of professionally trained nurses. 

Several women from Carmarthen followed Victoria to Guy’s and it was on her recommendation that at least two of the first matrons appointed to Carmarthen Infirmary obtained their posts.

On at least one occasion, Victoria was called to the Old Bailey to translate for Welsh speaking witnesses.

She retired in 1892 and continued living in London, dying at the age of 98 in 1935.

Ganwyd Victoria Jones yng Nghaerfyrddin yn 1837 ac, yn 1878, gadawodd Gaerfyrddin i astudio nyrsio fel ‘lady-pupil’ yn Ysbyty Guy’s, Llundain. Ymhen ychydig flynyddoedd, daeth Victoria yn chwaer yn yr ysbyty.

Pan adawodd metron ddadleuol Guy’s, Margaret Burt, ei swydd yn 1882, penodwyd Victoria yn ei lle. Dangosodd Victoria ymroddiad i hyfforddi nyrsys yn ffurfiol ac roedd yn un o arloeswyr y mudiad i’w cofrestru nhw.

Chwaraeodd Victoria ran ganolog yn creu’r genhedlaeth gyntaf o nyrsys wedi’u hyfforddi’n broffesiynol.

Dilynodd sawl merch o Gaerfyrddin Victoria i Guy’s a thrwy ei hargymhelliad y cafodd o leiaf dwy o’r metronau cyntaf a benodwyd i Ysbyty Caerfyrddin eu swyddi.

Ar un achlysur o leiaf, galwyd Victoria i’r Old Bailey i gyfieithu ar gyfer tystion oedd yn siarad Cymraeg.

Ymddeolodd yn 1892 gan barhau i fyw yn Llundain tan ei marwolaeth yn 1935 yn 98 mlwydd oed.

Courtesy of Carmarthen Civic Society, Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society and Women’s Archive Wales.