A quiet life of extraordinary service

When we began researching our exhibition Dr Roberts -“A Poor Man’s Friend“, one small detail in an old book led us to another remarkable West Bay story.

The book, A Methodist Doctor of Ye Olden Time, was written about the life of Dr Giles Roberts. Its author explained that he hoped the story would “win the attention and stimulate the minds of young people in the struggle of life.”

The book was dedicated to Mrs Mary Ann Cox.

While the pages were passing through the press, Mary Ann died. The author wrote that she had “shrank from everything that would lead to notoriety”, but believed that her life was so noble that it deserved to stand alongside the story of Dr Roberts.

Today, we have not yet found a photograph or portrait of Mary Ann. Yet the words written about her after her death give us a remarkable picture of the woman she was.

A member of the Cox family

Mary Ann was the wife of Elias Cox and daughter-in-law of John Cox, members of the Cox family whose shipyard was an important part of life at Bridport Harbour. The Cox family also built the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at West Bay, which opened in 1849 and is now home to West Bay Discovery Centre. Mary Ann’s connection with the chapel was therefore deeply personal. She was part of the Methodist community that worshipped there and devoted much of her life to serving the people of West Bay.

A friend to children

Mary Ann had a particular love for children. For as long as her health permitted, she was Superintendent of the West Bay Sunday School. When illness eventually prevented her from attending, she continued to take a deep interest in the children she had taught.

Children would visit her at home at Dorset House, where she provided them with monthly magazines. She received letters from former pupils expressing their gratitude for the good they had received under her care. The Methodist Times recorded: “Her love for children knew no bounds.”

Caring for the people of the sea

Mary Ann had been brought up by the sea and developed a deep affection for those who worked on it.She cared particularly for coastguards, sailors and fishermen, doing everything she could to help and encourage them.

As long as her health permitted, she visited the vessels entering and leaving West Bay harbour, taking reading material and other gifts for the sailors. The obituary records: “No vessel ever entered or left the port without a visit from her as long as strength permitted.”

Her work did not stop at the harbour. Mary Ann was also a regular visitor to the sick and made sure that the poor and afflicted received her attention. When failing health finally prevented her from coninuing she arranged for others to make the visits in her place.

The Methodist Times remembered her simply: “In her, the poor and afflicted had a constant friend.”

A life without notoriety

Mary Ann did not seek fame. Indeed, the author of A Methodist Doctor of Ye Olden Time specifically noted that she “shrank from everything that would lead to notoriety.” Her contribution was made quietly – through countless acts of kindness, encouragement and practical help. Perhaps that is why her story is so easily overlooked.

She did not invent a famous medicine like Dr Roberts. She did not become celebrated for scientific discoveries. Instead, her influence can be found in the people she helped: the children she taught, the sailors she visited, the sick people she cared for and the families who knew they could turn to her.

A community says goodbye

Mary Ann died on 4 February 1902, aged 84. She was buried at Eype beside her husband, Elias. The affection in which she was held was clear. Flags flew at half-mast at West Bay and blinds were drawn as a mark of respect.

Perhaps the most touching part of the funeral was the presence of the children of the Sunday School. The Methodist Times described how the children and their teachers followed Mary Ann’s coffin to the church and then to her grave.At the graveside, they sang “Rock of Ages.”

It is difficult to imagine a more fitting farewell for a woman who had devoted so much of her life to those children.

Remembering Mary Ann Cox

We may not have a photograph of Mary Ann to show you. But through the words of those who knew her, we can begin to see the person behind the name. She was a wife, aunt, Methodist, Sunday School superintendent, Temperance worker, friend to sailors and fishermen, visitor to the sick and supporter of the poor. And she was part of a family whose story is woven into the very building in which West Bay Discovery Centre now stands. More than 120 years after her death, her story still has something to say about the people and community of West Bay.

Can you help us find Mary Ann?

We would love to know more.

Do you have a photograph of Mary Ann Cox, her family or Dorset House? Do you have memories, documents or family stories connected with the Cox family or the early Methodist community at West Bay? If you can add anything to Mary Ann’s story, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This story was discovered during research for our exhibition, Dr Roberts -“A Poor Man’s Friend, at West Bay Discovery Centre.