Podcast: The famous 'pig-faced woman' of Dublin was a 1700s trailblazer

Working with artisans, builders, doctors and notable figures in Dublin society, Grizelda Steevens' work provided the first freely available medical treatment to the city’s poor

The Irishwoman's Diary: The hospital Grizelda Steevens founded is home to the HSE today.

Calling women pigs has been a trope to bring down women throughout history.

The famous ‘pig-faced woman’ of Dublin was a trailblazer — in the 1700s Grizelda Steevens set up Ireland’s first public hospital using an inheritance from her twin brother.

Working with artisans, builders, doctors and notable figures in Dublin society, her work provided the first freely available medical treatment to the city’s poor.

The hospital she founded is home to the HSE today.