The scientist who got stuck in a giant spider's web

Evelyn Cheesman was a pioneering scientist who faced many challenges in her life. Born in 1881 in Westwell, near Ashford in Kent, she was the middle child in a family of five. From a young age, Evelyn had a deep fascination with nature. She would often venture into her garden with her beloved Collie dog, Shep, to hunt for glow worms and snails. Her mother was often horrified when Evelyn brought her findings into the house. Despite the disapproval, Evelyn's passion for the natural world only grew stronger. She aspired to become a veterinarian and applied to the Royal Veterinary College. However, she faced rejection simply because she was a woman. Even when she tried to apply under a male pseudonym, the college recognized her handwriting and denied her again. This was a reflection of the societal prejudices against women in science during that time. In 1917, Evelyn's perseverance paid off when she became the first keeper of insects at the London Zoo. This was a significant achievement, as it was uncommon for women to hold such positions in the scientific community. At the zoo, she worked diligently to expand the insect collection, often seeking out bugs that arrived with fruit at Covent Garden. Evelyn's adventurous spirit led her on many expeditions, including one to Gorgona Island in Colombia. During this trip, she encountered a giant spider's web and found herself trapped for over an hour. Using a nail file, she managed to cut herself free, showcasing her resourcefulness and bravery. Evelyn was also known for her extensive travels to the South Pacific, where she visited eight times. On one of her trips to Malekula, an island in Vanuatu, she was asked to select a gift for King George V. She chose a spear that was three times her height, but it was later discovered to be tipped with the poison strychnine, leading the King to refuse the gift. Sarah Lonsdale, who wrote a book titled 'Wildly Different,' was inspired by Evelyn's remarkable life and her collection of 42,000 insects. Lonsdale admired Evelyn's determination and passion for her work, noting that even in her sixties, she was still climbing cliffs in Papua New Guinea wearing her old school lacrosse shoes. Evelyn Cheesman's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in science, and it encourages us to pursue our passions despite the obstacles we may face.