A former teacher, she wore many different caps during her 101 years including that of a botanist, conservationist and historian.

Born on August 6, 1923 in Gloucestershire, Dr Hadman lived on a farm in the Cotswolds which had been bought by her parents after the First World War.

In her last year at school, she was awarded Victor Ludorum for her sporting efforts and received good results in the Higher National School Certificate.

Ruth Hadman getting her PhD (Image: Courtesy of family)

She wanted to pursue her studies at university, at a time when women rarely went there, and went on to be offered places at Oxford and King’s College in London to study botany.

Unfortunately, her parents could not afford Oxford fees so she went to King’s College where she was offered a scholarship.

Soon after starting her degree in London, the German bombing became so bad that the college moved to Bristol.

She took many exams during air raids and excelled in the course.

She decided to take her PhD........

© Eastern Daily Press