The Australian Women's Register

Louisa Wales directed a number of evangelical missions in England before migrating to New South Wales in 1884 to join George E. Ardill’s Blue Ribbon Gospel Army. Once in Australia, she joined the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and travelled throughout New South Wales promoting temperance and campaigning for women’s suffrage. On 8 September 1885 she married George Ardill and joined in his evangelistic endeavours. She was an active member of the Sydney Rescue Work Society, and co-editor of its magazine, The Rescue.

Louisa Ardill became matron-superintendent of the Home of Hope for Fallen Women. Based in Sydney, it was connected with the Home Training School and Lying-in Hospital, where Louisa – who held a Diploma of the London Obstetrical Society – ran training courses for midwives. The home was renamed the South Sydney Women’s Hospital in 1905.

George and Louisa Ardill had two children: Dr Katie Ardill-Brice and George E. Ardill, Junior.