Baroness Jennie Lee was born in Lochgelly, Fife, in November 1904.
Daughter of James Lee, a miner and local branch leader of the Independent Labour Party, her interest in politics began at an early age.
When her family moved to Cowdenbeath, the young Jennie became friends with the owner of a local bookshop, where she read books on socialism.
She later continued her education at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied for her degree in Education and Law.
During her time at Edinburgh, she regularly made speeches on the Mound in Princes Street, discussing socialism and arguing the case for equality for women.