[2] Her intelligence and accomplishments were remarkable, as noted by her tutors, and John Ruskin praised her drawing and watercolor skills, inviting her to study at his school.

[2] Margaret was considered more academically successful than her more famous siblings, and in 1886, she tied for first place in England on the women's examination.

In January 1895, she was the first woman to be granted a government concession to excavate in Egypt following recommendation from Edouard Naville.

[2] In addition to her career in archaeology and Egyptology, Margaret Benson was involved in theology and women's higher education.

[3] In 1904, Margaret used this association to set up a bible study lecture series, featuring speakers from the women's branch of King's College at Kensington, which had 292 subscribers in its first year.

Although they are often described as 'friends', it is evident from their written communication that there was more to their relationship:[6] “Oh dearest, I wish I knew the Gaelic language, for I believe you are able to say all sorts of affectionate things in it which English can’t express.

[2] In the next 5 years, she developed the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis, which led her to seek relief in the warm climate of Egypt.

[10] She suffered a severe mental breakdown in 1907, and was treated first in an asylum at St George's Convent, Wivelsfield, Sussex, and from November 1907 to 1912, at The Priory in Roehampton.