Women's History

The story of Britain cannot be told without the voices of women – though for centuries, those voices were ignored or silenced. From queens and inventors to activists and everyday heroines, women have shaped every aspect of our national heritage. Yet their stories are still underrepresented: as of 2020, only 14% of London’s Blue Plaques commemorate women.

Exploring women’s history is not just about correcting the record, it’s about understanding how half the population influenced politics, science, art, and culture. This is your guide to discovering that remarkable journey through time.

Why Women’s History Matters

For much of British history, women had little formal status, limited access to education, and few rights. But despite the barriers, they broke boundaries and changed the course of the nation.

The struggle for equality, from education and employment to the right to vote, has defined key moments in British heritage. Recognising these stories helps us see the country’s past with new clarity and celebrates the resilience and brilliance of women who refused to be forgotten.

A Timeline of Women’s History in Britain

British women have been making history for centuries, even when records didn’t recognise it. Some of the most defining moments include:

• 1135 – Empress Matilda is declared heir to the English throne, sparking a civil war over her right to rule.

• 1553 – Lady Jane Grey becomes queen, followed by Mary I – the first woman to reign in her own right.

• 1637 – Amye Everard Ball receives the first English patent granted to a woman.

• 1660 – Margaret Hughes becomes the first professional actress in England.

• 1792 – Mary Wollstonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, a cornerstone of feminist thought.

• 1842 & 1847 – The Mines Act and Factory Act introduce early protections for women and children in industrial workplaces.

• 1867 – The London Society for Women’s Suffrage is founded, laying the groundwork for the suffrage movement.

• 1868 – Women are admitted to British universities for the first time.

Each milestone represents a step toward equality  and a story worth revisiting in the places where history was made.

British Women Who Changed History

From palaces to protest marches, women have been at the heart of Britain’s most transformative moments.

Queens and Monarchs

Powerful rulers like Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Victoria reshaped the monarchy and influenced global politics. Their reigns remind us that leadership and vision have never been limited by gender.

Pioneers and Innovators

Women such as Ada Lovelace, Florence Nightingale, and Rosalind Franklin revolutionised computing, healthcare, and science. Entrepreneurs, educators, and artists followed their lead, forging paths that generations continue to walk today.

Heroes of Conflict and Service

During times of war, women stepped forward as nurses, codebreakers, factory workers, and leaders. Their courage sustained communities and transformed expectations of what women could do in public life.

The Suffragists and Suffragettes: The Fight for the Vote

The right to vote was not given, it was fought for. In the 19th century, women across Britain organised tirelessly for suffrage. Early campaigners, known as suffragists, worked through peaceful protest and petitions, forming groups such as the London and Manchester National Societies for Women’s Suffrage.

When progress stalled, suffragettes led by Emmeline Pankhurst and the Women’s Social and Political Union took a more militant approach by chaining themselves to railings, holding hunger strikes, and enduring imprisonment to demand equality.

Their courage changed the law and the nation. By 1918, women over 30 gained the right to vote, with full voting equality achieved in 1928.

Explore Britain’s Women’s Heritage

Across the UK, you’ll find heritage sites, museums, and memorials that celebrate women’s lives, from the homes of authors and scientists to statues, archives, and blue plaques marking their achievements.

Walk the streets where suffragettes marched, visit the workplaces where women pioneered new industries, and explore historic estates shaped by influential female figures. Each site tells part of the larger story of women’s resilience and innovation.

How You Can Discover More

Use heritage maps, museum trails, and online resources to create your own women’s history itinerary. Visit sites connected to female pioneers, share their stories, and encourage local heritage organisations to shine a light on forgotten heroines.

By celebrating women’s history, we don’t just learn about the past,  we make sure their legacies inspire the future.