Unearth the untold narratives of London's most extraordinary women with the 'Female Pioneers of the City Walking Tour', meticulously guided by City of London tour guide Rebecca Couper. This 90-minute journey will shed light on the fascinating chronicles often overlooked in the traditional male-centred narrative of the iconic square mile and answer the question, where were all the women?
Kickstart your exploration with 'Boudicca's Ashes' at Poultry, where you'll stand on an archaeological trove bearing evidence of Boudicca's fiery revenge on Londinium. This archaeological epicentre hums with stories hidden within the soil and the remnants of the past.
Venture into the financial heartland to uncover the saga of the unsung female investors of the 1720s. From triumphant successes to devastating failures with the South Sea Company, these tales will reveal that financial prowess is not solely held by the famed Lady of the Bank.
Take a moment to honour Mary Harris Smith, London's first female chartered accountant, whose trailblazing path became the beacon for others to follow. Dive into the entrepreneurial world of the 1800s, walking the footsteps of the Sleep Sisters along Cheapside. Despite their prosperous fan shops, their charm seemingly evaded Jane Austen.
Inside the city's oldest secular building, feel the strength and determination of Suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst and civil rights campaigner Annie Besant, who stood for themselves in court. Their stories encapsulate the resilience and spirit of the women of their time.
Pause in one of the city's secret parks, paying respects to the heroic Alice Ayers, whose self-sacrifice saved children from a burning building. Explore the tales woven into the ruins of a Wren church, where tranquillity is only skin-deep. The accounts of female ghosts and three buried Queens add a dramatic backdrop to the otherwise serene garden.
Marvel at Lady Meux's resilience, a banjo-playing barmaid who ensured the survival of a city gatehouse. Step back into the Elizabethan era in a bustling churchyard where Emilia Bassario, an author of stinging religious poetry, might have captured the attention of Shakespeare himself.
Finally, stand where Elizabeth Fry did in the central criminal court, the predecessor of the notorious Newgate Prison. Her horror and shock propelled a campaign for prison reform that transformed countless lives.
This tour reveals the hidden figures and unsung heroes of London's female-focussed history. From ancient warriors to influential entrepreneurs, heroines, and campaigners, their narratives contribute to London's rich tapestry. Come along with Rebecca Couper to experience a side of the City of London you've never known before, appreciating the remarkable legacy left by these pioneering women.
Start: Cannon Street Station
Duration: 90 minutes
