Women's History

The social, political and architectural history imprinted in the buildings around us has, in previous centuries, been recorded quite literally, as the story of man.  Even in celebrating individuals, the Society (later Royal Society) of Arts created the blue plaque scheme in 1866 'to increase the public estimation for places which have been the abodes of men who have made England what it is' - though William Ewart, the MP who had first suggested a commemorative plaques scheme several years earlier, preferred to speak of 'celebrated persons'. 

Women's immeasurable contribution to society was often made invisible by their historic lack of social status and confinement to the home. However, women's achievements and experience have left a deep impression on the historic environment. Once revealed, this can help to fill in the gaps left by previous generations' recording of history.

We hope to expand this web page over time to gradually create a useful resource for all those researching women's history.

Buildings that Celebrate Working Women 
Listed buildings that tell us the story of working women at the forefront of a fascinating period of social and technological change.

Women Celebrated by London Blue Plaques
How the blue plaque scheme marks women's contribution to society

Women and Healthcare
Listed Buildings that tell the stories of female doctors, nurses, patients and healthcare pioneers
 

Features coming soon:

• Listed buildings that tell the story of women's education
• What archaeology reveals about women's lives
• Celebrating women architects
• Women's stories from English Heritage's historic properties
• How to use the English Heritage archives to research women's history