We research, collect and where possible, publish information on the historic contribution of women and girls to the life and heritage of Brighton and Hove.
We facilitate public events that mark and celebrate women’s history in Brighton, along with important campaigns such as the Mary Clarke Statue Appeal.
We encourage others to celebrate women’s history and advise and assist the Council and other local bodies, as appropriate.
We are proud to announce our new book, ‘Women of Brighton and Hove – An Anthology-Volume 2’ (2025) which covers woman and work based on research carried out by BHWHG. This follows on from our first volume published in 2022 ‘Women of Brighton & Hove – An Anthology’. Both our books are available to buy at various events we attend and talks that we give. In the meantime, please visit our Notable Women section to read about some of these fabulous women!
Jenny first became interested in women’s history while researching her own family history. The women’s histories were always more difficult to uncover, so she joined to help others to discover the invisible lives of women in Brighton & Hove. In her spare time she enjoys exploring the eateries of our city & discovering new cousins through her research.
Maria has a background in Art History and Cultural Studies, and is also a member of her local history group, currently researching the people who lived in the local area years ago. Maria loves history and is keen to encourage others to develop their academic and research skills. In her spare time she enjoys reading, painting, gardening and spending time with her family.
Valerie joined the group at the invitation of its founder, Jean Calder in 2018. She became Joint Chair, with Helen Waddup - together they had already founded a University of the Third Age, called "U3A Brunswick Westward." Valerie currently volunteers in the Family History Group's room at "The Keep" in Stanmer, where East Sussex Archives, and the Mass Observations Archives, are available to the public.
Gerry is a feminist historian who taught Women's Studies and Life History at the University of Sussex. She has published work on Women's Suffrage, Women's Trade Unions and working women's lives. She is also a Director of QueenSpark Books which publishes many local history books. Her other interests include playing the piano, the arts and working in her allotment and garden.
Miranda has a background in social anthropology and social work. As a Brightonian she has always had a keen interest in local history. Since joining BHWHG, she has been researching working women who moved to Brighton in the late 19th century from a feminist perspective.
She also updates BHWHG’s website. Miranda enjoys painting, the arts, cycling and spending time with her newly born granddaughter.
Sue joined BHWHG in 2022, and leads the Blue Plaque working group, which successfully supported a plaque for Mary Hare in 2024. She also created the Brighton Notable Women’s Walk and wrote many of the biographies of individuals which can be found elsewhere on our website.
Clare has lived in Brighton for over 40 years and has long been interested in the history of the lives of working women. She is involved with two charities in the city and enjoys art, reading, walking on the Downs and researching her family history.
It is with great sadness that our friend and BHWHG member Valerie Mainstone has passed away. Valerie joined BHWHG at the invitation of its founder Jean Calder in 2018. Valerie became Joint Chair with Helen Read more
This new walk celebrates a wide range of Brighton women from the theatrical, medical and legal professions, businesswomen, campaigners and reformers, and a secret agent. Many were involved in the fight for women’s rights, and the walk Read more
BHWHG has campaigned successfully with the Theatre Royal for a blue plaque for theatre manager Ellen Nye Chart, which will be unveiled in June 2026. More information on Ellen Nye can be found on our Read more