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 of the research we carry out and in 2022 published our book ‘Women of Brighton & Hove – An Anthology’. Our book is 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.
For over a hundred years Brighton and Hove has been home to some of the foremost female entertainers in the country. Louise Peskett’s illustrated talk looks at the household names and some of the lesser-known Read more…
We have decided to celebrate International Women’s Week by having a number of events over the course of the month. We will have our usual stall at IWD at the Dome. We will have a Read more…
On Tuesday 7th November we were delighted to be invited again to do the “Tuesday Talks” organised by the The Friends Meeting House in Ship Street. Our theme was “Working women in Brighton & Hove Read more…