Women on the Waters' Edge - Tales from Thameside

For two thousand years, the Thames has been the lifeblood of London. Though seen as an exclusively male domain, a few enterprising women have broken through that barrier. They lived and worked on and around the river, challenging the male industries and monopolies.

You will hear about the first queens of England who controlled the port, the ordinary women who worked hard to make an independent living as well as early international celebrities – the world-famous Thames swimmers.

Also, you will hear about how women were able eventually to break into some of the male-dominated professions, such as the wine trade, and how they fought alongside their men-folk for workers’ rights and recognition.

Meeting point: Outside Blackfriars Station.

End Point: Trinity House, Tower Hill.