The Hackney Society and Hackney History have launched a new book in celebration of the women of Hackney ahead of International Women’s Day 2021.
The book Women from Hackney’s History, which will be published on March 8th, is a compilation of over 100 illustrated biographies of women who have lived, worked, were born or are buried within the Hackney community over six centuries.
“We looked for women who were interested and illustrated the challenges women have faced and the many ways women have taken more control over their lives,” says the book’s editor, Wendy Forrest. “We wanted a rounded view of women’s history that doesn’t show all women as heroines or saints, but includes child murderers and blackmailers too.”
The collection, which features women ranging from 15th-century anti-Cromwellian prophets to 20th-century suffragettes, was written also by an assortment of women based in Hackney.
“I am proud to have been asked to contribute,” said Lil Warren, a film director living in the borough. “Women from Hackney’s History include some of my favourites… I especially love the inclusion of ‘hidden’ contributors to the improvement of lives, [such as] trade union activist Sarah Wesker and educator Susanna Corder.”
Women from Hackney’s History is available for purchase from March 8th for £12 and available for pre-order now.
