We’ve all heard of gun runners, drug runners, booze runners, ciggy runners, and so on. A friend of mine even told me of his tee-total, staunch Methodist, aged great uncle whose weekly ‘running’ consisted of taking a bottle of Irish Whiskey to his equally aged, though...
Audrey Hepburn remains an enduring symbol of grace, beauty, and humanity. Born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, Hepburn's rise from her modest beginnings to become a Hollywood legend and a compassionate humanitarian is a story of inspiration and nostalgia....
The Blackpool Tramway is a British icon, one of the oldest electric tram systems in the world and a symbol of Blackpool's rich history. Stretching along the Lancashire coastline, the network has been intrinsically tied to Blackpool's evolution as a beloved seaside...
The Trafford Centre, nestled in Greater Manchester, England, stands as one of the United Kingdom's premier shopping and leisure destinations. Its journey through time is a fascinating story of persistence and evolution. Let's take a closer look at how this iconic...
You are going to be disappointed if you think this article might be a review for a new movie in the Iron Man Franchise from Marvel Studios. Our iron man isn’t Robert Downey Jr. It is in fact Freddie Steele who became one of Port Vale’s most loved and respected...
A Royal Beginning (1844) Manchester Victoria Station opened its doors on January 1, 1844, marking the start of what would become a long and storied history. It holds the distinction of being the first station in the UK to be named “Victoria,” thanks to the special...
Douglas Earle Marshall, Locomotive, Carriage & Wagon Superintendent of the London Brighton & South Coast Railway was on a roll. The company was pleased with the success of his I3 class 4-4-2 tank engines, so much so that Douglas was given free reign to design...
In this case the last loco was not some last of its class high-performance main line express engine that once grabbed the headlines but a lowly tank locomotive that attracted little attention. On week ending 16 February 1952, British Railways officially withdrew...
In the mid-'90s, Manchester was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the British music scene, pulsing with the energy of a new generation of bands ready to take on the world. Among them, one band emerged like a lightning bolt, electrifying not just the...
The Second World War was a period of profound upheaval for the United Kingdom, not only on the battlefields but also on the home front. As bombs fell and men went off to fight, the people left behind faced a different kind of challenge: making do with less. Rationing,...
The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a landmark moment in British history, granting suffrage to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications.
This pivotal act opened the door to political empowerment and representation, setting the stage for the remarkable contributions of women in British politics over the past century. From trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings to modern-day pioneers advocating for equality, the following ten women have indelibly shaped British politics.
In 1919, Nancy Astor became the first woman to take a seat in the House of Commons, representing the Conservative Party for Plymouth Sutton. Astor’s tenure was characterized by her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights. Despite facing significant opposition, she remained a steadfast figure in British politics, paving the way for future generations of women MPs.
Margaret Bondfield broke new ground as the first female Cabinet Minister in the UK, serving as Minister of Labour in Ramsay MacDonald’s Labour government from 1929 to 1931. A former trade union leader, Bondfield championed workers’ rights and social reform, laying the groundwork for the welfare state.
One of the most influential Labour politicians of the 20th century, Barbara Castle held several key positions, including Minister of Transport and Secretary of State for Employment. Castle was instrumental in passing the Equal Pay Act of 1970, a landmark legislation that sought to eliminate wage disparity based on gender, a battle still ongoing today.
Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady,” was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, holding office from 1979 to 1990. Thatcher’s tenure was marked by her strong conservative policies, economic reforms, and a distinctive leadership style that left a lasting legacy on both British and global politics. Her tenure remains a topic of heated debate, but her influence is undeniable.
A founding member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shirley Williams was a prominent political figure who served as a Labour MP before co-founding the SDP in 1981. Williams was a passionate advocate for education and social justice, known for her efforts to reform and modernize the British education system.
Betty Boothroyd made history in 1992 when she became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons. Renowned for her impartiality, authority, and wit, Boothroyd served with distinction until 2000, setting a precedent for women in parliamentary roles traditionally dominated by men.
Diane Abbott broke significant ground as the first black woman elected to the House of Commons in 1987. A Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Abbott has been a vocal advocate for social justice, equality, and education. Her career has been marked by her steadfast commitment to her constituents and her trailblazing role in increasing diversity within British politics.
Theresa May served as the UK’s second female Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019. Her tenure was dominated by the challenges of Brexit, where she sought to navigate the complex political landscape to deliver a deal for the UK. May’s prior role as Home Secretary was noted for her efforts in tackling immigration and advocating for national security.
As the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the first woman to serve as First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable force in UK politics. Since taking office in 2014, Sturgeon has championed Scottish independence, gender equality, and social justice, significantly shaping Scotland’s political landscape.
Priti Patel, the first woman of Indian descent to hold the office of Home Secretary, has been a prominent figure in the Conservative Party. Known for her tough stance on immigration and crime, Patel’s career highlights the evolving face of British politics, reflecting its increasing diversity and the broadening participation of women from various ethnic backgrounds.
From Nancy Astor’s groundbreaking entry into Parliament to the diverse representation seen today, the journey of women in UK politics has been one of resilience, determination, and monumental achievements. Each of these women, in their unique ways, has contributed to shaping the political landscape of the UK, advocating for policies that strive to create a more equitable and just society. As we reflect on a century of progress, it is clear that the contributions of women in British politics will continue to inspire and lead future generations towards a more inclusive and representative political system.
Andy is the Editor of iNostalgia and is a regular contributor the exploring history & nostalgia category, with a love for community nostalgia.
