Nottingham’s inspiring historical female figures
This week (#museumweek, #WomenMW) is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many inspiring women from Nottinghamshire. Below are our top three but we encourage you to go out and find all the other many stories from the women of Nottinghamshire!
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)
The computer or mobile you are reading this on owes its technology to this woman. Ada Lovelace was the first computer programmer, she created the first algorithm that recognised the full potential of the Analytical Engine. After this, she continued her strong interest in science and maths, reviewing several of her contemporary’s work. She was also one of the children of the infamous poet, Lord Byron. She is buried at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, down the road in Hucknall.
Elizabeth Hooton (1628-1671)
Elizabeth was the ‘Mother of Quakerism’, she held meetings in her home in Ollerton, the ‘Children of Light’. She travelled to America to preach the Quaker religion and help other Quaker’s who were suffering persecution. Despite being jailed repeatedly for her work in England and in America, she petitioned to the King to stop the persecution, and refused to kneel to him, but walked with him as an equal. He granted that she could have land in Massachusetts to create a safe haven for Quaker’s.
Florence Boot (1863 – 1952)
Florence was an entrepreneur and co- designed the model for Boots the Chemist. She prided herself on championing staff welfare, and worked hard to support female workers in the industry. She gave managerial positions to women, provided classes to continue their education and even came to visit them with cocoa if they had had no breakfast. Both her and her husband, Jesse provided funding for the University of Nottingham, supporting higher education. Their original shop was on Goose Gate in the town centre, and the headquarters still remains in Nottingham today.
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