Our Inspirational Women
An exhibition to celebrating local courageous and visionary women in history
Remarkable Stories
Recognising the contributions of women to society throughout history.
This free exhibition will have a very local focus and feature well-known names such as Brenda Fisher, Ethel Stephenson, Margaret Wintringham, Irene Hannington, Joyce Finch, Patricia Hodge, Mary Balders, Sharon Rendle, and many more.
- Waltham Library – 30th April to 31st May
Free to view during library opening hours.
Brenda Fisher
Brenda Fisher broke the World Record for the fastest woman to swim the English Channel in 1951 – completing the swim in 12 hours and 42 minutes. This photograph is from a special Grimsby News Supplement from when she broke this world record. She went on to swim more extremely challenging long-distance swims including the Channel again.
Ethel Stephenson
Ethel Stephenson was a singer and performer – listed in the 1911 census as a music hall artiste. She was a well-known singer in the Grimsby area, so much so that after her marriage to George Hancock (of Hancock’s Amusements on the North Prom), she continued to be known by her maiden name. When she died, it was with the headline that Ethel Stephenson had died, and not the more stereotypical ‘Mrs George Hancock’ title.
Margaret Wintringham
Margaret Wintringham was the second female to take her seat in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament. She represented the Louth constituency from 1921-1924. She fought for and won the seat after a by-election had been called, after the previous MP – her husband – had died suddenly just 3 weeks earlier. She’s photographed here in February 1923 outside Little Grimsby Hall (her residence).
Margaret Larmour
Margaret Larmour was first female Mayor of Grimsby in 1949/50. Her husband was later Mayor as well and Larmour Road, Grimsby (Willows estate) is named after the both of them. Photographed here accompanying Prince Phillip around Grimsby Docks on his visit to the town on the 13th July 1949.
