To celebrate International Women’s Day we invited our levy payers to join Jane Duffus, Bristol-based author of The Women Who Built Bristol books, for a special guided tour through time to discuss some of the extraordinary – but lesser known – stories of amazing women who lived and worked Bristol. The sold out event saw people who live and work in Bristol city centre brave the first dusting of snow in the city this year to walk through Queen Square, the Old City and stop off at the Bristol Beacon.
Events
International Women’s Day: The Women Who Built Bristol
Find out what we learnt during our International Women's Day Walking Tour.
08/03/2023
BID Lead
Sabrina Shutter
HERE’S A SNIPPET OF WHAT WE LEARNT…
SARAH GUPPY
Sarah Guppy was the first woman to patent a bridge in 1811 and was involved in the earlier designs of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. She was appreciated by Brunel but not truly recognised for the talented engineer that she was.
Vera Holme and Elsie Howie
In May 1989, sister suffragettes snuck into Bristol Beacon, formerly known as Colston Tower, and hid inside a large organ overnight before a political address by a Liberal MP who did not want women to get the vote. During the meeting hey shouted ‘votes for women’ which echoed through the organ, confusing the men.
SARAH SIDDONS
Once the top performing artist at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, previously known as the Bristol Theatre Royal. Sarah Siddons acted here periodically between 1779 and 1808, earning up to £3 a week. Some believe that she continues to haunt the theatre.
Throughout the year we offer a range of free Love Our Levy Payers events for employees of levy paying businesses, ranging from walking tours to fitness classes and much more. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our upcoming lunchtime events. If you’re not sure whether or not your business is a levy payer, please get in touch.
