It’s magical to spot a blue plaque on a building – someone of note lived or worked on the very street where you now stand! But chances are the plaque is dedicated to a man – of the 900 or so English Heritage blue plaques, only 14% are for women. With calls for this to be redressed, here are six who do have them, and richly deserve the honour.
Violette Szabo (1921-1945)
Burnley Road, Stockwell
In 1944, aged 23, and a widow with a child, Violette was sent to occupied France as a secret agent. She worked with resistance groups until captured. Brutally interrogated, she refused to speak and was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she was executed. She was posthumously awarded the George Cross in 1947 for her bravery, accepted by her daughter Tania, then aged four.
Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991)
Long Acre, Covent Garden
This story is from the February 11, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 11, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing