Old records mostly wrote about men: kings, lords and priests. That doesn't mean women weren't here! These are women connected to Chertsey that we know about. Can you find out about more?
SF
Sibille the ferry-woman
1300
Worked on the river here
In 1300 she was paid three shillings to carry King Edward I across the Thames: the first recorded crossing of the river at Chertsey.
E
Queen Elizabeth I
Helped the town's poor
She gave the money from market stalls and fairs in Chertsey to the town's poor.
MG
Mary Giles
died 1841
Left money to the town
When she died in 1841, she left nearly £4,000 to help Chertsey's poor.
EB
Ethel Boyce
1863–1936
Born and lived here
A composer, pianist and teacher. She was born in Chertsey and lived there.
ML
Margaret Longhurst
1882–1958
Born here
A museum curator and expert in Italian sculpture and ivories at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She was the first woman to be a keeper in a major British museum. She was born in Chertsey.
OM
Olive Matthews
Gave her collection to the museum
In 1969 she gave her collection of around 3,000 pieces of costume to Chertsey Museum. It's a collection of national importance.
Sir William Perkins's school was started in 1725 for boys and girls. Today it's an independent girls' school.