Old records mostly wrote about men: kings, lords and priests. That doesn't mean women weren't here! These are women connected to Oxford that we know about. Can you find out about more?
EM
Empress Matilda
Based her campaign here
In the war for the throne called the Anarchy, she came to Oxford in 1141 and based her campaign at the castle, where King Stephen besieged her in 1142.
IP
Isis Pogson
1852–1945
Born here
An astronomer and meteorologist, and one of the first women elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. She was born in Oxford.
DS
Dorothy L. Sayers
1893–1957
Born and studied here
A crime novelist, playwright and translator. She was born in Oxford and studied at Somerville College, Oxford, graduating with first-class honours in medieval French.
JP
Jacqueline du Pré
1945–1987
Born here
A cellist, widely regarded as one of the leading cellists of the 20th century. She was born in Oxford.
FP
Florence Pugh
born 1996
Born here
An actress, nominated for an Academy Award. She was born in Oxford.
ST
Sarah Thomas
Ran the Bodleian
She was Bodley's Librarian from 2007 to 2013, the first woman to hold the position.
👭
In 2014, collectors Micheál and Elizabeth Feller gave the Ashmolean a collection of historic English embroideries.