Reading

A socialist, trade unionist, educator and peace campaigner, born in Reading in 1887. She became Mayor of Reading in November 1946, and in 1947 she travelled to Düsseldorf in Germany. She set up the Reading-Düsseldorf Association to keep up the link between the two places.

She married John of Gaunt at Reading Abbey in 1359, one of the important state events the abbey hosted.

The novelist Jane Austen was one of the pupils at the Reading Ladies' Boarding School, which used the Abbey Gateway in the late 18th century.

A Quaker, educator, writer and pacifist, born in Reading in 1883. From 1937 to 1946 she was joint chair of the international headquarters of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

A historian of the Middle Ages. She went to The Abbey School in Reading, and in 1912 started at University College, Reading, riding there from Woodley on her bicycle. She later taught there, and died in Reading in 1971.

An artist, illustrator and teacher, born in Reading. In the Second World War she recorded women's work on the home front, especially the Women's Land Army. She was the only woman working for the War Artists' Advisory Committee on a full-time salary.

A novelist and short-story writer, born in Reading in 1912. She went to The Abbey School in Reading. Her 1971 novel Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

An actress, born in Reading on 5 October 1975. Her grandparents ran the Reading Repertory Theatre Company. She has won an Academy Award, and starred in the film Titanic (1997).