This guided walk traces the collective resilience of women who shaped London’s economic and political identity, framed by three interwoven themes: the defiance of oppressive systems, the navigation of financial exclusion, and the relentless pursuit of professional equity.

Power: Challenging Structures of Control Women’s resistance to authority spanned centuries, from medieval figures imprisoned for political dissent to suffragettes enduring punitive legislation like the Cat and Mouse Act. Trials at civic hubs revealed their dual roles as both casualties and catalysts of change-whether through forced participation in dynastic conflicts or grassroots campaigns for labor rights. These stories underscore how women weaponised visibility in spaces designed to silence them.

Profit: Subverting Economic Marginalisation Operating within-and often despite-legal constraints, women drove London’s commercial growth through unacknowledged innovation. Medieval entrepreneurs leveraged widowhood to bypass guild restrictions, while 18th-century investors quietly funded institutional pillars like the Bank of England. Victorian clerks, though underpaid, became indispensable to financial infrastructures, proving that women’s labor sustained industries long before they gained recognition.

Progress: Rewriting the Rules Systemic barriers crumbled through decades of strategic advocacy. The 40-year battle to admit the first female Chartered Accountant exemplified institutional gatekeeping, while legislative victories like the 1919 Sex Disqualification Act marked turning points in professional access. These incremental shifts, from boardroom exclusion to near-equal representation, reveal how policy and persistence reshaped workplace norms.

Legacy of Collective Impact
 The interplay of power, profit, and progress forged a blueprint for equity. Women’s contributions, once erased from ledgers and law books, now echo through reformed institutions and cultural attitudes-a testament to their ability to transform adversity into agency.

Book now to explore how ambition and ingenuity rewrote London’s narrative, one defiant stride at a time.

Start: Cannon Street Station Duration: 90 minutes

Pioneering Women in the City Walk Reviews:

Heather (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a very interesting and enjoyable 90 minutes. Jenny was an outstanding guide - very warm and welcoming with an extensive knowledge of the "Pioneering women in the City". She brought all of them to life. Her tales of their endeavours were so well-told that we were hanging on her every word and they are certainly names and stories I will not forget."

Susan (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Who knew that so many extraordinary women were trailblazers over the centuries most of whom we are not even aware of? A thoroughly professional and entertaining walk with Jenny, who obviously enjoyed revealing all the extensive knowledge she has learned about true pioneering women. Highly recommend and Jenny, please continue with the research in order that we can enjoy another fascinating walk focused on other fabulous females!"

Carolyn (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A fascinating and informative walking tour covering the subject -The Pioneering Women in the City. Jenny was a very professional and enthusiastic guide. She was very welcoming , friendly, had an extensive knowledge and great sense of humour, could hear every word she said. I appreciated that she incorporated shady and seated areas for it was very sunny and hot today. I would highly recommend this tour."

Sheila (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The Tour Guide was very informative about the subject and the presentation was good. It was interesting to learn about this subject matter as it is often absent in history. We fully recommend this walk."

Martha (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An excellent walk that really bring hidden history of London out. I would highly recommend you check it out"

Simone (4/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A lively and informative, women-centred walking tour of London’s pioneering, campaigning, and philanthropic women down the ages, from Boudicca to the Suffragettes, with many significant landmarks - and a few ghosts! Our guide presented via a microphone, which made for easy listening on the noisy streets, and there was time for questions and photos; her knowledge and enthusiasm for history brought the past to life in vivid colour. I would thoroughly recommend!"

Andy (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jenny is a fabulous guide. She is very knowledgeable and brought everything and everyone to life. Highly recommended!"

Clive (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely brilliant! Really enjoyed the walk - and I am sure all the others on the walk did too, judging by atmosphere at end. Really interesting talk - really well delivered. I have been on quite a few walks through this part of London over the years but I would rate this tops."

Elizabeth (4/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely wonderful! The guide was so passionate and knowledgeable. She said she could have told 20 more women's stories and I'd happily have listened to them"

Annette Frances (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fascinating talk. Our guide knew her subject and was friendly and clear diction helped my husband to hear."

Julie (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I really enjoyed this walk with Jenny. The City of London is fairly quiet at the weekend so it's a good time to explore. We learnt about women throughout history who didn't get the recognition they deserved. We saw the site of Jonathan's Coffee House which was the original site of the London Stock Exchange, and was told that that London Stock Exchange only allowed female members in 1973! Learnt that the Mansion House had prison cells in it and that Emmeline Pankhurst had been held in one. Also got to hear how the blue police boxes were used which was very interesting. Jenny was able to communicate clearly without needing to use the microphone and was an engaging guide, I would definitely do another one of her walks."