Life Lessons from Historical Women

Take a tour of the past and uncover stories of the women whose lives and achievements have shaped our modern world. Comedian and author Eleanor Morton celebrates the not so-ordinary women whose decisions and accomplishments in their everyday lives resonate with us today. Whether its what we can learn from the first woman to summit Everest, or the trailblazing ladies who confirm that pockets have always been must-have in women’s clothing, this event will celebrate the women whose actions inspire purpose, creativity and rebellion today. Joining Eleanor for this discussion is author Louise Raw, and YouTube historian J Draper.

Eleanor Morton is a Scottish stand-up comedian, writer and actor who started performing stand-up when she was 18 years old. Eleanor is well known for her online sketch characters like Craig the Tourguide, which have gained her fans such as Patton Oswalt, Michael McKean and Taika Waititi. She wrote and recorded a show for BBC R4, ‘The Rest of Us’, with Welsh comic Esyllt Sears and Northern Irish comic Mary Flanigan, about over looked figures in UK history.

Louise Raw is a Labour historian with a background in the Trade Union movement and political campaigning. She has spoken throughout the world and in the media about her research into the matchwomen’s strike and is the author of Striking a Light The Bryant and May Matchwomen and their Place in History. She has appeared on television and radio as well as delivering many talks in the local and Union communities.

J. Draper has lived in London for years, studying all the nooks and crannies and little details that even seasoned Londoners sometimes miss. You might know her from TikTok or YouTube (@jdraperlondon), where she teaches fun tidbits about the city’s history. Her book Mavericks: Life stories and lessons of history’s most extraordinary misfits (Watkins) will be released in February 2025.

Eleanor Morton‘s book, Life Lessons from Historical Women, will be available to buy in person from Newham Bookshop on the evening.

Age Recommendation:

All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Price:

Standard £16 • Living Support £11 • Students £11

Access Information

Due to the age and Grade II listing of the building, there is no lift access to rooms above the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Hive Cafe (street access, step-free), There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.

Other events you may be interested in:

Uncovering the History of Women’s Bodies

Know Your Place