This talk explores the stories of women whose lives were inextricably linked to the sea. These include the women of sailortowns struggling to keep out of the dreaded workhouse and resisting the prowling press gangs; and of the courageous and skilful cross-dressing women sailors, some of Bristol, who went to extraordinary lengths to hide their gender.
The stories of these women challenge our stereotypes of women in earlier societies and reveal the courage of those who ‘ran away to sea’ by exposing their struggles against poverty. Rosemary will discuss these women’s motivation as well as their adventures and inevitable exposure.
Event details
Date: , 2026
Time:
Venue: Meadow Vale Community Centre, BS5 7RF
With: Rosemary L Caldicott
Series: Miscellaneous 2026
Note: This event was not organised by BRHG.
Is the meeting being recorded or is there any other way I can access the information. I live in Aotearoa New Zealand and I’m extremely interested in this history, partly because some of my ancestors with curious names hailed from Bristol, and also because it is a fascinating history! Thank you Rosemary L. Caldicott.