Nautical Woman – Women sailors and the women of sailortowns

Bristol Central Library – Lunchtime talks – Foyer – Book Here

The book explores the stories of women whose lives were inextricably linked to the sea. These include the women of sailortowns, like Bristol, who were struggling to keep out of the dreaded workhouse and resisting the prowling press gangs. Also, the courageous and skilful cross-dressing women sailors, some from 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 their adventures and inevitable exposure.