40% think women had less impact on history than men

A new survey commissioned by English Heritage has revealed that 40% of people think women have not impacted history as much as men. The news comes on the first day of Women’s History Month, as the charity announces a programme of activities encouraging the public to explore women’s historic legacy.

English Heritage has announced a call for more women to be honoured with Blue Plaques. Currently only 13% of 902 Blue Plaques commemorate women. English Heritage has called upon the public to nominate more women to be honoured with one of the iconic blue roundels.

In addition, the charity is launching a new online resource highlighting significant female figures from the past, as well as in-depth contributions from leading historians including Tracey Borman, Bettany Hughes and Suzannah Lipscomb, alongside discussions and content on social media.

Anna Eavis, Curatorial Director for English Heritage says: “Since English Heritage took over the Blue Plaques scheme in 1986 we have unveiled more than 70 plaques commemorating women, (61% of the total number) but with the scheme entirely reliant on public nominations we’re hoping that the public can help us continue to celebrate the incredible impact of women such as Mary Seacole, Violette Szabo and Ada, Countess of Lovelace.”

To view the Women’s History Month online hub, visit english-heritage.org.uk/visit/special-interest/women-in-history. Get involved with social media activity on English Heritage’s Twitter and Facebook pages.