our women of Dorset

Researchers Unearthed:

Juthwara - a 14th century Saint, from Halstock

Marina Russell - a folk singer, from Corscombe

An Iron Age Woman - human sacrifice, from Winterborne Kingston

Thizra Jefford - a prisoner, from Dorset County gaol

Violet Cross - awarded a British Medal, from Hazelbury Bryan

Chrissie Squire - sent decorated eggs to France, from Chideock

Mary Frances Billington - a pioneering journalist, from Wimborne

Elizabeth Jesty - first woman to be vacinated, from Yetminster

Alice Russell - 15th century woman who bought land, from Weymouth

Hilda Coles - museum creator, from Winborne Minster

Lilian Bader - one of the first Black women to join The RAF

Caroline Norton - feminist and social reformer

Our Research Team

This project wouldn't be possible without our fantastic volunteer Research Team! In March 2025, a workshop was held at the Dorset History Centre. Researchers were taught to navigate records and given training to use online archives. Since then, they have been uncovering incredible stories to give people of today an insight into some fantastic women from our county.

With thanks to: Penny Cake, Anna Doherty, Alison Fox, Caroline Powell, Maddie Duke, Barabra Jenkins, Susannah Kipling, Sue McGarel, Karen Whillier, Perwina Whitmore, Caron White, Elayne Morris, Sonia Morris and Cath Rothman.