I am delighted to report that two more of my ‘Enterprising Women’ have just been recognised with an English Heritage Blue Plaque. For the work of Rhoda and Agnes Garrett is now highlighted, this new plaque joining that of their sister/cousin, Millicent Fawcett, on the outside of their home and business premises, 2 Gower Street, Bloomsbury.
The first published study of their work is detailed in a section headed ‘The Home’ in my Enterprising Women: the Garretts and their circle (2002). Having continued the research in the intervening years, most recent discoveries were revealed in an online talk I gave last month for the Victorian Society. If you are interested it is, I believe, possible to buy a recording.
Thus, Rhoda and Agnes Garrett are now memorialized by two blue plaques, the other being by the gate to their Rustington, Sussex, house, then known as ‘The Firs’. I had the pleasure of unveiling that one in 2018.
And while Blue Plaques are on my mind, I’ll mention that Fanny Wilkinson, entirely forgotten before I made her the subject of the section ‘The Land’ in Enterprising Women, is also now memorialised by two. One is the English Heritage version, on her one-time flat in Bloomsbury
The other is in the garden of her former family home, Middlethorpe Hall, now a delightful hotel. I had the pleasure of giving a talk about Fanny and her work to accompany that unveiling in 2022.
I may say that I initiated none of these commemorations – I just didn’t think to do so – but how delighted I am that the work of these interesting women has touched the imagination of those who launched the four proposals.
And here’s the book that started it all:
330 pages, 75 illustrations £25 +pp (can be ordered directly from me – elizabeth.crawford2017@outlook.com).
Woman and her Sphere 
#1 by teenagetriumphb590aac5ff on March 11, 2025 - 1:59 pm
What a pleasure to read some cheering news! Did you know there’s also a movement afoot to set up a blue plaque to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu at Middlethorpe Hall? She and her baby son lived there for a year of her early married life, with her whole career ahead of her.
All best, Isobel Grundy
#2 by womanandhersphere on March 11, 2025 - 3:04 pm
Well, Lady Mary would grace any building…I’m sure Middlethorpe is being very supportive – everyone there was v keen on Fanny. I remember stopping off there and spending the night about 25 years ago on the way back to London from taking one of my children to Edinburgh University. I had to pluck up courage to mention at the reception desk that I was researching someone who had lived there in the 19th century – thinking they would consider me very quaint, but, no, interest was shown even then – and I was introduced to the head gardener, who was very receptive to info about Fanny Wilkinson. And the rest is history – I’ve actually given two talks there about her. And, Lady Mary trumps FW in every way…. Do let me know what transpires. Best wishes, Elizabeth
#3 by IM Grundy on March 11, 2025 - 4:23 pm
I treated myself to a night there, years and years ago, and enjoyed sitting in the evening listening to clocks tick and trying to tell myself (in defiance of central heating) that not much had changed since 1714. I bought plants from the garden: thank you, Fanny Wilkinson!
Best, Isobel
#4 by Lizzie B on March 11, 2025 - 3:18 pm
That’s great news – and three sisters (plus a cousin) all with their own plaques! Must be a family record?
#5 by womanandhersphere on March 11, 2025 - 4:27 pm
I suspect it may be! E