We start at a charming old Memorial Clock dedicated to a local Suffragette and Councillor, and explain why it’s there. It’s then on to the Bow of the East London Federation of Suffragettes, which is also the Bow of a couple of philanthropic sisters who set up an historic nursery school and a community hall, both still here today, where their friend Gandhi stayed during his visit to London. We then head past a statue of Gladstone and explain why he has blood on his hands, before carrying on to the infamous Bryant & May match factory where a great Victorian woman reformer led a revolt against the terrible conditions there. We’re then in the Bow of a famous ex Suffragette, who fought tirelessly for the local poor here during the Great war. It’s time to leave Bow’s urban landscape for the greenery and space of Victoria Park, where a huge fountain is the closest thing we have to a memorial to a Victorian woman who was the world’s greatest ever philanthropist. And whilst in the park you’ll also hear of several other famous women from across the park in Hackney, who were all radical in the very different worlds of literature, design and the stage.

Start Bow Road underground station
Finish Café in Victoria Park or a pub in South Hackney village or Hackney Wick station