We start at a Memorial Clock dedicated to a brave local woman councillor and reformer who died young through her work. It’s then the Bow of the Suffragettes, and of two philanthropic sisters who set up an historic nursery school, started what was to become one of greatest charities and began a community hall from where Great War pacifist marches started and where later their friend Gandhi stayed. We head past a statue of Gladstone with women’s blood on its hands, before carrying on to the infamous Bryant & May match factory where a great woman reformer led a successful revolt against terrible conditions. We also see where a famous ex Suffragette fought tirelessly for the poor during the Great War. Victoria Park then beckons, where a huge fountain was built by a woman who was our greatest ever philanthropist. It’s also where a certain Miss Marx used to speak. And you’ll also hear of Hackney women who were radical in the worlds of stage, literature and design.

Start Bow Road underground station
Finish Café in Victoria Park or Pub in South Hackney village or Hackney Wick station
Shorter alternative – avoid finishing at Hackney Wick