As International Women’s Week arrives in York this March, we thought we’d look back into York’s rich history to celebrate the brilliant and diverse female voices that strived hard against all odds — and the forces of patriarchy— to make their mark on our city. From ambitious businesswomen and academy-award-winning actors to the ground-breaking influencers of today, read on to hear everything about the inspirational women who have shaped our city.
Grace White, Stonegate (1720s)
As the only northern city with an official license to print, seventeenth-century York had one of the most important printing industries in the country. When John White — one of the city’s most prominent printers— passed away and left half of his printing business to his wife Grace, she had all the tools she needed to pioneer the creation of York’s first-ever newspaper! The York Mercury was sold from York to Hull and printed on her own press in Coffee Yard, Stonegate.
Ann Ward, Coney Street (1759-1789)
Similarly to Grace White, Ann Ward also inherited a sizable printing business at the death of her husband. Ward managed what was one of the largest printing operations anywhere in the region for 30-years. One of her first actions was to publish two volumes of Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne in 1759 — a seminal English novel that is still taught in universities around the world to this day.
Annie Coultate – Melbourne Street, York (1910s)
Annie was one of the founders of York’s WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) that organised meetings, gave out leaflets, and sold the Votes For Women newspaper, helping raise vital funds for the cause of women’s suffrage. She was also an instrumental local figure in the movement to evade the 1911 National Census.
Dame Judi Dench, Heworth. (1934- present).
Judi Dench may have made her name in the Royal Shakespeare Company and Hollywood, but she was actually born in Heworth! After starring in the York Mystery Plays in the Museum Gardens in the 1950s, she later won a place at the London Central School of Speech and Drama, after which superstardom would await! Today, a walk at the bottom of Lendal Tower is named after Judi Dench — to remind all passers-by that the 1998 Academy Award winner is one of our own!
Your Local Link Alumni:
Jo Burnham,
After starting out as YLL’s Editorial and Features Assistants, Jo has built a hugely successful career in the creative arts sector. With years of experience in digital marketing at various festivals and theatres up and down the country, Jo is now a leading voice on everything AI. She helps to train and guide arts organisations and creatives to confidently explore AI tools.
Beth Sissons,
Formerly a columnist at Your Local Link, Beth is now a director at London-based PR agency Hotwire.
In 2017 Beth was named in PR Week magazine’s 30 under 30 for her industry-leading work in PR and communications.
Jessica Ruth Gibson
Born in York and another of Your Local Link’s alumni, Jessica has built a huge following over the past ten years working as a freelance travel writer.
Gini Guttery
We couldn’t complete this list without mentioning that YLL was founded by and is still run by women! Over the past two decades, they have made Your Local Link into nothing less than York’s biggest influencer and publisher. The magazine is delivered to all 91,000 homes and businesses in the city every month.
Historical dates and information were acquired from Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington Local History Society and from York St John’s University.
For the latest news in York, head to www.yourlocallink.co.uk.
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