Gail Golding Introduces You to the Women Who Helped Build Putney
New guided walk to uncover forgotten local 'herstory'
Gail Golding heading up another walk
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May 11, 2026
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a new guided walk is set to reveal a different side of the area by highlighting the lives of women who have been sidelined by history. This event is organised and led by Gail Golding, an accredited Lambeth Tour Guide who aims to celebrate the resilience and determination of women with significant connections to the district.
The tour focuses on local pioneers who overcame various obstacles to make their mark on society. Participants will discover how Grace Fanner became the headmistress of the County Secondary School after being refused a university degree simply because she was a woman.
The walk also shares the story of Eileen Lecky, who established the first infant welfare centre in Putney during a time when women were still denied the right to vote. Another fascinating figure included is Anna Larpent, who documented daily life in her fifty-seven-year diary while participating in the decision-making process for licensing plays for the stage.
The narrative extends to women whose influence reached wider society, such as the author Mary Shelley. Her move to Putney followed a life often marked by tragedy and the publication of her famous book, Frankenstein.
Visitors will also learn about Ethel Smyth, who went on to compose the official Suffragette anthem despite her family's intense opposition to her musical studies. The tour further highlights Mary Hazard, who battled her family to pursue nurse training and eventually became one of the longest-serving nurses in the history of the National Health Service.
Tickets for the walk cost £10 and must be booked in advance. Then neet outside Putney Station on the High Street at 10:30am on Sunday 24 May. There is a repeat session on Friday 29 May.
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