Three new blue plaques will celebrate women in Chichester’s history

As the group says, there are currently around 20 plaques to men in Chichester but just two to women. The group aims to apply for permission for two or three new plaques every year eventually to even up the numbers with the men.

“And then go beyond!” says Francesca Tambling from the group.

Permission for the latest three has been granted by Chichester City Council. They will be unveiled by Jess Brown Fuller, Kate Mosse and someone else to be confirmed on Friday, March 27 at 13.00 on North Street, Chichester.

They are one in North Street for Marjorie Wilkinson, a leading Quaker, another one in North Street for Charlotte Smith, an author and poet, and one for Queen Elizabeth I who stayed in East Street in the now JigSaw building.

As Francesca says, the new plaques and those still to come will send the right message to girls and young women around the city and a raise awareness of women's contribution to its history.

“We're looking at something like 45 other women that are being researched at this stage. Most of them are deserving of blue plaques but obviously you have to know where they lived and you have to have the permission of the owner of the building. But it's great fun to research. It is a bit like a treasure hunt!”

Francesca offers the following information about Marjorie Wilkinson:

“Marjorie Wilkinson was a leading Quaker in 17th century Chichester. She lived at 62/63 North Street where it is thought that George Fox, the father of the Quaker movement, stayed.

During this period it was forbidden to hold religious services in your home for groups outside the established state church. Everyone was legally required to attend services at their local Anglican Parish church on Sundays and holy days. Refusal to attend resulted in a fine or imprisonment.

“In 1682 Marjorie preached three times at meetings in Rumboldswhyke and was fined £80 (£12,500). She preached again in 1683 so household goods were seized to the value of £5.

Quaker meetings were often targeted by informers, adolescent boys and on one occasion soldiers garrisoned nearby. The abuse was so bad that Marjorie complained to the Bishop’s Chancellor who was also a Justice of the Peace but he dismissed her case telling her that it was contrary to law.

“In January 1664 Marjorie was committed to Horsham Gaol along with thirteen others. She was the only woman. Conditions in Horsham Gaol at that time were brutal, characterised by overcrowding, filth, disease, starvation and exposure to extreme cold and misery. One of the Quakers died.

“In March 1668 the King issued a general pardon which included a warrant to discharge Quakers from imprisonment. Marjorie after over two years in prison was free.”

Former senior archivist at the West Sussex Record Office Caroline Adams offers the following information about Elizabeth I.

“In August 1591 Queen Elizabeth stayed in the building that was formerly the Royal Arms, and more recently The Old Punch House. She was on one of her longest and most important progresses, possibly made to thank people on the south coast for their loyalty during the Spanish invasion threat of 1588-90. At the time the house belonged to William Holland, Mayor (and founder of Steyning Grammar School), and the Queen’s host was John, Lord Lumley of Stansted.

“The Queen would have been guided down through the Lavant valley, crossing the Broyle and entering the city at the Northgate. She would have been accompanied by men at arms, and many aristocracy and gentry already on the progress. The Queen would have been met by the Mayor and Aldermen, and speeches would have been made by both parties. She would have heard petitions and accepted gifts. She was settled in Chichester by August 22, and stayed until around 25th. It is most likely that the Queen gave her audiences in the Cathedral, processing there and back from East Street. People would only have access to the Queen or be allowed to present a petition if they were expected or had previous permission.”

Susan Thomas tells of Charlotte Turner Smith (1749-1806):

“Charlotte Smith was a significant poet and novelist from the Romantic period. Although her work influenced Wordsworth and Jane Austen, she went unrecognised for many years.

“Born in 1749 into the genteel Turner family, Charlotte spent her childhood at Bignor Park and went to school in Chichester. She attended art classes at the studios of George Smith in North Street. However, this contented childhood was short-lived. Charlotte was married at 15 and had twelve children with her husband Benjamin Smith, who constantly fell into debt. After accompanying him to debtors' prison in 1783, Charlotte decided to live apart.

“Charlotte had to write to live. Her first publication was the Elegiac Sonnets printed in Chichester in 1784, by Dennett Jaques of East Street. However, her novels provided a steadier income. Emmeline, Orphan of the Castle, published in 1787, was followed by nine other novels with themes taken from her own experience, including the subjection of women in marriage and wider questions of privilege.

“Later, both Charlotte’s popularity and her health declined. She died nearly destitute in 1806. Today, her reputation is being restored, and Chichester has a chance to honour this Sussex author who overcame considerable adversity.”