Published

Wales’s history books are packed full of extraordinary heroes — from NHS founder, Aneurin Bevan, to 14th-century leader, Owain Glyndŵr.

But what about the inspiring women that have helped to shape our country?

From fierce medieval warrior, Gwenllian, to 20th-century author, Dr Kate Roberts, the women of Wales’s past have so many stories to tell… And we intend to tell them.

This International Women’s Day (08 March) we made a start, by announcing the publication of a brand new feminist history book for children.

Entitled Welsh Women Making History, the book tells the stories of 12 women from Wales’s past and present — from St Elen, the 4th-century founder of churches in Wales to Cranogwen, the female bard born in 1839, to Hayley Gomez MBE, a current Professor of Astrophysics at Cardiff University.

Illustrated by up-and-coming Welsh artist, Efa Lois, the book also features portraits of Wales’s favourite historical figures, reimagined as they might have been in the 21st century — from Gwenllian as a women’s rights activist to Siwan as a Welsh politician.

All part of our Rediscover History campaign, this celebration of the old with the new has been designed to offer a snapshot of female brilliance through the ages — thereby encouraging future generations of inspiring Welsh women to carve their own exciting paths.

The Welsh Women Making History book is available to order for just £2.95.

Click here to see six excerpts from the book, shown alongside portraits of our re-imagined Welsh heroines…