Sisters in Arms

Julie Wheelwright explores the history of women in warfare in this live online conversation with Kirsty Parsons of the National Army Museum.

In October 2018, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that all roles in the military would now be open to women. Although this marks a historic shift, officially allowing British women into combat roles, the presence of women on the front lines dates back to antiquity.

Julie Wheelwright explores the history of women in arms, demonstrating that women have always played a key role as warriors throughout the ages. She traces our fascination with these forgotten figures, many of whom successfully disguised themselves as men.
 
Julie will be in conversation with curator Kirsty Parsons, as they investigate the hidden stories of these remarkable women. 

Dr Julie Wheelwright is the author of several books, including 'Amazons and Military Maids' (1989), 'The Fatal Lover: Mata Hari and the Myth of Women in Espionage' (1992) and 'Esther: The Remarkable, True Story of Esther Wheelwright' (2011). A broadcaster and print journalist, she has written widely about women in conflict and the challenges servicewomen face in male‐dominated fields. She is a senior lecturer and programme director at City University, London. 

Register for this online event on Crowdcast.