Jess Brown-Fuller MP joins campaigners in Chichester to unveil blue plaques dedicated to women

9 hours ago
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In March, Jess Brown-Fuller joined crowds in the City centre to celebrate the installation of three blue plaques recognising the contribution women have made to Chichester.

The plaques commemorate 17^th Century Quaker Margery Wilkinson, influential 18^th Century poet Charlotte Turner Smith and Queen Elizabeth I, who visited the city in 1591 and is believed to have held audiences in the cathedral.

Chichester Women’s History Group, founded by Francesca Tambling, was vital in securing the plaques, ensuring women’s contributions are recognised in public spaces throughout Chichester. The City has around 20 memorial plaques dedicated to men. But prior to the recent unveiling, there were only two plaques for women.

Jess was invited to join the unveiling alongside author Kate Mosse, Mayor of Chichester Sean McHale and town crier Richard Plowman.

Speaking at the event, Jess said:

“Today, we are righting the wrongs of the history of Chichester by introducing women back into the history of our very special City.

“I thank Francesca and the whole of Chichester Women’s History Group, who have been fundamental in making sure that this change occurs and it doesn’t finish today.”

The Women’s History Group are campaigning for a statue of Chichester-born suffragist Madge Turner (1884–1948) in the City Centre. Chichester currently has no statues honouring a woman.

Ahead of the unveiling of leading Quaker Margery Wilkinson’s plaque, Jess said:

“Today is [also about] celebrating the impact the Quakers have had on this City, which for a small group is disproportionate in terms of the impact that they’ve had over hundreds of years.

“I hope that every woman and person here today feels inspired when they see plaques of extraordinary ordinary people, like Margery Wilkinson.”