Discover Amazing Women by Rail invites you to leave your car at home and use the train (along with
buses and trams) to explore the fascinating, and often hidden, histories of women who lived and
worked in areas along the Mid Cheshire and Calder Valley railway lines.
From writers, artists and sportswomen to campaigners, suffragettes and politicians, this booklet
will introduce you to both familiar and forgotten names. Read their captivating stories alongside
our suggested itineraries that allow you to walk in the footsteps of these amazing women and
discover the interesting places you can visit connected to their history. You’ll be spoilt for
choice with suggestions including Chester Zoo, Tatton Park,The Pankhurst Centre, Shibden Hall,
People’s History Museum and Brontë Parsonage.
This booklet focuses on inspirational stories of women throughout history who have connections
based around the Mid Cheshire
and Calder Valley railway lines.The Mid Cheshire Line starts from Manchester Piccadilly and travels
via Stockport and Altrincham through to Chester.The Calder Valley Line starts at Manchester
Victoria and journeys to Leeds and Bradford, in addition to Blackburn via the Todmorden Curve. It
is significant that Manchester is common to all these railway lines as Manchester has many firsts:
home to the first passenger railway line run entirely by steam locomotives, the beginning of the
militant suffragette movement and home to many other important women who fought the fight for
equality.
Throughout this project we have been uncovering more and more
hidden histories and inspiring stories of women throughout the area.
