Lady leaders of Cheltenham

Some extraordinary women were born, lived in, or visited Cheltenham from its early days as a spa town to the 21st century...

Queen Charlotte visiting the emerging spa town with her husband King George III in 1788, helped to put Cheltenham on the map and she did not forget the town: in 1810 she founded Cheltenham’s 'School of Industry for Female Orphans'.

Katherine Monson joined the men trying to make their fortunes as property developers as the town grew and still has her own street name today.

Images - Maria Hall (left), Queen Charlotte (top right), Monson Avenue named after Katherine Monson (bottom right).

Legendary violinist Marie Hall performed in the town and liked it so much she chose Cheltenham as her home from 1911. In 1920 she was the soloist in the premiere of Ralph Vaughan William’s 'The Lark Ascending', which he had written for and dedicated to her.

Grace Stewart-Billings had many achievements. She was Cheltenham’s first female doctor  from 1899 and she pioneered school medical inspections, family planning and headed up a special hospital for World War I casualties. 

To learn more about the extraordinary people who live/have lived in Cheltenham we recommend you book on a guided tour with - Around Cheltenham Walks and Talks.

For more inspiration check out... 

Famous People of Cheltenham 

Self-guided tour of Cheltenham