January 2023 – Page 2 – Manchester Historian

Boudica was the Celtic warrior queen, most known for leading a rebellion against the Romans. She was one of the first individuals documented in British history, and her legacy inspired hundreds of feminist campaigners. Boudica was a member of the Iceni tribe, yet Romans used the death of her husband, King Prasutagus, to steal land from the Iceni whilst stripping Boudica of her queenship.

Many people will have differing opinions, however, there is no singular definition of Eva Perón’s legacy nor a homogenous discourse concerning her to be either good or evil.

Frida Kahlo’s legacy lives on today, not just because of her work, but because of herself as an individual. She was a resilient, creative, free-spirited person and her work continues to impact feminism and other communities. Her art was boundary-breaking and the transparency in her work continues to remind people that the moulds and boxes society attempts to put people in can be broken.

Ancient Egypt was known for its iconic female rulers, however, the upper strata of society were still dominated by men. Female rulers could only come to power through exceptional circumstances, such as acting as regents in the stead of their infant sons.

Joan of Arc was born in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Her ‘uniqueness’ came to surface in her teen years when she claimed she could hear the voices of saints. She claimed the voices told her to drive English forces out of France so that Charles VII – the then heir to the French throne – could be crowned King. Within said mission, Joan took a vow of chastity, and despite the pressures placed on her to marry, she stayed loyal to her vow.