One-of-a-kind women are thriving in the neighbourhood of St James’s, and their stories – past and present – should be celebrated and never forgotten. The women of St James’s include entrepreneurial leaders across various fields of expertise, from crafted goods, exquisite cuisine, and elegant fashion to trailblazing politicians, medical experts and technological pioneers. Marking International Women's Day on Saturday, 8th March, this article celebrates some of the area’s most notable women and all their achievements.
Women in fashion
Across St James's, there are several leading women in fashion. Emma Willis, for example, is a maverick in the shirt-making industry. She started sewing shirts in 1987 and went from selling them to businessmen in the middle of the city to opening her elegant shop on Jermyn Street in 1999. Today, her clientele includes HRH The Prince of Wales, Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Craig, and David Gandy.
Meanwhile, milliner Rachel Trevor Morgan has spent over 30 years honing her craft in her St James's atelier, tucked away in Crown Passage. In 2014, Rachel was granted The Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout the years, Her Majesty The Queen wore Rachel’s hats on many high-profile occasions such as Royal Ascot, Her 80th birthday celebrations at St Paul’s, Her Diamond Wedding celebration at Westminster Abbey, and meeting George Bush in Washington, to name but a few. Rachel also designs hats for other members of the Royal family.
Culinary leaders
It wouldn’t be an article about St James’s influential women if we didn’t mention the driving force behind Café Murano, chef Angela Hartnett. Serving some of the best Italian food in London, you can also learn how to create one of their food-waste-friendly recipes online.
Historical heroes
Our one-of-a-kind neighbourhood has always been home to very prominent women, not just in recent times. One of St James’s most notable landmarks, St James’s Palace, was originally built for the 16th Century Queen of England, Anne Boleyn. Since then, the palace has been home to Queens Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Victoria. In addition, St James’s Street’s renowned wine shop, Berry Bros & Rudd, just opposite the palace, was originally started by a widow named Bourne in 1698; her legacy lives on with the store’s immense success today.
The classical writers, George Eliot (pen name of Mary Anne Evans) and Virginia Woolf both spent countless hours working on their masterpieces in St James’s Square’s London Library. As fate would have it, this same square was also home to Countess Ada Lovelace, the phenomenal woman regarded worldwide as the first computer programmer. Discover the blue plaque that marks her former home as well as other notable St James’s residents on a walking history tour. Virginia Woolf enthusiasts can also follow in Mrs Dalloway's footsteps by taking a trip to Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop.
Lastly, the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, called St James's her home almost 200 years ago. The first woman to be awarded the Order of Merit, Florence was praised for introducing mathematics to nursing and revolutionising sanitary conditions in hospitals. Her statue stands today in Waterloo Place in homage to her brilliant work.
We celebrate the incredible women who make our unique community so special, and by sharing their stories, now you can too.
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