Maud Heath and Beyond: Exploring the Lives of Women Before 1600

Wiltshire women, before 1600, seemingly had few rights. There were few opportunities for them to attain roles of economic and civic importance. However, despite obstacles (such as women on marriage surrendering the right to hold and control property), substantial numbers did own property, were in paid employment or ran businesses, or held positions of power as officers of the manor, as churchwardens or in organisations.

One of Wiltshire's most well-known women of this period is Maud Heath, who has a causeway named after her and monuments raised in her honour. Unfortunately, for the majority of local women, their stories are not studied or recounted. Edith Browne is one such woman. She kept an alehouse for decades during the late 16th century in Kington St Michael, near Chippenham, first alongside her husband and then independently. She did not remarry after his death. Any new husband would have acquired all her property, a circumstance of which Edith would have been aware. Sadly, women like Edith could face opposition and suspicion because of their position and success. It may have been the basis for the accusation that Edith and her daughters were witches, a claim she successfully refuted, and she continued running her business for many more years while other alehouses (including those run by men) came and went.

On 21 September, Wiltshire VCH and Yesterday's Story are organising a free study day at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Chippenham to explore women's history before 1600 and showcase stories like Edith's to celebrate the diverse impacts women had on the society, economy, religion and politics of the world around them. The event will feature papers and discussions and draw on researchers involved in the VCH project and present their insights from research in place-based histories from Wiltshire and beyond.