Free-Minded Albion's Daughter

The life of Victorian journalist pioneer, feminist and campaigner, Bessie Rayner Parkes.

The first of a trilogy of plays examining the lives and writing of three pioneering women journalists.

Introduced by Kate Perry.

Bessie Parkes 1829-1925 (mother of Hilaire Belloc) and her close friend Barbara Bodichon were the founders of The English Women's Journal, the first newspaper owned, written and printed by women.

Based on Bessie's own writing, Lavinia Murray's play tells her story, joining her as she waits to vote in the 1918 election.

Starring Sarah Parks as Bessie, Amanda Root as Barbara Leigh Smith, Kathryn Hunt as Miss Ingle, Russell Dixon as The Teller and James Nickerson as Mr Brattigan/Eugene.

Director: Sue Roberts

Produced at BBC Manchester by Felicity Goodall.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.