PIONEERS IN BLOOMERS

On sale now in paperback

or as Kindle e-book:

The amazing true story of the brave women who became the unsung pioneers of female sport in the UK - the 'pedestriennes' of the 19th century. 

Women’s professional sport is finally flourishing in Britain, but still largely forgotten are the courageous efforts of these Victorian-era ladies who laid the foundations for modern woman to participate in pro sport.

Dozens of these working-class women abandoned humdrum lives to become history’s first pro sportswomen. They bravely put personal safety and decorum aside to tackle astonishing walking contests of 1,000 miles or more, competing against each other or against the clock, chasing cash prizes to feed and clothe their families.

Victorian society was shocked by their chutzpah. Several of the women became rich and famous, but many had a torrid time. Huge crowds watched them trekking day and night. The public loved them, but the authorities wanted them banned. The walks were often riotous affairs that attracted gamblers, drinkers and rowdy behaviour, but it was the women themselves who would be lambasted in the press, condemned as immoral and despicable.

The controversy only intensified when they adopted the daring new ‘bloomers’ costume from America, but with hindsight it is clear they were actually pioneering women’s rights.   

ON SALE NOW, PUBLISHED by

Troubadour/Book Guild, £9.99 

On sale via Amazon and all usual sources as a 272-page paperback or e-book.  

Buy online via either of these links:

 https://amzn.to/3qbufXr

    https://bit.ly/3LUgE2B