Women

British Army patrol in Helmand, Afghanistan, 2010

Fit to fight: Women in the Army today

Women were finally allowed to undertake combat roles in 2016. But female soldiers had been serving in war zones around the world before that.

Entry of the 5th Lancers into Mons, 1918

Soldiers in love: Courtship, engagement and marriage

Despite the difficulties, soldiers' affairs of the heart have flourished; some casual, others ultimately leading to engagement, marriage and a life together.

Soldiers and women on a march, 1811

Soldiering wives

During the 19th century, soldiers' wives played a significant role in supporting troops on campaign. Here we take a look at some of these women, a few of whom became minor celebrities.

1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, Iraq, 2004

Equality and the Army

The modern British Army declares itself an equal opportunities employer. But becoming so has presented challenges for an institution deeply rooted in hierarchy, routine, regiment and tradition.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, Helmand, 2011

A timeline of women in the Army

Since 2018, all British Army combat roles have been open to female soldiers. However, the history of women's service in the Army stretches much further back in time.

WAACs on parade, c1917

Stepping into line

As the entire nation mobilised for the First World War, women took up new challenges. Many of these opportunities had previously been off limits, including military service.

Florence Nightingale at Scutari, 1856

Florence Nightingale: The Lady with the Lamp

Florence Nightingale was a legend in her own lifetime and one of the most famous women in British history.

Explore Women events

Florence Nightingale tending to wounded soldiers at Scutari Hospital
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary (virtual)

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

A British medical orderly treats a wounded German soldier, c1916
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment (virtual)

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

Mission Europe book cover
Talk
15 May 2025 £14.00

Mission Europe: The Secret History of the Women of SOE

Launching Dr Kate Vigurs’s latest book, 'Mission Europe', this talk brings to life the stories of women recruited by the British for covert missions in occupied Europe.

The Story of Rena Stewart book cover
Talk
30 May 2025 FREE

Bletchley Park, Hitler and the BBC: The Story of Rena Stewart

Author Victoria Walsh introduces the fascinating story of Rena Stewart (1923-2023), from Bletchley Park to translator of Hitler’s will and then BBC pioneer.

Explore Women learning resources

Marvellous Mary Seacole
Home Activity

Marvellous Mary Seacole

Discover more about Mary Seacole and her work with British soldiers during the Crimean War.

Shirley Hamilton: ATS Servicewoman
Video

Shirley Hamilton: ATS Servicewoman

Explore the contribution of Caribbean women who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War.

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt
Trail

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt

Go on a hunt to find out more about how Florence and Mary cared for sick and injured soldiers during the Crimean War.

Florence Nightingale in the Military Hospital at Scutari, 1855
Quiz

Florence and Mary in the Crimean War: Quiz

Put your knowledge of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole to the test in this interactive quiz.

Take a view on soldiers
Video

Take a view on soldiers

Explore the real people serving as soldiers, their reasons for joining, and the lasting impact their roles can have on their lives.