THE history of Britain is brought to life through the achievements of 21 women whose lives enthral, intrigue and inspire.

Britain has been defined by its conflicts, its conquests, its men and its monarchs. This personal selection by journalist and broadcaster Jenni Murray draws together the lives of 21 women to shed light upon a variety of social, political, religious and cultural aspects of British history, reinvigorating the stories behind the names.

And the women on Jenni Murray’s list include Boudicca, Fanny Burney, Constance Markievicz, Caroline Herschel, Millicent Garrett Fawcett, Ethel Smyth, Mary Quant, Aphra Behn, Jane Austen, Nancy Astor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Emmeline Pankhurst, Margaret Thatcher, Barbara Castle, Elizabeth I, Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelace, Gwen John, Mary Seacole Nicola Sturgeon and Mary Somerville.

Jenni Murray is a journalist and broadcaster who has presented BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour since 1987. She regularly contributes to various newspapers and magazines, and is the author of several books, including Memoirs of a Not So Dutiful Daughter and A History of Britain in 21 Women. She will be signing copies of her book after the talk.

Jenni Murray: A History of Britain in 21 Women is at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday (January 20), 7.30pm. The talk will be followed by a book signing.

Tickets: 01722 321744 or go to salisburyartscentre.co.uk.