Nancy Astor Statue:Unveiling Day - Thanksgiving Day

About us

Nearly 100 years ago Nancy Astor was the first woman to take her seat in the Houses of Parliament as the UK's first female MP. Her achievement was extraordinary and courageous and changed the world forever in terms of equality, democracy, fairness and hope. It was the people of Plymouth who voted her in just one year after some women were finally given the vote. She served the city as MP for Plymouth Sutton for another 26 years and fought for the rights and safety of women and children, education, the people of the city, and equality throughout that time.  A statue to Nancy Astor, the UK's first Lady of politics will be unveiled on 28th November 2019 on Plymouth's Hoe outside her family home on Elliot Terrace, 100 years to the day since she was announced the winner of the seat.

Timeline of the day

10:45am/11am    Nancy Astor Express arrives at Plymouth train station to be met by GWR and the Astor Statue Committee.

                             Lady Arran (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon) representing HM The Queen to disembark train with VIPs.

11am                    Some guests leave Plymouth train station.

                             A Plymouth Cutybus wrapped by Nancy Astor visuals will greet guests and transport them to 3 Elliot Terrace

11am                    City schools will be leading their pupils on a walk to The Hoe and the unveiling of the statue.

                             Everyone welcome to join en route.

12:15pm              Dance event on The Hoe by the Barbican Theatre, exploring activism, rebellion and the power of coming together as a group.

12:30pm              Ceremony begins outside 3, Elliot Terrace on The Hoe.

1:00pm                Unveiling of the Nancy Astor Statue.

                             The 100 years of Plymouth Powerful Women exhibition opens at the Guildhall.

1:05pm                90-strong American Marching Band will be playing as people leave The Hoe.

                             Speeches by Alice Astor and Lesley Abdela.

2pm                     Official opening of Exhibition, with performances of 'Touching the Past' and 'A Returning Pilgrim'                        

4:40pm                Nancy Astor bus leaves to take guests to Royal William Yard

5pm                     The exhibition in the main hall closes to the public at 5pm

                             Mayflower Makers to lead guests to Royal William Yard.                          

                             Commemmorations to mark the beginning of Mayflower 400 start at the Royal William Yard.

5:30pm                Illuminate light show begins.