And in Lancashire there are a fair few women who deserve to be featured – every single one of them do. But we can only list a few here in this snapshot of some of the more well-known outstanding ladies who have done great things with their lives. READ MORE: Adventures with Preston Brownies in the 80s and 90s. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Spirited pictures of Preston Guides through the years. MORE MEMORIES: Brownies from the Fylde Coast over the years
Take a trip down memory lane looking back at people and places through the decades - from long, lost boozers to memorable moments in time and much, much more - sign up to our NEW newsletter here
9. Victoria Wood
A Lancashire lass through and through, comedian Victoria Wood was born in Prestwich, near Bury. She later moved to Morecambe and made a home for herself there with husband Geoffrey Durham. It was in the seaside town that she turned out some of the funniest comedy sketches of the 80s. She continued to be a force to be reckoned with throughout her career Photo: Archive
10. Patti Mayor
Patti Mayor was an inspirational artist from Preston during the early part of the 20th century. She was known for depicting working women in her paintings - like the one pictured here entitled The Half-timer. It is a portrait of Annie Hill, who was a 12-year old half-time worker at Horrockses Stanley Street Yard Works in Preston. Famously Patti removed this picture from its frame and took it on the 'Women's Sunday March' in London to campaign for votes for women Photo: Preston Digital Archive
11. Dick, Kerr Ladies football team
Dick, Kerr Ladies F.C. was founded in Preston as a World War I-era works team for the company Dick, Kerr & Co. They played in charity fixtures against similar teams around the country and raised money for injured servicemen during and after the war. They went on to become one of the world's most famous female football teams Photo: Archive
12. Lubaina Himid
Although not originally from Lancashire, artist Lubaina Himid is featured here because she is a professor of contemporary art at the University of Central Lancashire. Her art focuses on themes of cultural history and reclaiming identities. And it was while based in Lancashire that she became the first black woman to win the coveted Tuner Prize Photo: Julian Brown