Ms Lizzy Walker

hiuab2@bangor.ac.uk

MA: The Women of Wrexham Parish: The Evidence of 17th Century Last Wills and Testaments
2021鈥�2022
BA: Sex, Women and Witches in 17th Century Wales
2017鈥�2021

Historically, in historiographies and general perceptions, Welsh landownership and landholding has been portrayed as androcentric with little acceptance of the presence of female landowners and landholders. Furthermore, the androcentric portrayal has meant the female involvement in land management and improvement has been overlooked. However, a study of surviving leases from the seventeenth and eighteenth century challenges these assumptions. This paper looked into the presence of females as lessors and lessees in North-East Wales from the seventeenth and eighteenth century, using an array of surviving leases held in Ruthin and Hawarden Archives. It argued three points. Firstly, females have continuously been present as landowners and landholders in the history of north-east Wales. Secondly, although there were variations between localities, time and individuals, female lessors and lessees were involved in land management and improvement. Thirdly, female lessors and lessees were no different to their male counterparts. Overall, the evidence garnered from north-east Wales highlights the importance of the presence of women as landowners and landholders and provides a starting block for further research throughout Wales.
5 Oct 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
13 Mar 2024
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)