Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

3. The Pioneer

Episode 3 of 5

Nancy embarks on a political career in the face of adversity as the only female MP in the Commons. Read by Anna Maxwell Martin.

Nancy Astor embarks on a parliamentary career in the face of adversity as the first woman to take a seat in the British House of Commons.

Far from being a hardened campaigner who had suffered for the cause of female suffrage, she was already near the centre of ruling society, having married one of the richest men in the world.

She was not even British, yet she became a trailblazer and beacon for the generations of women who would follow her into Parliament.

Adrian Fort's biography abridged by Alison Joseph.

Read by Anna Maxwell Martin.

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 2 May 202403:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

2. England

Next

4. A Blitz and a Blow

See all episodes from Nancy: The Story of Lady Astor by Adrian Fort

Broadcasts

  • Wed 17 Oct 201209:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Thu 18 Oct 201200:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 4 Oct 201714:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 5 Oct 201702:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 27 Nov 201914:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 28 Nov 201902:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 1 May 202408:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 1 May 202413:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 1 May 202419:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 2 May 202403:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra