Talk and Tea: The Women Who Went Round the World with Sally Smith

For centuries, the tales of male explorers like Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook have been celebrated. But did you know that women, too, have been making extraordinary journeys around the world for over 200 years? It’s time to shine a light on these incredible women and their astonishing adventures, as featured in the latest book by author Sally Smith.

Jeanne Baret: The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe

Imagine the courage it took for Jeanne Baret, an illiterate woman raised in poverty, to disguise herself as a man and join a French expedition in 1767. Against all odds, she discovered the beautiful Bougainvillea plant in Brazil, cleverly naming it after the expedition leader to avoid arrest. Her daring journey made her the first woman to sail around the world.

Mary Parker: A Bold Friendship Across Cultures

In 1791, Londoner Mary Parker traveled to Port Jackson (now Sydney) and formed an unlikely friendship with an Aboriginal Australian. When she brought him back to her London home, society was scandalized, and she was imprisoned. Her story is a powerful reminder of the barriers these women faced and overcame.

The First Woman to Travel Around the World by Train

Picture an elegant Edwardian lady in 1901, sitting on the floor of a wooden carriage as she rattles across the first rail track to cross Siberia. Unbeknownst to her, the Boxer Rebellion was about to erupt. Her journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure and resilience.

Lady Drummond Hay: The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe by Air

In a tale filled with romance, intrigue, and drama, Lady Drummond Hay became the first woman to fly around the world. Her story captures the excitement and daring of early aviation.

Valentina Tereshkova: From Farm to Space

Valentina Tereshkova’s journey from a remote Russian farming community to becoming the first woman to orbit the Earth is nothing short of inspirational. Her story highlights the incredible achievements possible through determination and ambition.

Join us as we celebrate these pioneering women and their remarkable journeys. Discover their adventures and be inspired by their courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit.

Sally Smith is a journalist and writer who has worked for various publications and media, including the Daily Mail and BBC News. She was named Business Writer of the Year, has a Churchill Fellowship and has had books published by Pelham Books, Rigby Books and the History Press. Sally was brought up in the UK but has lived in Tokyo, Cairo, Singapore and Australia. She now resides in Somerset.

Sally has also spent a lifetime involved in travel, unconventional sports and in various areas of aviation. A hugely experienced skydiver, she started and ran the world’s first ever all girl parachute display team; was British freefall champion and member of the British Parachute Team. She is also an experienced balloonist, ran a hot air ballooning school for many years; was a commercial balloon pilot, was a member of the Australian Ballooning Team and was second overall female at the World Ballooning Championships.

In 2024 she was awarded the prestigious 2024 Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Space Committee award by the Royal Aeronautical Society.

~ ‘How good that the stories of these adventurous and wonderful women who made extraordinary journeys around the world have now come to light.’ —Dame Joanna Lumley ~

Tickets £5.00 each (includes tea and biscuits).

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Somerset, Castle Green, Taunton, United Kingdom