A fearless Victorian traveller: the life and travels of Isabella Bird - Dr Jacki Hill-Murphy

Isabella Lucy Bird was an English explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist born in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, who went on to become the first female Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

The health of explorers, particularly women who navigated cultural, physical, and environmental barriers, has historically played a critical role in shaping the scope, success, and the nature of their explorations.

Chronic illness acted both as a limitation and a catalyst, compelling Bird to structure her adventures around her endurance thresholds. Overcoming her own challenges, Bird travelled extensively across North America, Asia and the Middle East.

This lecture will explore Isabella's character and motivations, as well as her travels and her lasting legacy.

About the speaker

Dr Jacki Hill-Murphy MA, FRGS is an explorer, teacher, author and speaker and has spent the past few years exploring and filming some of the most inhospitable and remote places on earth.

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
• Tickets are £5, and free for members. Please book by midday on 14 October.
• We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the North West regional committee.

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