Elizabeth Wilkinson (Stokes)
BOXER (Unknown)
Wilkinson, also known as Elizabeth Stokes, is
seen to be the first ever recorded female
boxing champion. Living in 18th century
England she defyied gender roles, paving the
way for more women to enter the world of
boxing. In the early 1700s organized streetfighting
or bare-knuckle fighting was
popularised by James Figg. However, women
like Stokes helped make the sport what it is
today, and their contributions are often
overlooked or not recognised. Stokes was
successful in fighting both men and women in
bare-knuckle fighting on the streets of 18th
century London . In 1728, she fought in a
match with Ann Field of Stoke Newington for
£10, the equivalent of thousands of pounds
today. Stokes is now finally being
acknowledged as an important figure in
boxing.
Lorna McNee
CHEF (1987 - present)
Lorna McNee is the first solo female chef in
Scotland to be awarded a Michelin star in 20
years. McNee was awarded this in her role as
current head chef at Cail Bruich restaurant in
Glasgow in 2021. This makes her the first
female chef in Glasgow to be awarded a
Michelin star and it is also Glasgow's first
Michelin star restaurant in 18 years since
Gordan Ramsay's Amaryllis restaurant closed
in 2004. McNee has accomplished much in
her successful career, previously working as
sous chef at 2 Michelin starred Restaurant
Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles were she started
out as an apprentice. In 2019 she was named
'Champion of Champions' on BBC's Great
British Menu. McNee is known for creating
elegant plates of food that make the most of
Scotland's seasonally changing ingredients.
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