A highly-acclaimed literary figure who has remained largely overlooked by history is to finally be recognised with a plaque unveiling on Wednesday September 22.

Margaret Cavendish, who was born in Colchester in 1623, was a prominent literary figure of the Jacobean era, writing short stories, children’s fables, and more than twenty plays throughout her career.

To recognise her achievements, a commemorative plaque is to be unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, at the Arena Place development at St John’s Abbey Gate in two weeks’ time.

As well as being a writer, Cavendish was also a scientist, and was the first woman to be invited to attend a meeting of the Royal Society, the UK’s national scientific institution.

Speaking about the unveiling of the commemorative plaque to Margaret Cavendish, Mrs Tolhurst paid tribute to the novelist as a trailblazer in women’s writing.

She said: “It is a privilege to be able to mark the extraordinary achievements of a remarkable woman born in Essex and in so many ways centuries ahead of her time.

“I hope that greater knowledge about her work will inspire today’s generation, especially women and girls in our county”.    

The chairman of the Essex Women’s Commemoration Project (EWCP), Graham Watts, added to the praise of Cavendish, who was denied an education – as was the case for all girls at the time.

He said: “Margaret Cavendish is one of those remarkable people from the past who seem indelibly linked to the present.

“Describing the experiences of women, she depicts gaslighting and emotional abuse, the pain and dangers of bearing children, and the constant battle to save them from starvation.

“Cavendish was aware that society was not ready to hear her: ‘I regard not so much the present but future ages, for which I intend all my books’.”

The plaque commemorating Margaret Cavendish is the first of a series of plaques being planned across the county of Essex celebrating the achievements of Essex women who have been overlooked by history.