A new exhibition that sheds light on the vibrant history of women’s football in Hull has opened at the Streetlife Museum. Titled Lionesses of Hull, the exhibition not only commemorates the achievements of local football legends but also aims to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Image source: https://www.hullmuseums.co.uk/museum-events/event/176/lionesses-of-hull
A tribute to Carol Thomas and Flo Bilton
The Lionesses of Hull exhibition places the spotlight on two of the city’s most influential figures in women’s football: Carol Thomas and Flo Bilton. Carol Thomas, born in Hull, had an illustrious 43-year career in football, representing England from 1974 to 1985. As the team captain for nine of those years, she became the first woman to reach 50 caps in international football. Her exceptional contributions to the sport were recognized with her induction into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Flo Bilton, another prominent figure in the exhibition, co-founded the Women’s Football League and was instrumental in setting up the Reckitt & Colman team, where Carol Thomas began her early career. Bilton’s work laid the groundwork for the development of women’s football in Hull and beyond.
Exploring generations of football passion
In addition to celebrating these pioneers, the exhibition features a specially commissioned film that captures the experiences of different generations of grassroots women’s footballers from the local area. This film highlights how these women became involved in football and what motivates them to play, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the sport’s impact on their lives.
Hull’s historical ties to football
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, saying,
“Hull has a strong connection to women’s football and I’m delighted this exhibition showcases two of the city’s greatest talents. I hope it helps to inspire the next generation of local female footballers.”
Carol Thomas herself reflected on Hull’s rich sporting heritage, noting that the city’s influence on football extends far beyond its local boundaries. She highlighted the importance of Ebeneezer Cobb Morley, another Hull native, who drafted the first rules of Association Football in 1863. Carol also recognized the contributions of Hull’s women to the national team, including figures like Gail Boreman and Jess Park.
Thomas shared her gratitude, stating,
“I am honoured and humbled that my city, through the team at Hull Museums and Gallery, has once again chosen to highlight my own achievements and contribution to women’s football across the world in their upcoming Lionesses of Hull exhibition. It promises to be exciting, interesting and informative, with displays of Lionesses memorabilia from yesteryear and interactive programmes.”
Plan your visit
The Lionesses of Hull exhibition will be on display at the Streetlife Museum until 23 February 2025. Visitors can explore an array of memorabilia, learn about the history of women’s football in Hull, and engage with interactive displays that bring the story to life. For more information and to plan your visit, head over to www.HullMuseums.co.uk.
