It was only recently I learned of Freya Stark when an article caught my eye as I was scrolling through Facebook. It was headed by a black and white picture of this remarkable woman on one of her many explorations through the Middle East.
Born in 1893, Freya was undoubtedly an unconventional woman of the Edwardian era who strove to live her life her way.
After receiving a copy of One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales including Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves, for her ninth birthday, Freya became fascinated by the Orient.
Her first visit to the East came when she was aged 34. She went on to visit Baghdad, Iraq and part of western Iran that no Westerner had ever visited before. An intrepid and inspiring explorer, Freya was clearly a woman with excitement and adventure running through her veins, not to mention a hefty dose of courage, resilience and strength.
Appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1972 New Year Honours, Freya died just a few months before her 100th birthday.
A true female inspiration of the Interwar era and beyond!
Rachel x
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