Mrs Jessie Boultwood
A notable local sportswoman, and a renowned long-distance swimmer (winning the 7 mile Cargreen to Devonport race), she was one of the founders, and captain, of Plymouth Ladies Football Team when it was formed in 1921. On 21 May 1921, the year of their formation, using the Argyle ground, they played the French Ladies football team and losing by only 1 goal. Even after women’s football was banned by the FA, Plymouth Ladies continued to play for the rest of the decade. They travelled to France under Jessie Boultwood’s captainship in November 1921, where she distinguished herself by her leadership and her skill on the field. The team drew all their eleven matches. Captain also of Plymouth Ladies Swimming Club, she was a household name, locally. She and her husband were also proprietors of three Plymouth picture theatres, including the Theatre de Luxe on Union Street.