TALK 22: Amy Johnson - Queen of the skies

Famous people rarely live simple lives. They often have a hidden, private side they wish to hide. Amy was a lifelong “fertile liar” -especially about the “ugly street” where she grew up in Hull’s Hessle Road Fishing community. She declared Bridlington as her hometown. She was, however, a true Hessle Road tomboy.

This illustrated talk explores Amy’s early life: her fishing family roots and Danish grandfather; her formative years; and theway she adopted fishing superstitions in place of her family’s Methodism. She was a tomboy in turmoil.

The Johnson Family owned the notorious Cod Farm who employed “rude, crude and lewd” lasses. Amy dreaded being associated with them. Nevertheless, she was not averse to taking money from the Cod Farm profits to buy her aircraft JASON to become the first woman in history to fly solo to Australia in May 1930. The Aussies called her ‘Joystick Johnnie’.
Amy was ashamed of her parents and did not invite them to her high-society wedding in London’s Mayfair – but they turned up anyway. She was unlucky in love.

Finally, we explore her mysterious death in the Thames Estuary during WWII. She is a role model for all, but especially young women.

Timings & Tours

Friday 13 September:

1330

Location & directions

Wrecking Ball Music and Books, 15 Whitefriargate, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU1 2ER

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Please note that there is a flight of stairs up to the lecture room.

Additional information

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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