I want to tell you about a remarkable woman...

November 3, 2018 11:43 AM

Her name is Florence Ilott and, in 1934, she became the first person to run across Westminster Bridge within the twelve chimes of Big Ben at noon.

Author and publisher Scott Pack wrote a Twitter thread about his grandmother, and while researching it, made a delightful discovery.

posted by Etrigan (5 comments total)

I can't imagine not only running that distance in that span of time but also dodging other pedestrians to do it! How remarkable to find that footage!
posted by acidnova at 12:22 PM on November 3, 2018 [2 favorites]

See had a great game face. If I had been there, I would have stayed out of her way!
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:06 PM on November 3, 2018 [2 favorites]

JFC that's awesome! Thank you so much for posting this!
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 5:08 PM on November 3, 2018

It's like Chariots of Fire!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:07 PM on November 3, 2018 [2 favorites]

I have run across that bridge many times, but not nearly as fast. I suggested to one of my friends, who works in catering at the House of Commons, that she give it a go. She pointed out that it will be three years before Big Ben is back in service.
posted by incster at 7:41 PM on November 3, 2018 [1 favorite]