PORTRAITS of six historical Welsh heroines will go on display at Beaumaris Castle.

The exhibition in the castle chapel opens today (Thursday, March 5) and coincides with Cadw announcing the publication of a feminist history book for children entitled ‘Welsh Women Making History.’

The book celebrates Wales’s most inspiring females and features twelve contemporary portraits by Welsh illustrator, Efa Lois.

Published in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), the book and portraits re-imagine some of Wales’s favourite historical figures as they might have been in the 21st Century, from Gwenllian as a women’s rights activist to Siwan as a passionate Welsh politician.

The accompanying portraits of Branwen Ferch Llŷr, Gwenllian, Princess Nest, St Winifred, St Elen and Siwan, Lady of Wales will be available to view at Beaumaris Castle’s chapel from March 5-8.

Pupils from Llandegfan Primary School will enjoy a ‘first look’ at the gallery before a talk by archaeologist, Dr Erin Lloyd Jones outlining the story of each character and explaining the importance of celebrating women from Welsh history.

The book is part of Cadw’s Rediscover History campaign which aims to empower and engage women and girls.