Florence Ilott
British amateur sprinter, first person to run across Westminster Bridge within the twelve chimes of Big Ben at noon
About Florence Ilott
Lived 1913 – 2002 (aged 88). Florence Ilott was a British sprinter, known for Westminster Bridge.
Florence Ilott (20 September 1913 – 31 May 2002) was the first person to run across Westminster Bridge within the twelve chimes of Big Ben at noon.
Running across the bridge before the clock struck noon was a long-standing tradition with unknown origins for staff at the Commons. A news agency captured the achievement on film and sent it to cinema houses as part of a newsreel.
Ilott was an amateur sprinter with particular success in the 220-yard dash. She died on 31 May 2002.
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Important facts
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Florence Ilott's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Florence Ilott?
British amateur sprinter, first person to run across Westminster Bridge within the twelve chimes of Big Ben at noon
When was Florence Ilott born?
Florence Ilott was born on 20 September 1913.
When did Florence Ilott die?
Florence Ilott died on 31 May 2002.
What was Florence Ilott's occupation?
Florence Ilott was a sprinter.
What was Florence Ilott known for?
Florence Ilott was known for Westminster Bridge.
What nationality was Florence Ilott?
Florence Ilott was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Florence Ilott. https://biography.guide/florence-ilott/
MLA: "Florence Ilott." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/florence-ilott/.
Chicago: "Florence Ilott." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/florence-ilott/.
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