Founded in 1894, during its first three years the Society was managed by its founder, Joseph Snell Wood, who bore all the initial expenses. One early event which provided publicity and encouraged many women to apply for membership was a reception with Sarah Bernhardt. Although originally founded as a society for women journalists, over the years, the names of prominent men such as Sir Harry Brittain and George Bernard Shaw have been associated with the SWWJ as speakers at Society events and in other supportive roles.

In 1951, the Society became The Society of Women Writers and Journalists, a change in name which reflected an expanding remit. More recently, in 2004, following discussion amongst the membership, it was agreed that male writers should be welcomed as Associate members. Although at present they cannot become Council Members, our Associate members enjoy all the other benefits of membership; they are active in their support and their names appear regularly among the winners of our in-house competitions. Our Friends include workers in many associated professions, including theatre, publishing, education and art.
Well-known writers of all genres have been among the Society’s members, including Richmal Crompton, Ursula Bloom, Margery Allingham, Dr. Marie Stopes, Catherine Cookson, Lady Violet Astor, Vera Brittain, Clemence Dane and Nina Bawden. Joyce Grenfell was our President for 22 years and Lady Longford was our Honorary Life President for 25 years until her death in 2002. She was succeeded by Baroness Williams of Crosby, daughter of Vera Brittain.
The Society is committed to the future of the writing profession and we realise the need to continue to evolve and keep abreast of technological advances and changes in reading habits. To find out more about us and what we are doing now, do explore this website and join in the discussion on our social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter.