Amazing Mums Throughout History

27/02/2025
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Throughout history, mothers have been the glue holding everything together, shaping the world in ways big and small. Some have raised brilliant minds, others have fought for justice, and a few have even changed the course of history itself.

Whether you have a mum, Step-mum or motherly figure in your life, it feels good to give back to those who've supported us through it all. As a family business, Peach Hampers get it, and our bespoke Mother's Day hampers are hand-crafted with love.

So, let's dive into the stories of legendary mums throughout history - some real, some mythical - who made their mark in the most incredible ways.

700 BCE: Gaia  

First up, we have Gaia. In Greek mythology, she's Mother Earth - literally. She created the sky (Uranus), the sea (Pontus) and the Titans, who went on to rule the cosmos. She is considered the "Mother of all life" and is depicted as providing sustenance and nourishment to all living things. 

But Gaia wasn't just preoccupied with creating life. She also stood up for her children when things got rough. When her husband Uranus realised his sons could usurp him and take his place as ruler, he banished them to the Underworld as soon as they were born. Enraged with this, Gaia helped her sons rise up and overthrow their cruel father.

1797: Sojourner Truth  

Sojourner Truth (1797–1883) wasn't just a mother to her own kids. She was a mother figure to an entire movement. Born into slavery, she escaped in 1826, and when one of her children was illegally sold, she took the case to the New York Supreme Court and won. 

She spent the rest of her life fighting for abolition and women's rights, famously delivering her Ain't I a Woman? speech in 1851. 

1867: Marie Curie  

Marie Curie (1867–1934) was the definition of a multitasking Mum. She was an incredible scientist and two-time Nobel Prize-winning trailblazer who made groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity. At the same time, she raised a future Nobel Prize winner, her daughter Irène Joliot-Curie.  

Marie balanced motherhood and a career in a way that still inspires women today. Her daughters, Irène and Ève, loved her and cared for her until her death.  

1900: Edith Frank  

You've probably heard of Anne Frank, but her mother, Edith Frank (1900–1945), was a hero in her own right. Forced into hiding with her family during the Holocaust, she made sure her daughters Anne and Margot had as much comfort and hope as possible despite their terrifying circumstances. She even gave up her own food to keep them from going hungry. 

Though she didn't survive the war, her love and sacrifice live on through Anne's diary, reminding us just how deep a mother's love runs.   

1928: Maya Angelou  

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was a poet, author, and all-around icon, but first and foremost, she was a mother. Raising her son, Guy Johnson, as a single mum, she took on countless jobs, from singer to journalist, before becoming a literary legend with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.   

Her words about resilience, motherhood and strength continue to inspire millions, proving that sometimes, a mum's greatest gift is the wisdom she passes down. Later in life, Guy would say, "People ask…' Did you grow up in her shadow?' No, I didn't. I grew up in her light.".  

1981: Serena Williams  

Serena Williams (b. 1981) is proof that motherhood doesn't always mean slowing down. In 2017, Serena secured her final Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open while two months pregnant. Pregnancy has an enormous effect on the body, and it can be hard to do even daily tasks like eating breakfast, making this an incredible feat. 

Since becoming a mum, she's been a fierce advocate for maternal health, especially for Black women, who face higher risks in childbirth.   

Show Your Love with Mother's Day Gift Hampers from Peach Hampers

From mythical goddesses to modern-day champions, these mums show that motherhood is a daily role that takes an endless amount of love and determination.

From the ancient Greek's honey doughnuts to the modern chocolate chip cookie, giving your loved one a hand-crafted treat has always been a classic show of affection. Peach Hampers offer a huge range of tailored gift hampers brimming with anything your mum could want on Mother's Day.

If Mum loves a bit of savoury with her sweet, she might fancy The Mother's Day Sparkle Hamper with Savoursmiths buttery Wagyu crisps. If she's more of a biscuit dipper, she'll love The Afternoon Tea Mother's Day Hamper with Farmhouse Half-Dipped Chocolate Shortbread. And, of course, these both come with a bit of fizz.

Peach Hampers The Mother's Day Sparkle Hamper with Wine Trio

About Peach Hampers

Peach Hampers has a stunning range of hampers, including luxury magnetic boxes and beautiful wicker hampers. Every Peach Hamper can be personalised with your own message to really show your mum how much you think of her.

Browse the gift hampers that we have specially curated for Mother's Day, and speak to our team if you have any special requirements.