Living above the shop
1925
Born
Born Margaret Hilda Roberts on 13 October in Grantham, Lincolnshire, above her father Alfred Roberts' grocery shop.
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister 1979-1990
Who was Margaret Thatcher?
Margaret Hilda Thatcher was a politician, scientist, barrister, author, orator, reformer, revolutionary, conviction politician, Cold War warrior, transatlantic ally, Eurosceptic, monetarist, privatiser, union reformer, homeowner champion, tax cutter, patriot, and Iron Lady.
She was the first woman to lead a major Western democracy and Britain's longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century. Her economic and social policies—collectively known as Thatcherism—transformed Britain and influenced governments worldwide.
1925 – 2013
1943
Oxford
Won a scholarship to read Chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford.
Somerville College, Oxford
Wedding to Denis Thatcher
1951
Marriage
Married Denis Thatcher; the couple later had twins, Carol and Mark.
1959
Elected to Parliament
Elected Member of Parliament for Finchley at the General Election in October.
MP for Finchley
Secretary of State for Education
1970
Education Secretary
Appointed Secretary of State for Education and Science in the Heath government.
1975
Conservative Leader
Elected Leader of the Conservative Party — the first woman to lead a major British political party.
Elected Conservative Party Leader
Winning
1979
Success!
Margaret Thatcher led the Conservatives to victory in the General Election on 3 May and became Britain's first female Prime Minister.
1982
The Falklands
Authorised the Task Force that liberated the Falkland Islands following the Argentine invasion.
Visiting British troops
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1983
Second Term
Returned to Downing Street with a substantially increased majority at the General Election.
1984
Brighton Bombing Survival
Mrs Thatcher survived the IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel, Brighton during the Conservative Party Conference.
The IRA's attempt on her life. Photo: D4444n at the English Wikipedia
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1986
Westland & Reform
Continued the programme of privatisation and trade-union reform that defined the second term.
1987
Third Term
Won a historic third consecutive General Election victory in June.
1987 General Election victory
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1988
The Bruges Speech
Set out a sceptical vision of European integration in an address at the College of Europe.
1990
Resignation
Resigned as Prime Minister on 28 November after a Conservative Party leadership challenge.
Leaving Downing Street
Baroness Thatcher
1992
Baroness Thatcher
Elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven.
2013
Death
Died on 8 April in London, aged 87. A ceremonial funeral was held at St Paul's Cathedral.
St Paul's Cathedral ceremonial funeral