Are there any accounts of female spies and detectives in the 19th century or early 20th century?

by Jull28

There are a few newspaper articles referencing early female police officers and detectives from the 1860s onwards. However, I’ve only been able to find limited information on Maud West, Isabella Goodwin, Frances Benzecky and Kate Warne which are all from the US. There is also references to ‘knitting spies’ in the U.K.

Can anyone point me towards any more accounts? I’m particular interested in the U.K.

oplunket16

The book “Defend the Realm: the Authorized History of MI5” by Christopher Andrew is an amazing source. I am writing my thesis on WWI British espionage and it was insanely helpful for writing it. And a bit of self-promo once I have it fully edited I can send you the paper.