Full name: Margaret Hilda Thatcher Born: 13th October 1925 Place of Birth: Lincolnshire Occupation: Politician Died: 8th April 2013

Born Margaret Hilda Roberts on 13th October 1925 in Lincolnshire to a grocer, Margaret attended Oxford University to study Chemistry before becoming a research chemist and eventually a barrister in 1954 after taking an interest in politics at University where she became a member of the Conservative association. 

Baroness Thatcher married businessman Denis Thatcher in 1951, with whom she had twins, Carol and Mark.  In 1959, Margaret, also known as the 'Iron Lady', began her long political career by becoming Conservative MP for Finchley in North London and held various positions including Junior Minister for Pensions and Education Secretary in 1970.  Thatcher was appointed leader of the Conservative Party in 1974 before becoming the first ever female Prime Minister and the longest serving prime minister of the 20th Century in the general election in 1979.

During her time in office, Thatcher reformed trade unions, privatised public industries and lowered tax rates and Government spending.  Although Thatcher's policies reduced inflation, she became very unpopular due to the increase in unemployment across the country.  However, Thatcher lead the country to war against Argentina in the Falkland Islands, which resulted in a victory in 1982 and lead to Thatcher's second term as Prime Minister after winning the 1983 general election. 

Thatcher worked closely with the US president in a common doubt over communism, which caused dismay among the Soviets.  In 1987, Thatcher miraculously won the general election for the third time but resigned as leader in 1990 after becoming unpopular due to her vigorous implementation of Conservative policies, an attitude which became known as 'Thatcherism'. 

In 1992, Thatcher left the House of Commons and became a peeress in the House of Lords and performed various international lectures and talks.  Thatcher joined the Order of the Garter and set up the Thatcher Foundation which campaigned for political freedom in newly liberated countries.

In 2002, Thatcher was forced to resign from public speaking and appearances due to ill health and died on 8th April 2013 at the age of 87.  Baroness Thatcher was given a full ceremonial funeral with military honours, which was attended by many important figures including Her Majesty the Queen.  Baroness Thatcher will be remembered by many as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century.