From sportswomen, actors, authors and more, all have left their mark.
Here – to commemorate International Women’s Day today – we put the spotlight on eight leading ladies who live, were born or have lived in the Horsham area and played a part in shaping the district.
1. International Women's Day
Award-winning actress Julie Walters - famed for roles in a number of films including Mamma Mia and Educating Rita - lives on a farm near Horsham and supports a number of local charities. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Photo: (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
2. International Women's Day
TV personality Holly Willoughby, who co-hosts ITV's This Morning programme with Phillip Schofield, went to school in Horsham. She was a student at the College of Richard Collyer. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Photo: Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
3. International Women's Day
Children's author Julia Donaldson - famed for The Gruffalo - has lived in Steyning since 2014. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Photo: Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
4. International Women's Day
Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell lives in Steyning. She won gold in the Barcelona Olympics 400m hurdles in 1992. Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images Photo: Photo: Harriet Lander/Getty Images