While the Victorian era is often remembered for corsets and rigid social etiquette, one Vulcana was busy shattering those expectations—literally.
Miriam Kate Williams, better known by her stage name Vulcana, was a Welsh powerhouse who became one of the most famous female bodybuilders and strongwomen in history.
Born in 1875 in the historic market town of Abergavenny, Wales, Vulcana didn’t just perform feats of strength; she revolutionized the way the world viewed the female physique
Quick Facts About The Legend of Vulcana
| Real Name | Miriam Kate Williams |
| Years Lived | 1874 – 1946 |
| Height | 5’4″ |
| Weight | 125 – 150 lbs. |
| FMC Talent | Back muscle isolation while iron-bending |
| Other Amazing Feats | Overhead presses, V-taper |
A Pioneer of Physical Culture
Vulcana’s career took off when she met William Hedley Taylor (known as Atlas), a fellow strength enthusiast. Together, they toured the world, but it was Miriam who truly captured the public’s imagination. At a time when women were expected to be “delicate,” Vulcana was:
- Famous for her “V-taper”: She possessed an incredible back and shoulder development that was unheard of for women of her time.
- A Master of Muscle Isolation: She was renowned for her ability to isolate and control her back muscles during intense iron-bending feats.
- A Hero Beyond the Stage: Her strength wasn’t just for show. On multiple occasions, she used her power to save lives, including stopping a runaway horse and carriage and rescuing children from a fire.
Why Her Legacy Matters Today
Vulcana was an early advocate for women’s fitness. She openly campaigned against the restrictive corsets of the era, arguing that physical strength and health were the true markers of beauty.
Although I enjoy wearing corsets sometimes, my stomach hurts if I wear one too long. Thus, I’m greatful that I don’t have to wear one on a regular basis.
Additionally, she proved that a woman could be incredibly strong without losing her grace—a philosophy that paved the way for modern female athletes, bodybuilders, and muscle control masters.
Strength is not just a physical attribute; it is a tool for independence.
FAQ About Vulcana
1. What were Vulcana’s most famous feats?
She was best known for her “bent press” (lifting a heavy weight from the shoulder to overhead with one arm) and her ability to bend thick iron bars with her bare hands.
2. Did Vulcana have any children?
Yes, Vulcana had six children, and she famously continued to perform and maintain her strength throughout her pregnancies. This challenged medical myths of the 19th century.
3. Who are other FMC pioneers?
Victorian muscle mommies had their best success selling their skills at the circus. In addition Vulcana, Katie Sandwina and Charmion are among the most notable historic FMC pioneers.
I used Gemini AI to colorize the feature photo and improve it’s clarity.
