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Margaret Thatcher's life in pictures

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at the end of the 1989 Conservative Party conference in Blackpool

Margaret Thatcher was in charge of the country for 11 years as leader of the Conservative party between 1979 and 1990 and had a huge influence on Britain.

Margaret Thatcher with her parents and sister, Muriel in 1945

She was born Margaret Hilda Roberts in Grantham, Lincolnshire, in 1925. Her father, a greengrocer, had a huge impact on her life and was an inspiration to her.

Margaret Thatcher on her wedding day, with husband Denis

In 1951 she married Denis Thatcher and two years later gave birth to twins Mark and Carol.

Margaret Thatcher, then known as Margaret Roberts, talks to a chimney sweep while canvassing for votes in Dartford during the 1951 General Election

In 1951 she campaigned for a seat in Parliament but lost on that occasion. She got enough votes in 1959 though, winning the Conservative seat of Finchley.

Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis in 1979

She became Britain's first female prime minister in 1979 and told voters that the Conservatives would cut taxes, bring down government spending and make it easier for people to buy their own homes.

Mrs Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher was thought to have survived on just four hours sleep a night - and got the nickname "the Iron Lady" for being tough and sticking to her decisions.

A line of British soldiers in camouflage advancing during the Falklands War

In 1982 she sent British Troops to defend the Falklands - tiny islands in the South Atlantic - after they'd been invaded by Argentina.

Kevin Keegan and Emlyn Hughes share a joke with Margret Thatcher outside 10 Downing Street.

Margaret Thatcher met members of the England football squad in 1980. Players Kevin Keegan and Emlyn Hughes shared a joke with her outside 10 Downing Street.

Margaret Thatcher with her Madame Tussaud's waxwork

In 1980 a waxwork of her was put on display at Madame Tussaud's in London.

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher wave after their arrival in Camp David, 1984

Mrs Thatcher formed a very special relationship with American President Ronald Reagan - they were said to be political soul mates.

Poll tax riots in central London

In 1990 her party introduced a new tax - called the poll tax. This led to fighting on the streets of London because some thought it hit poorer people harder than the rich.

Baroness Margaret Thatcher stands in front of a bronze statue of herself, inside the Palace of Westminster, London

In 2007 Baroness Thatcher became the first living ex-prime minister to be honoured with a statue in the House of Commons.

British Prime Minister David Cameron greets former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street on June 8, 2010 in London, England

Margret Thatcher still carried out public engagements twenty years after leaving Downing Street.

Card and flowers left after the death of Margaret Thatcher.

After her death she is recognised as a prime minister who transformed the face of Britain - and will be remembered as one of the most important figures in modern British history.