Last week, on 8th March, the world celebrated International Women’s Day using the theme “When we give, we gain.” It is part of the continuing struggle for rights and justice for all women.
There was no greater struggle than that of Women’s Suffrage, so it is timely for us to recall the contribution made by three family members:
Lady Constance Lytton (1869-1923) #3712 who had a brother in the House of Lords was so angry about the disparity in the sentences received by upper- and lower-class militants that she disguised herself as Jane Warton. On hunger strike she was savagely treated and her health was so permanently damaged that she died prematurely aged only 54. Click here for a full account.
Frances Parker (1875-1924) #5776 was a prominent member of the Women’s Social and Political Union in Scotland. She was imprisoned many times and whilst on hunger strike in 1912 and 1914 she was subjected to acts of physical abuse and indecent assault. Click here for more information.
Aileen Preston (1889-1974) #2094 was lady chauffeuse to Emmeline Pankhurst. Our picture shows her driving as a member of the Women’s Liberal Federation, an umbrella organisation comprised of some 613 affiliated bodies of which the Women’s Social and Political Union was one. Although not abused, her task as one of the first women drivers in the country was not straightforward as she was required to be a frequently needed (and frequently blamed) mechanic. Click here for more information.
Our pages are full of ‘ahead-of-their-time women’ who have, to use modern parlance made a difference. There are too many to mention. We salute you all.
Anthony Cobbold
