Research Forum

Weston suffragettes/suffragists
published by on Thu, 25/01/2018 - 11:03

Hi all - I am working on a piece about suffrage activities in Weston, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the law allowing women to vote for the first time.

I was wondering if anyone knew of someone in their family in Weston who was involved in the Weston Suffrage Society, or involved in the suffrage movement in general.

I know about Emmeline Pethick Lawrence, Dorothy Pethick and Ivy Millicent James. But it would be great to get some other names, and details if possible.

I work for the Weston Mercury, so I will be using details in the paper or online. You can email me at sarah.robinson@archant.co.uk or reply here.

If anyone has any pictures of any suffrage activities in Weston too, that'd be amazing, as it's proving very difficult.

Kind regards,

Sarah

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Thu, 25/01/2018 - 20:36

I've been looking for references to Weston having its own Suffrage movement but I have just found this article in the Weston-super-Mare Gazette, and General Advertiser- Saturday 12 December 1908 headed - Weston Women and the Vote - However it is about a meeting at which it is agreed that a branch of the Anti-Suffrage League should be formed in Weston!

The committee was then appointed - President. Lady Mary De Salis; Hon. Treasurer. Mrs Evans; Hon. Secretarv, Mrs Parker : Committee. Mrs. E. Baker. Miss Daniel, Miss Evans, Mrs. Portsmouth Fry and Mrs. Wallace.

This may explain the apparent lack of support for a local Female Suffrage Group. Lady Mary de Salis was the wife of the Rector of St John's, Mrs E Baker was the wife of Ernest Baker, the Solictor, Mrs Portsmouth Fry was the wife of another Barrister in Weston, Edward Portsmouth Fry. Does anyone recognise any of the others?

The National Anti-Suffrage Movement was disbanded in 1918.