Pankhurst Blue Plaques: 100 Years of the Suffrage Movement

Summary

The script commemorates the centennial of women over 30 gaining the right to vote, highlighting the Suffragettes' pivotal role in this achievement. Emmeline Pankhurst, alongside her daughters, led the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) with a 'deeds not words' approach, employing direct action and enduring imprisonment. Sylvia Pankhurst, an impoverished art student, crafted the suffragette brand with iconic colors and imagery. Amidst World War I, the Pankhursts suspended activism to focus on war babies, with Emmeline adopting four. The script reflects on their sacrifices and contributions to women's rights and suffrage.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of women over 30 gaining the right to vote, a significant milestone in women's rights.
• 💪 The Suffragettes were a pioneering group of women who fought for women's rights through direct action in the early 20th century.
• 🌟 Emmeline Pankhurst was a key figurehead of the women's movement, along with her daughters Christabel and Sylvia, who played a crucial role in advancing the cause.
• 🏠 In 1903, Emmeline and Christabel founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a militant wing with the motto 'deeds not words'.
• 🔨 The Suffragettes used extreme measures such as hunger strikes, chaining to railings, and damaging public property to fight for equality.
• 🏷️ English Heritage commemorated the Pankhursts' contributions with a Blue Plaque at 50 Clarendon Road, where they lived from 1916 to 1919.
• 🔒 Emmeline Pankhurst was imprisoned multiple times, enduring over 30 days in prison for her activism, which included the use of the 'Cat and Mouse Act'.
• 🎨 Sylvia Pankhurst, while living in poverty, was responsible for creating the visual identity of the suffragettes, including posters and banners in the movement's colors.
• ⚔️ The outbreak of World War I led to the suspension of suffragette activities, with Emmeline focusing on caring for 'war babies'.
• 🏡 Emmeline adopted four war babies and provided them a home at 50 Clarendon Road, symbolizing a shift from direct action to nurturing and care.
• 🌍 After the war, Emmeline moved to Canada, leaving behind a legacy of women's rights advocacy that continues to influence and inspire.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in 2018 related to women's rights?

2018 marked the 100th anniversary of women over the age of 30 gaining the right to vote.

Who were the Suffragettes and what did they do?

The Suffragettes were a pioneering group of women who fought for women's rights in the early 20th century using direct action such as hunger strikes, chaining themselves to railings, and damaging public property.

Who was Emmeline Pankhurst and what role did she play?

Emmeline Pankhurst was one of the most important figureheads of the women's movement in the United Kingdom, known for her bravery and her role in founding the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU).

What was the motto of the Women's Social and Political Union?

The motto of the WSPU was 'deeds not words', emphasizing action over mere discussion.

What is the significance of 50 Clarendon Road in the history of the women's movement?

Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel lived at 50 Clarendon Road from 1916 to 1919, and in 2006, English Heritage commemorated their contributions to the women's movement with a Blue Plaque.

Why did Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragettes go on hunger strike?

Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragettes went on hunger strike in protest after being imprisoned, highlighting the severity of their commitment to the cause.

What was the 'Cat and Mouse Act' and how did it affect the suffragettes?

The 'Cat and Mouse Act' was legislation that allowed for the temporary release and re-arrest of suffragettes who went on hunger strike while imprisoned, impacting their health and the visibility of their cause.

Who was Sylvia Pankhurst and what was her contribution to the suffrage movement?

Sylvia Pankhurst, Emmeline's other daughter, was heavily involved in the suffrage movement, designing posters, badges, and banners in the suffragette colors of green, white, and purple.

How did the First World War impact the suffragette activities?

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Emmeline and Christabel suspended all suffragette activities, focusing their efforts on the care of war babies.

What did Emmeline Pankhurst do for the war babies during the First World War?

Emmeline Pankhurst focused her efforts on caring for war babies, illegitimate children fathered by men before they went to war, and even adopted four of them to live with her at 50 Clarendon Road.

Who was Eveline Bennett and what is her connection to Emmeline Pankhurst?

Eveline Bennett was one of the 'Pankhurst war babies' adopted by Emmeline Pankhurst and was the last surviving of these children as of 2006.

Outlines

00:00

🗳️ Suffragettes and the Fight for Women's Rights

This paragraph commemorates the centennial of women over 30 gaining the right to vote in 2018, highlighting the Suffragettes' pivotal role in this achievement. The Suffragettes, known for their direct action tactics such as hunger strikes and property damage, were led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia. They established the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903 with the motto 'deeds not words,' emphasizing action over rhetoric. The paragraph details the Pankhursts' sacrifices, including imprisonment and hunger strikes, which significantly raised the visibility of the women's rights cause. It also mentions the impact of World War I on their activities, with a shift in focus to caring for 'war babies' and the eventual adoption of four by Emmeline.

Keywords

💡Suffragettes

The term 'Suffragettes' refers to the members of the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century who fought for the right to vote. They are central to the video's theme as they represent the pioneers of women's rights. In the script, the Suffragettes are described as using direct action, such as hunger strikes and damaging public property, to advocate for equal opportunities for women.

💡Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst is a key figure in the women's suffrage movement and is highlighted in the video as an important figurehead. She, along with her daughters, was instrumental in giving new impetus to the women's movement in the United Kingdom. The script mentions her founding of the Women's Social and Political Union and her willingness to endure imprisonment for the cause, which raised the profile of the movement.

💡Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU)

The WSPU, as mentioned in the script, was a militant wing of the suffrage movement founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel. It played a significant role in the fight for women's rights, with its motto 'deeds not words' emphasizing the importance of action over rhetoric. The WSPU is a central concept in the video as it represents the organized effort of the Suffragettes.

💡Direct Action

Direct action, as used in the script, refers to the active and often confrontational methods used by the Suffragettes to bring attention to their cause. This includes going on hunger strike, chaining themselves to railings, and damaging public property. It is a key concept in the video as it illustrates the determination and bravery of the women fighting for their rights.

💡Hunger Strike

A hunger strike is a method of non-violent resistance in which individuals refuse to eat to protest against conditions or policies. In the context of the video, the hunger strike was used by Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragettes as a form of protest while in prison, highlighting the extreme measures they were willing to take for their cause.

💡Cat and Mouse Act

The Cat and Mouse Act was a piece of legislation that allowed for the temporary release of prisoners who were on hunger strike, only to re-arrest them once they had recovered. The script mentions this act in relation to the repeated arrests and releases of Emmeline Pankhurst, illustrating the harsh tactics used by authorities to suppress the suffrage movement.

💡Suffrage Movement

The suffrage movement is the broader context within which the Suffragettes operated, fighting for women's right to vote. The video script discusses the movement's history, key figures, and methods, making it a fundamental concept for understanding the struggle for women's rights in the early 20th century.

💡First World War

The First World War is a significant historical event that impacted the suffrage movement, as mentioned in the script. When the war broke out, Emmeline and Christabel suspended suffragette activities, shifting their focus to the care of war babies. This change in focus demonstrates the adaptability and compassion of the movement's leaders.

💡War Babies

In the script, 'war babies' refers to illegitimate children fathered by men before they went to war. Emmeline Pankhurst's focus on caring for these children during the First World War is highlighted as a significant aspect of her activism, showing her commitment to social welfare beyond the suffrage cause.

💡Blue Plaque

A Blue Plaque is a historical marker that commemorates a link between a historic building and a person of significance. In the video, the Blue Plaque at 50 Clarendon Road is mentioned as a tribute to the Pankhurst family's contribution to the women's movement, serving as a reminder of their legacy.

💡Voting Rights

Voting rights are the central theme of the video, as they represent the ultimate goal of the Suffragettes' struggle. The script discusses the historical milestone of women over 30 gaining the right to vote in 1918, marking a significant step towards gender equality and political representation.

Highlights

2018 marked the 100th anniversary of women over 30 gaining the right to vote.

The Suffragettes were a pioneering group of women who fought for women's rights in the early 20th century.

Suffragettes used direct action, including hunger strikes and damaging public property, to fight for equality.

Emmeline Pankhurst was a key figurehead in the women's movement, along with her daughters Christabel and Sylvia.

In 1903, Emmeline and Christabel founded the militant Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) with the motto 'deeds not words'.

Emmeline and Christabel lived at 50 Clarendon Road, which was commemorated with a Blue Plaque in 2006 for their contributions.

Emmeline and other suffragettes endured imprisonment and hunger strikes to raise the profile of their cause.

The Cat and Mouse Act allowed for the repeated re-arrest and release of suffragettes like Emmeline, who served over 30 days in prison.

Sylvia Pankhurst, Emmeline's other daughter, was heavily involved in the suffrage movement and developed the suffragette brand.

Sylvia lived at 120 Cheyne Walk, where she designed suffragette posters, badges, and banners in the movement's colors.

When WWI broke out in 1914, Emmeline and Christabel suspended suffragette activities to focus on caring for war babies.

Emmeline adopted four war babies to live with her at 50 Clarendon Road, showing her dedication to social causes.

Eveline Bennett, pictured in 2006, was the last surviving Pankhurst war baby, a testament to Emmeline's efforts.

Emmeline's move to 50 Clarendon Road during WWI marked the end of her direct action and the beginning of a more stable life.

Christabel also lived at 50 Clarendon Road before Emmeline left for Canada, showing the family's continued involvement in the movement.

The Pankhursts' contributions to women's rights and suffrage are remembered through the Blue Plaque and their lasting impact on society.

Transcripts

2018 marks 100 years since women over the age of 30 finally got the right to vote.

This momentous shift in power

owed much to the braveness of a pioneering group of women

known as the Suffragettes.

The Suffragettes fought tirelessly for women's rights in the early 20th century and they used direct action.

So they went on hunger strike, they chained themselves to railings, they damaged public property

all in the name of equal opportunities for women.

One of the most important figureheads was Emmeline Pankhurst.

Along with her daughters Christabel and Sylvia, she gave new impetus to the women's movement in the United kingdom.

In 1903, Emmeline and Christabel founded the Women's Social and Political Union, called the WSPU -

a militant wing of the suffrage movement.

Its motto was 'deeds not words'.

Emmeline and Christabel lived here at 50 Clarendon Road from 1916 to 1919,

and in 2006 English Heritage commemorated the part they played in the women's movement with this Blue Plaque.

The fact that Emmeline and her daughters were prepared to endure imprisonment, undoubtedly raised the profile of their cause.

In 1912, the police raided the WSPU headquarters and Emmeline and other suffragettes were charged with conspiracy.

Emmeline was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

She and other suffragettes went on hunger strike in protest,

which took a real toll on their health.

They were temporarily released to recover, but they were then repeatedly re-arrested and released

as a result of legislation known as the Cat and Mouse Act.

In total Emmeline served more than 30 days in prison

and the ordeal clearly had a profound impact on her.

Emmeline's other daughter Sylvia, was also heavily involved in the suffrage movement.

Sylvia lived here at 120 Cheyne Walk from 1906 to 1909

she was an impoverish art student and only occupied a couple of cramped rooms in the house.

But it was from here that she developed what we'd think of today as the brand for the suffragettes.

She designed posters, badges and banners all in the suffragette colours of green, white and purple.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Emmeline and Christabel suspended all suffragette activities.

Emmeline focused her efforts on the care of war babies: illegitimate children, fathered by men before they went to war.

Emmeline even adopted four of the war babies, to live with her at 50 Clarendon Road.

Eveline Bennett pictured here in 2006, was the last surviving of the Pankhurst war babies.

When Emmeline moved here in the middle of the First World War, her days of direct action were over

and for her it was the first time she'd had a proper home for nearly a decade,

she really enjoyed finally having a home to call her own, she was very happy here.

Christabel also lived here intermittently between 1917 and 1919

before Emmeline left the UK to start a new life in Canada.

Standing here as a woman who's able to vote, and earn my living,

I'm very mindful of the huge contribution that the Pankhursts made to the lives of women.

And I hope that people walking past this house, will look at the plaque and remember that.