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.