Women's Social and Political Union, Huddersfield Branch, Minutes (KC1060/1)
1907 - 1909
Votes for Women
Extract about the success of the demonstration in St Georges Square, Huddersfield on 27th Sep 1908
The Huddersfield branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union was established in 1907, with the Honorary Secretary Edith Key. The women would regularly meet, either in homes or by renting a room at various places such as the Clarion Club or St Mark's School.
Each entry records the date and place of the meeting, as well as the chair presiding, which often rotated and on occasion was filled by Adela Pankhurst herself. The previous meetings minutes were read and agreed on, as well as any correspondence. The subject of the meetings often varies, from the organisation of socials to raise money such as whist drives and dances, to demonstrations and the travel arrangements for members to attend, which were paid for where possible.
The notes in the minute book often make reference to important events in the suffragette campaign, such as the Mass Meeting in Hyde Park on 21st July 1908, and the conferences set up and labelled as ‘Women’s Parliament’. Of real interest is the copy of the letter sent to women arrested and imprisoned in Holloway Jail, as well as the report on the first years progress, which both show the camaraderie and determination of these women.
Each entry records the date and place of the meeting, as well as the chair presiding, which often rotated and on occasion was filled by Adela Pankhurst herself. The previous meetings minutes were read and agreed on, as well as any correspondence. The subject of the meetings often varies, from the organisation of socials to raise money such as whist drives and dances, to demonstrations and the travel arrangements for members to attend, which were paid for where possible.
The notes in the minute book often make reference to important events in the suffragette campaign, such as the Mass Meeting in Hyde Park on 21st July 1908, and the conferences set up and labelled as ‘Women’s Parliament’. Of real interest is the copy of the letter sent to women arrested and imprisoned in Holloway Jail, as well as the report on the first years progress, which both show the camaraderie and determination of these women.
Suffragist or Sufragette?
Sep 1907 Resolution to support Mrs Pankhurst in securing votes for women
The suffrage movement had been growing since 1872, with the existence of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage (NSWS) and later in 1897 the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). The latter group of suffragists, lead by Millicent Fawcett, was focused on a peaceful approach to gaining support for the cause and believed in democracy as the means to providing votes for women.
Due to the lack of success in its early years, the organisation divided and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel. Their slogan ‘Deeds, Not Words’ reflected their more militant action in the campaign for votes and earned them the name of 'suffragettes', but although publicising the issue, many people were unsympathetic due to their increasingly aggressive tactics.
The WSPU stopped their activities in the face of World War One to take a unified national stance behind Britain, and dissolved in 1917. Women were given a qualified right to vote in 1918, but it was not until 1928 that this privilege was given universal application.
View the complete minute book on the History to Herstory online catalogue, or see the collection on our online catalogue.
Due to the lack of success in its early years, the organisation divided and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel. Their slogan ‘Deeds, Not Words’ reflected their more militant action in the campaign for votes and earned them the name of 'suffragettes', but although publicising the issue, many people were unsympathetic due to their increasingly aggressive tactics.
The WSPU stopped their activities in the face of World War One to take a unified national stance behind Britain, and dissolved in 1917. Women were given a qualified right to vote in 1918, but it was not until 1928 that this privilege was given universal application.
View the complete minute book on the History to Herstory online catalogue, or see the collection on our online catalogue.
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