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Blue plaque for Bristol’s suffrage pioneers
It was through hard work, dedication and sacrifices in the face of hostility that women finally gained the right to vote against all odds.
Bristol’s suffrage pioneers were some of the leading campaigners in the fight for equality and author Lucienne Boyce is raising funds for a Blue Plaque to commemorate the efforts of those who changed the world for future generations.
It is a fitting tribute to mark the 100th anniversary of some women getting the right to vote which paved the way for The Equal Franchise Act, passed on July 2 1928, giving women the vote on the same terms as men.
is needed now More than ever
Some of the Bristol suffrage pioneers. Photo from Bristol Archives
“The Bristol and West of England Society for Women’s Suffrage was one of the first women’s suffrage groups in the country,” said Lucienne, the author of The Bristol Suffragettes.
“They were the suffrage pioneers, and they never gave up in the face of discouragement, apathy and hostility.
“Though we still have a long way to go before we achieve equality for all, their lives can inspire us to keep going. A blue plaque will help to make that inspiration more visible.”
The Bristol women’s suffrage society was set up by Florence Davenport Hill (1828/9–1919), who invited a group of like-minded individuals to a meeting at her home at 3 The Mall, Clifton on January 24 1868. Although Florence was in her 30s, she needed her father’s permission to hold the meeting.
Founding members included a number of Bristol reform campaigners, amongst them Agnes Beddoe, Mrs Alfred Brittain, Rev J Estlin Carpenter, Mary Estlin, Mrs Mill Colman, and Lilias Ashworth (from 1869).
The ruined Women’s Social and Political Union shop on Queen’s Road after students ransacked it in retaliation at the Suffragettes burning down their cricket pavilion. Photo from Bristol Archives.
The Bristol society joined the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies in 1896, and continued campaigning until all women won the vote in 1928.
Members could join the ranks of other blue plaque names, including Lady Emmeline Pethwick Lawrence (1867-1954), a lecturer, writer, suffragist and pacifist who edited ‘Votes for Women’, as well as film star Michael Redgrave (1908 – 1985) and singer Dame Clara Butt (1873-1936).
Thousands marched through Bristol in February to mark 100 years of votes for some women
With the help of the Bristol Civic Society Blue Plaques Panel and the generous permission of the building’s owner, Lucienne plans to install a blue plaque at 3 The Mall, Clifton as a permanent memorial to Bristol’s pioneering suffrage women.
She has already raised £285 of the £700 target. To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lucienne-boyce.
Read more: 100 years of votes for women
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