The North's Forgotten
Female Reformers
Inspired by the 2018 centenary celebrations
of women’s suffrage, this online exhibition uncovers the involvement of Northern women in movements
which fought for change and reform throughout the UK,
as illustrated with the use of items from
Newcastle University Library's Special Collections and Archives.
Women's Suffrage:
The Woman Question
2018 marked the centenary of the passing of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which gave some women the right to vote for the very first time in this country. This right was given to women as a result of the long and hard-fought campaigns of the women’s suffrage movement. The aim of the movement was to obtain the right for women to vote on the same terms as men.
Press cutting of political cartoons, 1909 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/19/4) - Satirical cartoon showing that women's suffrage campaigners will not be tricked into accepting a proposed Suffrage Bill that does not meet their cause.
Press cutting of political cartoons, 1909 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/19/4) - Satirical cartoon showing that women's suffrage campaigners will not be tricked into accepting a proposed Suffrage Bill that does not meet their cause.
Press cutting of a political cartoon, 1909 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/19/5) - Satirical cartoon showing the frustration of women's suffrage campaigners regarding a proposed Suffrage Bill and the lack of faith they had in politicians to fight earnestly for their cause.
Press cutting of a political cartoon, 1909 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/19/5) - Satirical cartoon showing the frustration of women's suffrage campaigners regarding a proposed Suffrage Bill and the lack of faith they had in politicians to fight earnestly for their cause.
The campaign was largely dominated by two organisations with very differing approaches; the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) and the Women’s Social & Political Union (WSPU).
The NUWSS campaigned using peaceful, political methods such as pamphlets, public meetings and lobbying parliament – these were known as the suffragists.
The WSPU was a much more militant organisation characterised by more direct, violent and disruptive action – these were the infamous suffragettes.
Page from 'Votes for Catharine Susan & Me', 1910, (Rare Books, RB 823.912 AIN) -showing two suffragette two peg-dolls climbing ladders and smashing windows
Page from 'Votes for Catharine Susan & Me', 1910, (Rare Books, RB 823.912 AIN) -showing two suffragette two peg-dolls climbing ladders and smashing windows
The suffragists formed the first wave of the movement, laying the foundations for the campaign but ultimately failing to secure the vote.
The suffragettes were the new, more radical generation. Fueled by anger at the lack of progress and not afraid to use militant tactics, they hit the headlines and hammered the point home, often literally. The methods they used were more aggressive, such as smashing windows, going on hunger strike, chaining themselves to railings and going to prison for their cause.
Page from 'Votes for Catharine Susan & Me', 1910, (Rare Books, RB 823.912 AIN) - showing two suffragette peg-dolls in prison on hunger strike, refusing to take food
Page from 'Votes for Catharine Susan & Me', 1910, (Rare Books, RB 823.912 AIN) - showing two suffragette peg-dolls in prison on hunger strike, refusing to take food
Although it may seem hard to believe now, support for women’s suffrage was limited and there was much opposition from both parliament and the general public, including many women.
Back cover of an anti-suffrage pamphlet title 'Deputation to Mr. Asquith on Woman's Suffrage' (Gertrude Bell Archive, Gertrude Bell Misc. 23 b) - The image gives an insight into the views of those who were opposed to women’s suffrage.
Back cover of an anti-suffrage pamphlet title 'Deputation to Mr. Asquith on Woman's Suffrage' (Gertrude Bell Archive, Gertrude Bell Misc. 23 b) - The image gives an insight into the views of those who were opposed to women’s suffrage.
Many people actively campaigned against women’s suffrage and formed the anti-suffrage movement and organisations, such as the National League for Opposing Women’s Suffrage. This debate regarding women’s suffrage and their roles within society was often referred to as, ‘The Woman Question’.
Background image: Press cutting of political cartoons, 1909 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/19/4)
Dr Ethel Williams:
'A leading feminist'
In 1896, Dr Ethel Williams moved to Newcastle and became the city’s first female doctor. She had studied at Cambridge and London at a time when women could only attend lectures but could not attain degrees. Ethel faced further professional prejudice when trying to gain medical training, something which women were not permitted to do in British hospitals at that time.
Oxford and Cambridge Examination Certificate (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/1/12)
Oxford and Cambridge Examination Certificate, EWL/1/12 (Ethel Williams Archive)
While in Newcastle, Ethel’s work focused on the welfare of women and children. She opened a general medical practice in 1906, co-founded the Northern Women’s Hospital in 1917 and was an initial member of the Medical Women’s Federation. She provided free milk to the city’s poorest mothers and supported Tyneside’s female workers during the First World War.
Yet Ethel’s astounding medical career is only half her story as a pioneering North East woman...
As president for the North-Eastern Federation of the NUWSS and secretary to the Newcastle Women’s Liberal Association, Ethel regularly participated in local and national suffrage processions, including the 1907 ‘Mud March’ in London.
Suffragist marching banner (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/3/5)
Suffragist marching banner, EWL/3/5 (Ethel Williams Archive)
Ethel was reportedly the first woman in the North of England to own a motor car, something which was essential in mobilising the local Suffrage movement!
Photograph of Ethel Williams driving a car (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/3)
Photograph of Ethel Williams driving a car (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/3)
Ethel's involvement in rallying the suffragette campaign was highly praised. She was given a statuette of the 'Winged Victory' (EWL/3/4, Ethel Williams Archive), which was bestowed on her in 1918 to commemorate the passing of Representation of the People Act. This Act momentously gave women householders and wives of males householders over the age of 30 the right to vote for the very first time.
Statuette of Winged Victory (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/3/4)
Statuette of Winged Victory (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/3/4)
In 1950, two years after her death, Newcastle University (formerly King’s College), dedicated the Ethel Williams Hall of Residence in her honour. Although demolished in the late 1990s, the residential street occupying the site is still named Williams Park.
Outside view of Ethel Williams Hall of Residence for Women (University Archives, NUA/002060/10 )
Outside view of Ethel Williams Hall of Residence for Women (University Archives, NUA/002060/10 )
Find out more about Ethel Williams in our Treasure of the Month online features for 'Votes for Women: Newcastle's own Radical Suffragist' and 'Marching on Together: Ethel Williams' Suffragist Banner'.
Background Image: Photograph of Ethel Williams (Ethel Williams Archive, EWL/2/4)
Elizabeth Spence Watson:
'An Extraordinary Woman'
Elizabeth Spence Watson was a social reformer who supported many radical causes and played an important role in Tyneside politics and education. She was the wife of Robert Spence Watson; a leading voice in liberal politics at local and national level. Together they were prominent social activists in Newcastle and the surrounding area.
Extract from a letter from Millicent Garrett Fawcett to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1908 (Spence Watson Weiss Archive, SW 1/6/1) - Ellizabeth Garrett Fawcett was the leader of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. Although Millicent's main reason for writing is to thank the Spence Watsons for her recent visit, she also says she is 'so glad' that Elizabeth was the 'chair at our meeting'.
Extract from a letter from Millicent Garrett Fawcett to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1908 (Spence Watson Weiss Archive, SW 1/6/1) - Ellizabeth Garrett Fawcett was the leader of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. Although Millicent's main reason for writing is to thank the Spence Watsons for her recent visit, she also says she is 'so glad' that Elizabeth was the 'chair at our meeting'.
Elizabeth was a strong advocate for women's rights. She was a key figure in the Women's Franchise League and co-founded the Newcastle and District Women's Suffrage Society in 1900. Elizabeth also became a council member of the North of England Society for Women’s Suffrage and had a leadership role in the Newcastle Women's Liberal Association. She was associated with many of the leading suffragists of her day and encouraged her daughters to become involved in the Suffragette movement.
![The letter discusses the education of Elizabeth's eldest daughter, Mabel, at Newnham College Cambridge and Emily says 'I look forward to [women] getting Degrees' from universities.](./assets/oEXc6hFX0q/sw-1-4-3-3-500x432.jpeg)
Extract from a letter from Emily Davies to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1883 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/4/3) - The letter discusses the education of Elizabeth's eldest daughter, Mabel, at Newnham College Cambridge and Emily says 'I look forward to [women] getting Degrees' from universities.
Extract from a letter from Emily Davies to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1883 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/4/3) - The letter discusses the education of Elizabeth's eldest daughter, Mabel, at Newnham College Cambridge and Emily says 'I look forward to [women] getting Degrees' from universities.
Elizabeth believed that women should be educated. She was a strong advocate for the advancement of education for women and promoted educational reform. She took an active interest in furthering her daughter's education and was also governess of a local girls’ school.
Extract from a letter from Maria Grey to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1876 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/7/60) - A letter from prominent educationalist and writer Maria Grey discussing the establishment of a new Girls' Public Day School in Gateshead. Maria argues that there are already sufficient girls' schools in Gateshead and that it is 'undesirable' to 'establish a school in rivalry to a pre-existing one'. Correspondence with Maria shows Elizabeth's prominence in the debate for female education.
Extract from a letter from Maria Grey to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1876 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/7/60) - A letter from prominent educationalist and writer Maria Grey discussing the establishment of a new Girls' Public Day School in Gateshead. Maria argues that there are already sufficient girls' schools in Gateshead and that it is 'undesirable' to 'establish a school in rivalry to a pre-existing one'. Correspondence with Maria shows Elizabeth's prominence in the debate for female education.
Also, from a note written in the 1895/96 Principal's Annual report (NUA/3/1/1, University Archives) it is possible that Elizabeth was the first female tutor at Durham University (later split in 1963 to become Durham University and Newcastle University).
As Poor Law Guardian at Gateshead’s Workhouse, Elizabeth played an important role in helping poor children into education. Elizabeth was a Quaker and became part of the temperance movement. She was also actively involved in many other social reform causes including pacifism and peace activism and supported the conscientious objectors during the First World War.
Extract from a letter from Edward L. Pierce to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1886 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/15/20) - Letter from American reformer, Edward Pierce, detailing his travels around America, Mexico and Europe. The topic of female education is discussed and Edward says 'I quite agree with your theory as to girls being educated so that they can do something useful if occasion requires'.
Extract from a letter from Edward L. Pierce to Elizabeth Spence Watson, 1886 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 1/15/20) - Letter from American reformer, Edward Pierce, detailing his travels around America, Mexico and Europe. The topic of female education is discussed and Edward says 'I quite agree with your theory as to girls being educated so that they can do something useful if occasion requires'.
Background image: Photograph of Elizabeth, her husband Robert and their six children: Mabel, Ruth, Evelyn, Mary, Bertha and Arnold, c.1890 (Spence Watson/Weiss Archive, SW 10/14/2)
Women in the Union of Democratic Control:
'Where lies the Truth'
The Union of Democratic Control (UDC) was conceived in August 1914, immediately following Britain’s declaration that it was at war with Germany. The organisation campaigned throughout the First World War for increased democracy in the execution of foreign policy, the establishment of a transparent International Council, and the reduction of armaments. One of the key founding members was Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan of Wallington Hall.
First draft of objectives for a peace organisation, 1914 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/8/1) - These notes in Charles Trevelyan's handwriting, show his draft objectives for the organisation he wished to create. The first of these is "To assist in securing peace at the earliest moment". Echoes of these objectives can be seen in the goals settled on by the UDC.
First draft of objectives for a peace organisation, 1914 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/8/1) - These notes in Charles Trevelyan's handwriting, show his draft objectives for the organisation he wished to create. The first of these is "To assist in securing peace at the earliest moment". Echoes of these objectives can be seen in the goals settled on by the UDC.
The groups’ members came from varied backgrounds, and had different political leanings, but they were united in these goals. The UDC recognised that they needed support for their cause and their activities from women, as well as men. They recruited women to senior roles in the Union, lobbied women’s groups and published propaganda targeting female readers, declaring their support for "equal citizenship" between men and women.
Front cover of a publication by the Union of Democratice Control (UDC), 1915 (Charles Philip Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/5/7 ) - The UDC published its own leaflets and pamphlets to promote its message and objectives, some of which were tailored specifically towards women's groups. This allowed them to raise support across the country, with the establishment of many regional branches who shared their ideas and promoted their literature further.
Front cover of a publication by the Union of Democratice Control (UDC), 1915 (Charles Philip Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/5/7 ) - The UDC published its own leaflets and pamphlets to promote its message and objectives, some of which were tailored specifically towards women's groups. This allowed them to raise support across the country, with the establishment of many regional branches who shared their ideas and promoted their literature further.
Prominent female members included Suffragists Ethel Williams and Helena M. Swanwick, who wrote its first major history.
Telegram regarding outbreaks of violence at UDC meetings, 1915 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/12) - The press were severely critical of the Union's activities and objectives, and during 1915 published details of their upcoming events. This resulted in threats and violence towards UDC members, forcing a request for police protection.
Telegram regarding outbreaks of violence at UDC meetings, 1915 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/1/2/12) - The press were severely critical of the Union's activities and objectives, and during 1915 published details of their upcoming events. This resulted in threats and violence towards UDC members, forcing a request for police protection.
Dismissed initially in the newspapers as ‘Peace Cranks’, as the cost of war became increasingly felt, the UDC’s fight for a peaceful, negotiated outcome began to gain more public support. The Union remained one of the most vocal voices in opposition to the British government throughout the War, thanks to the efforts of all its members.
Find out more about Charles Trevelyan in our Treasure of the Month online features for 'Royal Wedding Treasure Special' and 'The outbreak of World War I: "Charlie Resigns"'. Also, flick through volumes of photographs and ephemera compiled by Charles' wife, Mary Katharine Trevelyan nee Bell [Molly] (spanning from 1889-1960) on Page Turners.
Background image: Group photograph of members from the UDC Summer School, Barrow House, 1919 (Charles Philips Trevelyan Archive, CPT/PA/7)
- Includes suffragist Helena Swanwick and Mary Katharine Trevelyan of Wallington, Charles Philips Trevelyan and future Primer Minister J Ramsay MacDonald
Lady Plowden:
'Feet on the Ground, Head in the Stars Lady'
Wife of wealthy industrialist Edwin Plowden and mother of four, Yorkshire-born Lady Bridget Plowden became a prominent figure later in her life. At the age of 53, she was appointed chairman of the Central Advisory Council for Education, despite her lack of experience. Bridget secured the job after reportedly wowing Edward Boyle, the Conservative Secretary of State for Education, with her enthusiasm for her work at a dinner party in 1963.
In 1967, Bridget published a ground-breaking report, Children and their Primary Schools. Its findings and recommendations reshaped primary school education in the UK. It reduced class sizes, introduced classroom assistants, recommended annual school reports and abolished corporal punishment.
Photograph of Lady Plowden with school children and their teacher taken whilst visiting a primary school, 1982 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, CP 30/4/22/3)
Photograph of Lady Plowden with school children and their teacher taken whilst visiting a primary school, 1982 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, CP 30/4/22/3)
The report also found that Gypsy children were 'the most severely deprived children in the country'. Due to their travelling lifestyle, they had the worst access to education than any other minority group. Determined to improve this situation, in 1973 Bridget helped establish ACERT: the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and other Travellers.
Front cover of the first ACERT Annual Report, 1974 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, BP 9/9/2/3)
Front cover of the first ACERT Annual Report, 1974 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, BP 9/9/2/3)
Extract from the first ACERT Annual Report including the Introduction and Secretary's notes, 1974 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, CP 9/2/1) - The report was first issued a year and half after the organisation was founded. It lists the progress and development which had taken place, as well ACERT's as future plans.
Extract from the first ACERT Annual Report including the Introduction and Secretary's notes, 1974 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, CP 9/2/1) - The report was first issued a year and half after the organisation was founded. It lists the progress and development which had taken place, as well ACERT's as future plans.
ACERT is primarily a campaigning and lobbying organisation for educational issues. Equal access to education for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers remains their priority. However in recent years, ACERT have also campaigned for safer accommodation, equal access to health care and ending discrimination.
Extract from a copy of a talk given by Lady Plowden entitled, 'Looking Back, Moving Forwards', 1985 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, BP 9/9/7) - This talk was given as the introduction to the Department of Education and Science Course on the Education and Welfare of Gypsy, Circus and Fairground Children in 1982. The talk highlighted some of the milestones which had been passed in the previous decade in getting Travellers into education.
Extract from a copy of a talk given by Lady Plowden entitled, 'Looking Back, Moving Forwards', 1985 (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, BP 9/9/7) - This talk was given as the introduction to the Department of Education and Science Course on the Education and Welfare of Gypsy, Circus and Fairground Children in 1982. The talk highlighted some of the milestones which had been passed in the previous decade in getting Travellers into education.
Since her death in 2000, Lady Plowden’s work ethic and determination to improve the education of the most deprived children in the UK has led her to be fondly remembered as the “Feet on the Ground, Head in the Stars Lady”. Her ambition and kindness remains an inspiration for ACERT today.
Background image: Photograph of Lady Plowden at her desk (Lady Bridget Plowden Archive, BP 30/4/33/15)
The Campaign for Sexual Equality (CHE):
'Lesbians Ignite!'
The Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) was first established in Lancashire in 1964 to campaign for homosexual acts between men to be decriminalized. The campaign had some success when the Sexual Offences Act 1967 legalized gay sex for men over the age of 21 in England and Wales.
Following partial decriminalization, CHE began to set up local groups throughout the country and became a mass-membership organisation. Local groups created a social and support network for gay men and lesbians. In 1972 the Tyneside branch of CHE met for the first time and became the last major region to form a group.
As its original purpose was to campaign for the decriminalization of homosexual acts between men, CHE's membership was initially largely male and there were low levels of female membership and representation. However, CHE provided support for all homosexual equality issues and women became increasingly involved in the organisation.
CHE Tyneside Diary of Events, November 1975, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01). Featured in a local CHE newsletter, this article promotes 'Women Plus Women', a book that deals with attitudes towards lesbianism. The promotion of the book is tied in with the acknowledgment of CHE's own treatment of gay women. The article admits that lesbians face ignorance from the gay male community as well as prejudice from the non-gay community.
CHE Tyneside Diary of Events, November 1975, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01). Featured in a local CHE newsletter, this article promotes 'Women Plus Women', a book that deals with attitudes towards lesbianism. The promotion of the book is tied in with the acknowledgment of CHE's own treatment of gay women. The article admits that lesbians face ignorance from the gay male community as well as prejudice from the non-gay community.
This inclusion helped increase awareness and support for lesbians who were experiencing prejudice and discrimination, such as in the workplace (CHE 01/02/01, see below item). This item featured below asks the reader to support Judith Williams who was sacked from her job for being gay.
Extract from CHE Tyneside Newsletter, August 1982, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01) which asks the reader to support Judith Williams who was sacked from her job for being gay.
Extract from CHE Tyneside Newsletter, August 1982, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01) which asks the reader to support Judith Williams who was sacked from her job for being gay.
Another example of increased awareness and support for lesbians through CHE was on the issue of women struggling to gain custody of children from previous relationships because of their sexual orientation.
Extract from CHE Recruitment leaflet, undated, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/04/11), which shows CHE's support of gay women who struggle to gain custody of their children from a previous relationship.
Extract from CHE Recruitment leaflet, undated, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/04/11), which shows CHE's support of gay women who struggle to gain custody of their children from a previous relationship.
The lack of equitable female membership, however, made it difficult to encourage other women to join. Steps were taken to help increase representation, including making half of the CHE committee members female, promoting women's nights, and women's CHE groups. This ultimately led to the desired increase in a female presence, with the mid 1970s seeing CHE membership numbers peaking.
Extract from CHE Tyneside Annual Report , 1983-84, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01 ), which speaks of Women's only Nights which led to an increase in female membership.
Extract from CHE Tyneside Annual Report , 1983-84, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/02/01 ), which speaks of Women's only Nights which led to an increase in female membership.
Image from front cover of CHE Recruitment leaflet, undated, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/04/11)
Image from front cover of CHE Recruitment leaflet, undated, (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/04/11)
Background image: CHE Recruitment Leaflet, undated (Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality Archive, CHE 01/04/11)
Find Out More
Newcastle University Library Special Collections & Archives collects, preserves, promotes and provides access to unique and distinctive books and archives. These resources are made available not only to our own University staff and students, but to researchers from other institutions and to the wider community.
To find out more about our holdings please look at our Collections Guide. To discover how you can consult materials see Using our Collections.
CHE materials are used by kind permission of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality.
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