Huddersfield WSPU Branch


In January 1907, the Huddersfield branch of the Women's Social and Political Union met for the first time at Robinson's Café. Emmeline Pankhurst attended, encouraged by the great enthusiasm shown by the women of Huddersfield. 50 women immediately signed up, led by the new branch Secretary Edith Key.

Branch members 1907:
Honorary Secretary - Mrs Edith Key
Honorary Treasurer - Mrs W Brook
Literature Secretary - Mrs Pogson

Committee Members:
Mrs Haigh
Mrs Lodge
Mrs Scott
Mrs Shakeshaft
Mrs Sykes
Mrs Eliza Thewlis

Ordinary members:
Mrs Bates
Ellen Beever
Gertrude Ellen Brook
Miss Burton
Mrs Crawshaw
Miss Dawson
Miss L A Dawson
Mrs Dransfield
Mrs Fleetwood
Mrs Willie France
Mrs France
Miss E Haigh
Mrs Amelia Haigh
Mrs Hall
Miss Hall
Mrs Haydn
Lily Hellawell
Mrs Hickman
Mrs Highley
Mrs Hirst
Mrs Hobson
Annie Hopson
Mrs Jackman
Mrs Lee
Mrs Joe Livingstone
Miss Livesey
Miss Lodge
Miss Bertha Lowenthal - from 1910, Honorary Secretary
Miss Marsden
Mrs Mellor
Mrs Mellor
Miss Morton
Mrs Morton
Mrs Mosley
Mrs Elizabeth Pinnance
Miss Rhodes
Miss E Rhodes
Mrs Roberts
Mrs Smith
Miss Smith
Mrs Spivy
Mrs Stead
Miss G Swallows
Miss Sykes
Miss Dora Thewlis
Miss A Williams
Mrs Wilson

From February 1907, local members of the WSPU began to attend the 'Women's Parliament' meetings in London. Huge groups of women descended on the House of Commons to present petitions to their M.P.s. Large numbers of women, and some men, were arrested including some from 'Kirklees'. Find out more here: Arrests - Westminster, London

Huddersfield WSPU branch minute book

Edith Key's minute book for the Huddersfield branch still survives and is now part of the West Yorkshire Archives Service Collection. Copies of the pages can be seen on their website here: www.historytoherstory.org.uk 

The minutes cover the period May 1907 to January 1909.


This minute book is one of only three known to exist from branches of the WSPU. Although the entries are quite short, it gives us a very important insight into the working of the Huddersfield branch and the names and addresses of nearly 60 members.

Newspaper Reports

Votes for Women, 4th October 1907

This report about the activity of the Huddersfield NUWSS branch was included in the newspaper of the WSPU: 
Activity at Huddersfield.
   At a recent meeting of the Huddersfield Women’s Suffrage Society, the hon. secretary (Mrs. Helen Studdard) was requested to write to the secretaries of the political party organisations at Huddersfield, stating that the association did not desire to remove any of the present municipal representatives, but trusted that, when vacancies arose the respective parties would give some opportunity for candidatures of women, and support such candidates.

Votes for Women, 12th December 1907

   The Huddersfield W.S.P.U. organised a magnificent meeting in Sheffield Town Hall, which was addressed by Mrs. Pethick Lawrence and Miss Christabel Pankhurst.  Mrs. Willson, of Halifax, presided.  The hall was very full, and some little disturbance, caused by a few youths, who were removed by the police, occurred at the back.  Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, speaking first dealt with the reasons why women claim the right to vote, and the need of improvement in their social and industrial condition.  She made a stirring appeal to the women to give their money to the cause.  Miss Christabel Pankhurst dealt with the tactics of the W.S.P.U.  she pointed out that Mr. Asquith, in condemning our methods, laid great stress on our preventing the right of free speech in Liberal meetings; but she pointed out that the right to the vote was so much greater that the right to free speech, and so long as Mr. Asquith prevented our getting the right to vote, we were perfectly justified in preventing his right to free speech….
Adela Pankhurst

Votes for Women, 18th February 1909

Yorkshire
   On Tuesday, February 9, I spoke at the Huddersfield At Home, and found that several women are getting on well at the speakers’ class.  We have several speakers in Leeds and Bradford, and I hope other women will come forward and join the classes, so that as soon as the weather is warmer, we shall be able to hold a large number of outdoor meetings and to go further afield.  On Wednesday, February 10, a very successful drawing-room meeting, arranged by Miss Lowenthal, was held in Huddersfield.  In spite of very wet weather and the distance of the house from the town, over forty people were present, and a good collection was taken.
   We have been making plans for raising money in Self-Denial Week. Among other suggestions are a barrel-organ and the hiring of a hawker’s cart, from which we shall sell fruit, sweets, cakes, etc., to be given by members and friends.  Contributions for this are urgently wanted.
   Plans are being made for working-parties to make things for the Yorkshire stall at the Exhibition.  As already announced, as far as possible we should like the stall to be devoted to Yorkshire specialties, and the following list will be useful to friends:-
   Parkin, cakes, sweets, pickles, bottled fruits, jams, views of Yorkshire, books, metal and basket work, sealing wax, hatpins and buttons, tents, mats and bedroom slippers.
   This week I have sent the Treasurer 5s. from Miss Midgley and £1 17s . collection (Huddersfield Drawing-room Meeting).
C. A. L. Marsh.

Votes for Women, 10th February 1911

HUDDERSFIELD.
Organiser – Miss Mary Phillips.
Hon. Sec. – Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.
   A most excellent scheme has been planned and carried out by Miss Lowenthal, with the co-operation of Mrs. Miller, for increasing the circulation of VOTES FOR WOMEN.  They are making a systematic canvass of the women householders, with the excellent result that many copies have been sold and six new subscribers obtained in the first two days’ work.  Mrs. Miller also pays for the display of the poster at Huddersfield Station.  Anyone else in Huddersfield who could help should communicate with Miss Lowenthal.

Votes for Women, 14th April 1911

HUDDERSFIELD.
Organiser – Miss Mary Phillips, 68, Manningham Lane, Bradford.
   Lady Isabel Margesson’s meeting was most successful.  Miss Lowenthal, who so kindly undertook the arrangements, presided.  Lady Isabel Margesson in moving the resolution demanding the Bill this session, drew attention to some of the most glaring injustices done to women under the present legal code, and explained the history and provisions of the Bill.  Dr. Marion Mackenzie, in seconding, showed the urgency of the question, and the need for immediate action.  The resolution was carried unanimously.

Votes for Women, 20th October 1911

HALIFAX AND HUDDERSFIELD.
Organiser – Miss Annie Williams, 1, Fitzwilliam St. West, Huddersfield.
   A large and representative audience filled the Parochial Hall on Oct. 13; Miss Lowenthal introduced the organiser, who received a warm welcome.  The collection was good.  Will Halifax members who are making Christmas Fair articles send them, when finished, to Dr. Helena Jones, 3, Rhodesia Avenue, and Huddersfield members to Miss Williams, or to Miss Lowenthal, The Grange?  The organiser hopes that all members in both towns and district will call on or write to her.  Everyone must concentrate now on making Miss Christabel Pankhurst’s meeting on Friday, Nov. 3, a success.  Volunteers are wanted for selling VOTES FOR WOMEN.  Copies can be obtained from Miss Lettice Floyd, 1. Fitzwilliam Street.  Many thanks to Miss Kilburn for 15s. Subscriptions should be sent to the organiser.
Tues., Oct. 24. – Sowerby Bridge, Women’s Co-operative Guild, Miss Annie Williams, 8 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 27. – Huddersfield, Parochial Hall, Mrs. Josiah Lockwood, Miss Annie Williams, 3.30 p.m.

Votes for Women, 16th February 1912

HALIFAX AND HUDDERSFIELD.
Organiser – Miss Annie Williams, 1, Fitzwilliam St. West, Huddersfield.
Hon. Sec. – Miss Lettice Floyd.
   Miss Georgina Brackenbury’s visit will not soon be forgotten.  In Huddersfield and at Halifax she charmed her audiences with her forcible and delightfully humorous speeches.  The Reception in Whiteley’s Café, Huddersfield, on Wednesday afternoon was a brilliant success.  More than a hundred accepted invitations and there must have been quite that number present and the collection was a most grateful addition to the funds.  The organiser is most grateful to Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Lockwood, Mrs. Cockroft, Mrs. Robinson and Miss Lowenthal.  The Reception was well reported by the Huddersfield Daily Chronicle. Will members who can do so give drawing-room meetings?  Hearty thanks to Halifax members who helped to make the Victoria Hall meeting such a success.
Tues., Feb. 20. – Halifax, Mechanic’s Institute, Miss Annie Williams, 8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 23. – Huddersfield, Parochial Hall, Miss Annie Williams, 3.30 p.m.

Votes for Women, 23th February 1912

HALIFAX AND HUDDERSFIELD.
Organiser – Miss Annie Williams, 1, Fitzwilliam St. West, Huddersfield.
Hon. Sec. – Miss Lettice Floyd.
   The Special Suffrage Meeting held by the Halifax branch of the I.L.P. in the Trades’ Club Hall, on February 11, was well attended, and the resolution protesting against the introduction by the Government of any Reform Bill not giving politically was carried enthusiastically.  Excellent speeches were made by Councillor Taylor, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Hunter, and the meeting was well reported by the Halifax Guardian. A public meeting will be held in the Central Hall, Elland, on Tuesday, March 12.  The Rev. Paul Stacey will take the chair, and Councillor J. Swift will also speak.  Will sympathisers in Elland distribute handbills, and do their best to make the meeting known?  The organiser is at home on Mondays, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 23. – Huddersfield, Parochial Hall, Miss Lowenthal, Miss Annie Williams, 3.30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 25. – Huddersfield, I.L.P., St. Peter’s Street, Miss Annie Williams, 6.30 p.m.

Votes for Women, 5th July 1912

HUDDERSFIELD.
   At a social gathering at Huddersfield Parochial Hall, a resolution demanding release of suffrage prisoners and the withdrawal of Manhood Suffrage Bill was carried unanimously. – (Hon. Sec. Miss B. S. Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 14th March 1913

Huddersfield.
   Next members’ meeting March 26.  Whist drive fixed for April 2; tickets, 9d. each.  Who will contribute to prizes?  Paper-sellers wanted for open-air meetings. Organiser will be glad to supply members with “Votes for Women” tea on application.  Prices to suit all pockets.  (Org., Miss Glidewell; Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange, Huddersfield.)

The Suffragette, 11th April 1913

Huddersfield.
   A small and successful whist drive was held on April 2.  Whilst refreshments were served copies of THE SUFFRAGETTE were sold and caused much interest.  The secretary will inform members a little later when next meeting will take place.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 4th July 1913

Huddersfield.
   A very successful meeting at which Mrs. A. J. Webbe spoke on the White Slave Traffic, held in the Mayor’s Reception Room, kindly lent by Mayor for meeting.  The hon. secretary will be glad if anyone wishing to join local branch will communicate with her.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 10th October 1913

Huddersfield.
   Successful members’ meeting held Oct. 1, at Imperial Road.  Miss Robins’ “Way Stations” was read aloud, and discussion followed.  Two new members joined.  Next meeting at Spring Bank, Fartown, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 29, 7.30 p.m., when members are each invited to bring a friend.  Gratefully acknowledged: W. J. McWilliams, one guinea.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 7 November 1913

Huddersfield.
   “At home,” Oct. 29, well attended.  Miss Olive Garrett gave very interesting address.  Jumble sale Parochial Hall, Wednesday, Nov. 12.  Mrs. Webbe’s meeting on social evil, Thursday evening, Nov. 20, in the Friendly and Trades Hall.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 28th November 1913

Huddersfield.
   Mrs. A. J. Webbe spoke to interested audience of nearly 300 women on the social evil and the vote.  Gratefully acknowledged:  A. J. Webbe, Esq. £1 1s; Mrs. Jagger, 5s; Mrs Moorhouse, 2s. 6d. (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 30th January 1914

Huddersfield.
   A very successful whist drive and dance held on Wednesday evening, Jan. 21.  Many thanks to all who helped by gifts and contributions.  General Drummond will speak in the Temperance Hall on Saturday evening, Feb. 28.  Members are asked to do all they can to make meeting a great success.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 20th February 1914

Huddersfield.
   Members are urged to work very hard this next week by selling tickets and canvassing for Mrs. Drummond’s meeting on Feb. 28, so that she shall have a splendid audience when she speaks in Temperance Hall.  Many thanks for a set of collecting bags made by a member and given by her to the hon. sec. for use at local meeting. (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 27th February 1914

Huddersfield.
   General Drummond will speak in the Temperance Hall, Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 o’clock.  Chairman, the Rev. Paul Stacy of Elland. (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

The Suffragette, 10th July 1914

Huddersfield.
   A successful meeting for members and friends held on June 17th at St Mark’s Schools, when Miss Key Jones gave an interesting address.  Treasurer acknowledges with many thanks a donation of £1, 1s. from W. J. M’Williams, Esq., who wishes to have the SUFFRAGETTE sent to him in S. Africa for a year.  (Hon. Sec., Miss Lowenthal, The Grange.)

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