Women’s Suffrage in Box June 2025
Research Claire Dimond-Mills, John Froud, Nick Churchill, Suzanne Keyte and Alan Payne
Research Claire Dimond-Mills, John Froud, Nick Churchill, Suzanne Keyte and Alan Payne
Suffragettes Annie Kenney, Mary Blathwayt and Emmeline Pankhurst, Eagle House, Batheaston 1910 (courtesy Bath & North East Somerset Council via Bath in Time)
Until now there has been little recorded of Box’s involvement with the Suffrage Movement. However, because Box is so close to Batheaston, it would be foolish to assume that the village was not influenced by the Blathwayt family at Eagle House, a south-west base of the movement and refuge. The owner, Colonel Linley Blathwayt, built a summerhouse in the grounds of his estate that was called the "Suffragette Rest" and where members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) who had endured hunger strikes went to stay. He also created a suffragette arboretum of 60 trees in a field adjacent to the house with the idea that women would be invited to plant a tree to commemorate their prison sentences and hunger strikes.[1]
Early Suffrage Movement
The suffrage movement began a decade before any activity in Box. In Manchester Emmeline Pankhurst started to lead the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Initially, the Liberal government were supportive and they introduced a bill for women’s enfranchisement which failed to pass. It was a moment that could have defused the situation but its failure led to greater non-peaceful agitation including the storming of Parliament by 76 suffragettes in 1907.
Suffragette tactics became more militant with hunger strikes by female prisoners in 1909 and forcible feeding the following year. The Women’s Tax Resistance League was formed which refused to pay tax without having the vote. More political failures followed. The failure of the 1910 Conciliation Bill (offering the vote to certain women) led to a march on Parliament on “Black Friday” which the authorities put down by force. Meanwhile a proposed extension of the male franchise rubbed salt into suffragette wounds.
Early Suffrage Movement
The suffrage movement began a decade before any activity in Box. In Manchester Emmeline Pankhurst started to lead the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Initially, the Liberal government were supportive and they introduced a bill for women’s enfranchisement which failed to pass. It was a moment that could have defused the situation but its failure led to greater non-peaceful agitation including the storming of Parliament by 76 suffragettes in 1907.
Suffragette tactics became more militant with hunger strikes by female prisoners in 1909 and forcible feeding the following year. The Women’s Tax Resistance League was formed which refused to pay tax without having the vote. More political failures followed. The failure of the 1910 Conciliation Bill (offering the vote to certain women) led to a march on Parliament on “Black Friday” which the authorities put down by force. Meanwhile a proposed extension of the male franchise rubbed salt into suffragette wounds.
Inez Maskelyne
The impact of suffrage activism in Box began to emerge more prominently in the early 1910s, as the national movement grew increasingly dynamic. Local gatherings and speeches were pivotal in fostering awareness and support for women’s enfranchisement. Individuals like Helen Fraser, who represented the NUWSS, brought the message of non-violent action to smaller communities, often attracting crowds and donations for the cause.
The earliest reference to Box comes from the diaries of 21-years-old Mary Blathwayt, the daughter of Colonel Linley and Emily Blathwayt at Eagle House, who recorded her activities with her close friend Inez Agnes Mary Maskelyne of Hatt House, Box, who was nine years older than Mary. This is arguably one of the most interesting entries.
The impact of suffrage activism in Box began to emerge more prominently in the early 1910s, as the national movement grew increasingly dynamic. Local gatherings and speeches were pivotal in fostering awareness and support for women’s enfranchisement. Individuals like Helen Fraser, who represented the NUWSS, brought the message of non-violent action to smaller communities, often attracting crowds and donations for the cause.
The earliest reference to Box comes from the diaries of 21-years-old Mary Blathwayt, the daughter of Colonel Linley and Emily Blathwayt at Eagle House, who recorded her activities with her close friend Inez Agnes Mary Maskelyne of Hatt House, Box, who was nine years older than Mary. This is arguably one of the most interesting entries.
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Tuesday 29 March 1910 at Hatt House, Box:[2]
“I bicycled to the Schools in Box with Inez this morning to arrange about the meeting this evening, with Miss Vesey. This afternoon we bicycled to a meeting in the open air on Box Hill Green in front of Chapel at 3.30pm. Men, women, and children sat on the grass and rocks and listened. Mrs Shell (a Salvation Army woman) took the chair. Then Miss Helen Fraser (who is lodging in a cottage nearby) spoke for the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). We collected 5 shillings. This evening at 7.30 we had a meeting in Box New Schools. It was well attended but, as the men came very late, we had to throw the doors open between the girls’ and boys’ schools while the speaking was going on. There were about 100 people. Miss Wheelwright took the chair. Miss Helen Fraser spoke. I sold picture postcards of Miss Helen Fraser and the “Common Cause”; and helped collect. We walked back to Hatt House with one of the maids, who has seen a good many meetings in London. Miss Helen Fraser speaks well. Someone addressed her as Miss Kenney!” |
Helen Fraser (courtesy Wikipedia)
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The diary confirms that many people in Box were interested in (probably supporters of) the movement. Helen Miller Fraser was a Scottish suffragist who believed in non-violent action. An outstanding public speaker, she was engaged in a national tour in 1910, aged 29. The “Common Cause” was a suffrage newspaper first published in 1909. The identity of Miss Vesey is uncertain, possibly one of the Vezey family of Box.
Mary Blathwayt about 1909 (courtesy Suffragette Stories, Mary Blathwayt)
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Diaries of Mary Blathwayt There are several more diary entries by Mary Blathwayt which refer to Box: “Wednesday 23 March 1910 Eagle House, Batheaston This morning Inez Maskelyne called and asked me to go and stay with them at Hatt House, Box, tomorrow.” Thursday 24 March 1910 Hatt House, Box. Wiltshire “I had a card from Annie Kenney this morning from Jersey, with a picture of a Jersey Cow on one side. Annie and Christabel Pankhurst arrived in Jersey on Sunday morning. This afternoon the Story-Maskelynes sent their cart for my luggage and after tea I left Eagle House and bicycled over to Box where I am going to stay for a few days with the Maskelynes at Hatt House. Inez Maskelyne read to us this evening.” |
Friday 25 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“This morning I walked about the fields with the dog Pholoe and she barked at a boggart (fairy apparition) in a ploughed field. Inez read [votes?] to me this afternoon, after tea I went for a walk with Mr Maskelyne; then Inez and I went to church. The curate preached. I had to jump off my cycle suddenly at a turning in Box to avoid being run into by another cyclist; I bruised my leg a little.”
Saturday 26 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“I read in the garden this morning & wrote to Mother. Had a letter from her and the Daily Mirror and a card about Mr Stead's Passion Play Guide, which will not be published until about April 15th. This afternoon Inez and I bicycled to Chippenham; Inez stopping to dress a woman's bad leg on the way. I left some shoes with a man in Corsham to have a rubber heel put on one as the old rubber had fallen off. I called for my shoes on the way back. We had tea at a shop in Chippenham and then sold some Votes for Women Papers; I sold 3 and gave away 2. Inez read to us this evening.”
Sunday 27 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“Pholoe the dog (pronounced Follow-e [crossed out] Fol-o-e) caught a mole in the field this morning; she dug it out of the ground. She did not quite kill the poor creature, so I had to kill it by stamping on its head with my heel. I cycled home this afternoon and had tea at Eagle House. Came back to church at Box at 6.30. The curate preached. Inez read to us this evening. I have given her some WSPU leaflets to distribute, some that I bought quite 2 years ago. Inez read to us this evening. Mother heard from Jessie Kenney from Accrington a few days ago that Jennie Kenney is not so well.”
Monday 28 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“This morning Inez Maskelyne and I bicycled into Box and saw some people about the meetings tomorrow. This afternoon I bicycled down again and distributed some handbills outside the chapel. Some boys shouted "Votes for Women!" After tea I helped Inez with the washing up as the servants had gone out. I have written to Mother. This evening Inez read to us "The Strayings of Sandy" By D. Conyers.”
Tuesday 29 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
As above
“Wednesday 30 March 1910 Eagle House, Batheaston, Bath. I left Hatt House, Box, this morning. I sent my luggage to the Post Office, Batheaston by the carrier and Mrs Bence had it sent out here. Inez and I made speeches to each other about suffrage while we were waiting for the carrier. I bicycled home.”
Saturday 23 July 1910 Royal Hotel, Bath
“Tramed into Bath this morning and had an early lunch at Fortts. Left Bath 1.10p.m. GWR by an excursion train to Paddington. We had a saloon carriage set apart for Suffragettes. Arrived Paddington 3.22 took a train to Holland Park. Joined the West of England WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) Procession at Norland Square. We were only just in time. Annie Kenney was walking in front. We marched to Hyde Park where there were 40 platforms.[3] Jessie Kenney was on the Conning Tower. I heard Mrs Pethick Lawrence, and the Rev Anna Shaw, a leader of the women's movement in America. She is a good speaker but looks very like a man. We had splendid meetings and a very big crowd. Afterwards got tea at a Lyons Shop with Miss Stewart (the Bristol Sec.) Miss Newman & Miss Davies, Bristol members. Then we sat in Hyde Park and listened to a band; then went by bus to the Embankment. Later to Paddington, which we left at 12.45. Got to Bath about 3.30a.m. Inez Maskelyne cycled home. I stayed at Royal Hotel.”
“This morning I walked about the fields with the dog Pholoe and she barked at a boggart (fairy apparition) in a ploughed field. Inez read [votes?] to me this afternoon, after tea I went for a walk with Mr Maskelyne; then Inez and I went to church. The curate preached. I had to jump off my cycle suddenly at a turning in Box to avoid being run into by another cyclist; I bruised my leg a little.”
Saturday 26 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“I read in the garden this morning & wrote to Mother. Had a letter from her and the Daily Mirror and a card about Mr Stead's Passion Play Guide, which will not be published until about April 15th. This afternoon Inez and I bicycled to Chippenham; Inez stopping to dress a woman's bad leg on the way. I left some shoes with a man in Corsham to have a rubber heel put on one as the old rubber had fallen off. I called for my shoes on the way back. We had tea at a shop in Chippenham and then sold some Votes for Women Papers; I sold 3 and gave away 2. Inez read to us this evening.”
Sunday 27 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“Pholoe the dog (pronounced Follow-e [crossed out] Fol-o-e) caught a mole in the field this morning; she dug it out of the ground. She did not quite kill the poor creature, so I had to kill it by stamping on its head with my heel. I cycled home this afternoon and had tea at Eagle House. Came back to church at Box at 6.30. The curate preached. Inez read to us this evening. I have given her some WSPU leaflets to distribute, some that I bought quite 2 years ago. Inez read to us this evening. Mother heard from Jessie Kenney from Accrington a few days ago that Jennie Kenney is not so well.”
Monday 28 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
“This morning Inez Maskelyne and I bicycled into Box and saw some people about the meetings tomorrow. This afternoon I bicycled down again and distributed some handbills outside the chapel. Some boys shouted "Votes for Women!" After tea I helped Inez with the washing up as the servants had gone out. I have written to Mother. This evening Inez read to us "The Strayings of Sandy" By D. Conyers.”
Tuesday 29 March 1910 Hatt House, Box
As above
“Wednesday 30 March 1910 Eagle House, Batheaston, Bath. I left Hatt House, Box, this morning. I sent my luggage to the Post Office, Batheaston by the carrier and Mrs Bence had it sent out here. Inez and I made speeches to each other about suffrage while we were waiting for the carrier. I bicycled home.”
Saturday 23 July 1910 Royal Hotel, Bath
“Tramed into Bath this morning and had an early lunch at Fortts. Left Bath 1.10p.m. GWR by an excursion train to Paddington. We had a saloon carriage set apart for Suffragettes. Arrived Paddington 3.22 took a train to Holland Park. Joined the West of England WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) Procession at Norland Square. We were only just in time. Annie Kenney was walking in front. We marched to Hyde Park where there were 40 platforms.[3] Jessie Kenney was on the Conning Tower. I heard Mrs Pethick Lawrence, and the Rev Anna Shaw, a leader of the women's movement in America. She is a good speaker but looks very like a man. We had splendid meetings and a very big crowd. Afterwards got tea at a Lyons Shop with Miss Stewart (the Bristol Sec.) Miss Newman & Miss Davies, Bristol members. Then we sat in Hyde Park and listened to a band; then went by bus to the Embankment. Later to Paddington, which we left at 12.45. Got to Bath about 3.30a.m. Inez Maskelyne cycled home. I stayed at Royal Hotel.”
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Box was not a die-hard centre supporting women’s suffrage as this entry on Wednesday 16 November 1910 explains: “Eagle House, Batheaston. A letter from Annie Kenney this morning. She is going to Box today after all as the deputation is postponed till Friday. I wired to Inez to let her know. Went to Villa and saw Aethel Tollemache. Ordered advertisements from papers for Annie. Went to see Mrs Moger. Phoned to Annie in Bristol. Got literature ready for Box. Miss Ransford took charge of shop and then Aethel (Tollemache). I went to Avon Vale Practice. Miss Laxton had an operation in Brockly Home this morning. Mrs Berriman looked after shop this evening; had tea with her. At 5.46 Mrs Berriman & Mrs P.B. Miss Pavey and I left for Box by rail. Inez met us at station and we walked to schools. Mrs and Miss Moger & Annie Kenney arrived by next train. I organised stewards. Inez Maskelyne was in the chair and Annie Kenney spoke. We had a good meeting, but all rather poor people. Annie came back here for the night. We saw an eclipse of the moon after we got home. Part of the moon looked quite red.” Left: Eagle House (courtesy Claire Dimond-Mills) |
Mary’s mother Emily added additional information in her diaries, for example 21 June 1908:
“In London for Suffrage Sunday. Mary was in white muslin with the scarf crosswise over her shoulder. She and Inez carried the Bath banner.“
Eagle House was a central base for many of the leading lights of the suffrage movement in the West of England. We can see from the Blathwayte diaries that Inez Maskelyne was a key member of the group. Inez organised local meetings, distributed information sheets and newspapers, and received funds on behalf of the movement. She also accompanied Mary Blathwayt on various trips to address national meetings, including to Hyde Park Corner. We can see that there was tacit approval by Inez’s father, Edmund Maskelyne, and some level of tolerance from the Methodist Church on Box Hill and the New Schools in the centre of Box.
“In London for Suffrage Sunday. Mary was in white muslin with the scarf crosswise over her shoulder. She and Inez carried the Bath banner.“
Eagle House was a central base for many of the leading lights of the suffrage movement in the West of England. We can see from the Blathwayte diaries that Inez Maskelyne was a key member of the group. Inez organised local meetings, distributed information sheets and newspapers, and received funds on behalf of the movement. She also accompanied Mary Blathwayt on various trips to address national meetings, including to Hyde Park Corner. We can see that there was tacit approval by Inez’s father, Edmund Maskelyne, and some level of tolerance from the Methodist Church on Box Hill and the New Schools in the centre of Box.
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Confrontation at Box Railway Station, 24 November 1911 A remarkable incident occurred at Box Railway Station on 24 November 1911 involving the Liberal Chancellor of the Exchequer, David Lloyd George, and Ada Flatman, one-time lead organiser of the Liverpool chapter of the WSPU.[4] The Liberal Party had originally been sympathetic to the extension of franchise to women but these were extremely volatile political times. The National Insurance Act had stalled in parliament and the Liberals back-tracked on their support fearing that it might favour the Tories. In November 1911 Prime Minister Herbert Asquith announced a bill to give only men the vote and the WSPU started to organise a campaign of concerted window-smashing. When Lloyd George arrived at Box Railway Station, he intended to meet up with Sidney Robinson MP, who lived at Ashley House, Box, before making their way to Bath to speak at a National Liberal Federation meeting. |
Ada Flatman in 1911 (courtesy Bath Chronicle, 2 Dec 1911): “Miss Flatman, the Suffragette who interviewed Mr. Lloyd George at Box Railway Station last Friday evening.”
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Lloyd George had already been accosted by WSPU member Miss Graham on the journey and was confronted by another Suffragette, Miss Ada Flatman, on the platform of Box Railway Station after eluding detectives. Ada gave a detailed report to local newspapers in which she recalled that she spoke quietly to him “Nothing but equal voting for men and women will satisfy the militants”. He looked into my face, smiled, and offered me his hand, which I did not take. I said, “Will you give me a promise?” He replied, “I will talk about it tonight.” She kept explaining the cause to him until he got into a motor car and left”.[5]
Worse followed at the Bath meeting that night when police barricaded the streets and searched adjacent houses. Seventy officers were on duty, while at each barrier there were two mounted constables to stop people breaking down the barricades. Annie Kenney, Mrs Barnes and Miss Tyson stood on top of a 4-storey house shouting through megaphones that they opposed the Manhood Suffrage Bill and the Government.[6] In the meeting, several men who dared to question Lloyd George were thrown out with extreme violence. One man stood and said I have paid my own railway fare to bring you a message from the women in Holloway. A furious roar drowned him out and a scene of the wildest disorder was created. In many cases the police outside the Hall saved the interrupters from the brutality of the stewards. Just after midnight a group of 13 militant Suffragists travelled to Ashley House, Box, the home of Mr Sidney Robinson MP, where Lloyd George was staying, and sang protest songs outside the house until all the inhabitants were awake.
Ada Flatman subsequently moved to the USA at the outbreak of war, having disagreed with the leading suffrage organisations' stance of suspending protest until the war was over (see below). She can be heard in a BBC broadcast from 30 December 1946 in which she reminisces on her time as a “proud old militant suffragette”.[7]
Worse followed at the Bath meeting that night when police barricaded the streets and searched adjacent houses. Seventy officers were on duty, while at each barrier there were two mounted constables to stop people breaking down the barricades. Annie Kenney, Mrs Barnes and Miss Tyson stood on top of a 4-storey house shouting through megaphones that they opposed the Manhood Suffrage Bill and the Government.[6] In the meeting, several men who dared to question Lloyd George were thrown out with extreme violence. One man stood and said I have paid my own railway fare to bring you a message from the women in Holloway. A furious roar drowned him out and a scene of the wildest disorder was created. In many cases the police outside the Hall saved the interrupters from the brutality of the stewards. Just after midnight a group of 13 militant Suffragists travelled to Ashley House, Box, the home of Mr Sidney Robinson MP, where Lloyd George was staying, and sang protest songs outside the house until all the inhabitants were awake.
Ada Flatman subsequently moved to the USA at the outbreak of war, having disagreed with the leading suffrage organisations' stance of suspending protest until the war was over (see below). She can be heard in a BBC broadcast from 30 December 1946 in which she reminisces on her time as a “proud old militant suffragette”.[7]
The 1913 Suffrage March outside the Bear Hotel (courtesy Jane Browning)
Pilgrimage for Women’s Suffrage
Whilst the cause appeared to be gaining popular support, it was making no inroads politically. In March 1912 a new bill to give women the vote was defeated and there was increased militant activity with arson and attacks on buildings. On Thursday 8 August 1912, Miss Barbara Wylie spoke at a WSPU meeting in Box, almost certainly open-air.[8] In April 1913 the ‘Cat and Mouse Act’ allowed hunger strikers to be released when seriously ill and later re-arrested. In June 1913 Emily Wilding Davison died after stepping out in front of the King’s horse at Epsom Derby. She had already been arrested nine times and force-fed 49 times. Thousands attended her funeral.
On 15 April 1913 there was also a co-ordinated attempt by suffragettes to cause damage in Box. A dozen telegraph and telephone wires were cut on the Great Western Railway line at Box, but the saboteurs failed to sever the “tell-tale” wire running through Box Tunnel, which would have closed traffic through the tunnel and impacted all services to the West of England. There was no doubt in the newspaper reporter’s mind that it was the work of suffragettes explaining: “Reared against a telephone pole was found a 26-rung ladder which had been removed from a neighbouring farm. The turf around the pole bore the prints of women’s boots. Suffragette literature had been left and also a pair of “nippers” with which the wires had been cut”. There were no arrests.[9] Similar wire-cutting in London was accompanied with shouts of “Release Mrs Pankhurst” and “No Votes, No Peace”.
In the same period, the suffragettes also targeted the Right Hon Charles Edward Hobhouse MP and Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster who had married Georgina, the daughter of George Fuller at Neston Park, and lived at The Ridge, Neston. A number of hay ricks on land belonging to the Fuller estate were set fire to in April 1913. Hobhouse was a liberal who was not only against giving women the vote but actively antagonised them making him a target. In March 1913 they burnt down his home in Surrey and it may have been this attack that led the Blathwayts to distance themselves from the cause as they were acquaintances of the Hobhouse and Fuller families. Charles Hobhouse later lived at Ashley Leigh. Militant activity continued in the area and later in June 1913, a mansion at Westwood near Bradford on Avon was badly damaged by a deliberate fire. This may have been caused by the Tollemache sisters who also lived in Batheaston and it was probably this attack that led the Blathwayts to distance themselves from the cause as Mary resigned from the WSPU the following day. Mary's resignation emphasised the difference between the NUWSS who had a more law-abiding approach and the WSPU who tended to be more militant.
From 18 June to 25 July 1913, 50,000 people from across the UK took part in the Pilgrimage for Women’s Suffrage organised by the NUWSS. One branch of the march came from Land’s End to Bristol where they joined with marchers from South Wales. They processed from Bath, through the centre of Box and up Box Hill to Corsham. In the headline photograph, the pilgrimage is pictured outside The Bear, Box, on 16 July 1913.The reception in Box and Corsham appears to have been welcoming especially for the 20 women who had marched the whole way from Land’s End. However, other places were more hostile including Chippenham and Calne where police had to break up crowds and rescue speakers.
Few women marched the whole route and were joined on short stretches by locals wearing purple, white and green rosettes.[10] Some walked, some rode bicycles, a very few went on horseback. Amongst others, the West of England march was led by Miss Frances Sterling, an oil painter who had exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Rev R Talbot from Bristol Cathedral.[11]
The Pilgrimage was to prove to the British people and government that most of the suffrage women were law abiding. But this message was lost and marchers had a very mixed reception. At Twerton, Bath, the council later held an inquest as to why the police failed to protect the female pilgrims. It concluded that crowds were hostile because of the suffragette actions of arson and window breaking.
Whilst the cause appeared to be gaining popular support, it was making no inroads politically. In March 1912 a new bill to give women the vote was defeated and there was increased militant activity with arson and attacks on buildings. On Thursday 8 August 1912, Miss Barbara Wylie spoke at a WSPU meeting in Box, almost certainly open-air.[8] In April 1913 the ‘Cat and Mouse Act’ allowed hunger strikers to be released when seriously ill and later re-arrested. In June 1913 Emily Wilding Davison died after stepping out in front of the King’s horse at Epsom Derby. She had already been arrested nine times and force-fed 49 times. Thousands attended her funeral.
On 15 April 1913 there was also a co-ordinated attempt by suffragettes to cause damage in Box. A dozen telegraph and telephone wires were cut on the Great Western Railway line at Box, but the saboteurs failed to sever the “tell-tale” wire running through Box Tunnel, which would have closed traffic through the tunnel and impacted all services to the West of England. There was no doubt in the newspaper reporter’s mind that it was the work of suffragettes explaining: “Reared against a telephone pole was found a 26-rung ladder which had been removed from a neighbouring farm. The turf around the pole bore the prints of women’s boots. Suffragette literature had been left and also a pair of “nippers” with which the wires had been cut”. There were no arrests.[9] Similar wire-cutting in London was accompanied with shouts of “Release Mrs Pankhurst” and “No Votes, No Peace”.
In the same period, the suffragettes also targeted the Right Hon Charles Edward Hobhouse MP and Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster who had married Georgina, the daughter of George Fuller at Neston Park, and lived at The Ridge, Neston. A number of hay ricks on land belonging to the Fuller estate were set fire to in April 1913. Hobhouse was a liberal who was not only against giving women the vote but actively antagonised them making him a target. In March 1913 they burnt down his home in Surrey and it may have been this attack that led the Blathwayts to distance themselves from the cause as they were acquaintances of the Hobhouse and Fuller families. Charles Hobhouse later lived at Ashley Leigh. Militant activity continued in the area and later in June 1913, a mansion at Westwood near Bradford on Avon was badly damaged by a deliberate fire. This may have been caused by the Tollemache sisters who also lived in Batheaston and it was probably this attack that led the Blathwayts to distance themselves from the cause as Mary resigned from the WSPU the following day. Mary's resignation emphasised the difference between the NUWSS who had a more law-abiding approach and the WSPU who tended to be more militant.
From 18 June to 25 July 1913, 50,000 people from across the UK took part in the Pilgrimage for Women’s Suffrage organised by the NUWSS. One branch of the march came from Land’s End to Bristol where they joined with marchers from South Wales. They processed from Bath, through the centre of Box and up Box Hill to Corsham. In the headline photograph, the pilgrimage is pictured outside The Bear, Box, on 16 July 1913.The reception in Box and Corsham appears to have been welcoming especially for the 20 women who had marched the whole way from Land’s End. However, other places were more hostile including Chippenham and Calne where police had to break up crowds and rescue speakers.
Few women marched the whole route and were joined on short stretches by locals wearing purple, white and green rosettes.[10] Some walked, some rode bicycles, a very few went on horseback. Amongst others, the West of England march was led by Miss Frances Sterling, an oil painter who had exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Rev R Talbot from Bristol Cathedral.[11]
The Pilgrimage was to prove to the British people and government that most of the suffrage women were law abiding. But this message was lost and marchers had a very mixed reception. At Twerton, Bath, the council later held an inquest as to why the police failed to protect the female pilgrims. It concluded that crowds were hostile because of the suffragette actions of arson and window breaking.
Conclusion of Activities
With the outbreak of the First World War in July 1914, an amnesty was offered to suffragettes. Both the WSPU and the NUWSS suspended their campaigns and encouraged women to work for the war effort. In February 1918 the Representation of the People Act was passed giving men over the age of 21 and women over the age of 30 (subject to certain property conditions) the right to vote.
The Blathwayts continued to be staunchly opposed to militancy but Mary kept her NUWSS membership. It is probable that Inez Maskelyne shared the views of her friend and she gradually faded out of political activism. In her memoires Katherine Harris of the Old Jockey described Inez in the 1920s as: “Miss Maskelyne who lived in a house called The Hermitage. At one time Miss Maskelyne had lived in Hatt House close by the Old Jockey ... I have been told that this rather stern old lady was once a suffragette.[12]
The enfranchisement of women divided families and many men supported the non-militant protests. In Swindon in October 1913 David Lloyd George referred to the Pilgrimage as one of the cleverest political moves in recent times and a dramatic way of harnessing public attention whilst remaining lawful and peaceful. What a shame that it also took imprisonment, hunger strikes, force-feeding, and several deaths to sway political opinion.
This is far from the complete history of the suffrage movement in Box and we are happy to publish any additional research that readers may discover concerning people like Lottie Sattler, a German lady, who visited Mary and Inez over 20-year period, including Inez in 1927. Does anyone have information about the involvement of Aethel Tollemache of Batheaston Villa, who refused to pay tax, maintaining 'taxation should carry with it representation'? And finally, we would appreciate any more on the strange story of the two cheques for £40 each sent illegally by Inez to a German woman living in Mexico called Miss Eva Wassman during the war in 1941.[13]
Postscript
Claire Dimond-Mills is talking about Eagle House for the Colerne History Group at 7.30pm on 11 September 2025 at Colerne Village Hall (see their website for terms for non-members).
With the outbreak of the First World War in July 1914, an amnesty was offered to suffragettes. Both the WSPU and the NUWSS suspended their campaigns and encouraged women to work for the war effort. In February 1918 the Representation of the People Act was passed giving men over the age of 21 and women over the age of 30 (subject to certain property conditions) the right to vote.
The Blathwayts continued to be staunchly opposed to militancy but Mary kept her NUWSS membership. It is probable that Inez Maskelyne shared the views of her friend and she gradually faded out of political activism. In her memoires Katherine Harris of the Old Jockey described Inez in the 1920s as: “Miss Maskelyne who lived in a house called The Hermitage. At one time Miss Maskelyne had lived in Hatt House close by the Old Jockey ... I have been told that this rather stern old lady was once a suffragette.[12]
The enfranchisement of women divided families and many men supported the non-militant protests. In Swindon in October 1913 David Lloyd George referred to the Pilgrimage as one of the cleverest political moves in recent times and a dramatic way of harnessing public attention whilst remaining lawful and peaceful. What a shame that it also took imprisonment, hunger strikes, force-feeding, and several deaths to sway political opinion.
This is far from the complete history of the suffrage movement in Box and we are happy to publish any additional research that readers may discover concerning people like Lottie Sattler, a German lady, who visited Mary and Inez over 20-year period, including Inez in 1927. Does anyone have information about the involvement of Aethel Tollemache of Batheaston Villa, who refused to pay tax, maintaining 'taxation should carry with it representation'? And finally, we would appreciate any more on the strange story of the two cheques for £40 each sent illegally by Inez to a German woman living in Mexico called Miss Eva Wassman during the war in 1941.[13]
Postscript
Claire Dimond-Mills is talking about Eagle House for the Colerne History Group at 7.30pm on 11 September 2025 at Colerne Village Hall (see their website for terms for non-members).
References
[1] There are several interesting photos of the suffrage women, Blathwayt, Pankhurst and Kenney on Bath in Time website
[2] The diaries have been partly transcribed and can be accessed on the Gloucester Records office website
[3] It is at this rally that Inez is believed to be mentioned in the diaries as carrying a flag for the Bath branch of the movement.
[4] Bath Chronicle, 2 December 1911
[5] Bristol Times and Mirror 25 November 1911, The Wilts and Gloucester Standard, 2 December 1911 and The Somerset Standard, 1 December 1911
[6] Votes For Women newspaper, 1 December 1911
[7] https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cv2kzkjy722o
[8] Votes For Women newspaper, 16 August 1912
[9] Verbatim extracts are given in The Suffragette, 18 April 1913
[10] The Central Somerset Gazette, 18 July 1913
[11] The full route of the march is given in The Central Somerset Gazette, 4 July 1913
[12] Katherine Harris, Up the Hill and Down the Hill, p.34
[13] Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror, 10 March 1941
[1] There are several interesting photos of the suffrage women, Blathwayt, Pankhurst and Kenney on Bath in Time website
[2] The diaries have been partly transcribed and can be accessed on the Gloucester Records office website
[3] It is at this rally that Inez is believed to be mentioned in the diaries as carrying a flag for the Bath branch of the movement.
[4] Bath Chronicle, 2 December 1911
[5] Bristol Times and Mirror 25 November 1911, The Wilts and Gloucester Standard, 2 December 1911 and The Somerset Standard, 1 December 1911
[6] Votes For Women newspaper, 1 December 1911
[7] https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cv2kzkjy722o
[8] Votes For Women newspaper, 16 August 1912
[9] Verbatim extracts are given in The Suffragette, 18 April 1913
[10] The Central Somerset Gazette, 18 July 1913
[11] The full route of the march is given in The Central Somerset Gazette, 4 July 1913
[12] Katherine Harris, Up the Hill and Down the Hill, p.34
[13] Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror, 10 March 1941