Edith New

Edith New by Peter McNairn of Hawick who died in 1923

Edith New (17 March 1877 – 2 January 1951) was a British suffragette and member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). She is best known for her militant actions in support of women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Edith New was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. She was the daughter of Frederick James New, a railway worker, and his wife, Isabella. Edith trained as a teacher and worked in London.

Activism

In 1908, Edith New joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst to campaign for women's suffrage. The WSPU was known for its militant tactics, and New quickly became involved in these activities.

Window-Smashing Campaign

One of Edith New's most notable actions was her participation in the window-smashing campaign. On 30 June 1908, she and fellow suffragette Mary Leigh broke windows at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This act of defiance was intended to draw attention to the suffrage cause and resulted in New's arrest and imprisonment.

Imprisonment

Edith New was imprisoned several times for her suffragette activities. During her time in prison, she went on hunger strikes to protest the conditions and to demand recognition as a political prisoner. Her actions, along with those of other suffragettes, eventually led to the implementation of the Cat and Mouse Act in 1913, which allowed for the temporary release of hunger-striking prisoners who were then re-arrested once they had recovered.

Later Life

After the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted voting rights to some women, Edith New retired from public life. She continued to live in London until her death on 2 January 1951.

Legacy

Edith New is remembered as a pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement. Her militant actions and dedication to the cause of women's rights played a significant role in the eventual achievement of women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Women's Social and Political Union
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Mary Leigh
• Representation of the People Act 1918
• Cat and Mouse Act