Elsie Duval

Elsie Duval

Elsie Duval (1892–1919) was a prominent British suffragette and a key figure in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She was actively involved in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization led by Emmeline Pankhurst that campaigned for women's right to vote.

Early Life

Elsie Duval was born in London in 1892. She was the daughter of Ernest Duval, a French-born artist, and Alice Duval, a committed suffragette. Growing up in a politically active household, Elsie was exposed to the ideas of women's rights from a young age.

Activism

Duval joined the WSPU in her late teens and quickly became involved in its militant activities. She participated in numerous demonstrations and was known for her courage and dedication to the cause. In 1912, she was arrested for her involvement in a window-smashing campaign in London and was subsequently imprisoned.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strikes

While in prison, Duval went on a hunger strike to protest the conditions and the treatment of suffragette prisoners. She was subjected to force-feeding, a brutal practice used by the authorities to break the will of the hunger strikers. Her health suffered significantly as a result of this treatment.

Personal Life

Elsie Duval was engaged to Hugh Franklin, another prominent suffragette and member of the WSPU. The couple shared a deep commitment to the suffrage cause and supported each other in their activism.

Death and Legacy

Elsie Duval's health never fully recovered from the effects of force-feeding, and she died in 1919 at the age of 27. Her contributions to the women's suffrage movement were significant, and she is remembered as a brave and dedicated activist who fought tirelessly for women's rights.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Hunger strike
• Force-feeding