Elsie Howey

Elsie Howey

Elsie Howey (1 December 1884 – 13 March 1963) was a prominent British suffragette and member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). She is best known for her militant activities in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Elsie Howey was born in Finningley, Yorkshire, to Reverend John Howey and his wife, Edith. She was educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College and later attended the University of St Andrews and the University of Birmingham.

Suffragette Activities

Elsie Howey joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1907, an organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia. The WSPU was known for its militant tactics, which included demonstrations, hunger strikes, and acts of civil disobedience.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strikes

Howey was arrested multiple times for her involvement in suffragette activities. She participated in several hunger strikes while imprisoned, which led to her being force-fed by prison authorities. This brutal treatment was a common experience for many suffragettes and highlighted the harsh measures taken by the government to suppress the movement.

Notable Protests

One of Howey's most famous acts of protest occurred in 1909 when she, along with fellow suffragette Mary Leigh, disrupted a speech by Prime Minister H. H. Asquith in Birmingham. They were both arrested and sentenced to one month of hard labor.

Later Life

After the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property requirements, Howey retired from public life. She lived quietly in Malvern, Worcestershire, until her death in 1963.

Legacy

Elsie Howey is remembered as a dedicated and courageous suffragette who played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Her efforts, along with those of her fellow suffragettes, were instrumental in achieving voting rights for women.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Christabel Pankhurst
• Sylvia Pankhurst
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Representation of the People Act 1918