Helen Kirkpatrick Watts

Suffragette Helen Watts 1911 by Blathwayt, Col Linley

Helen Kirkpatrick Watts (1881–1972) was a prominent British suffragette and activist known for her significant contributions to the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization led by Emmeline Pankhurst that was dedicated to securing women's right to vote through militant means.

Early Life

Helen Kirkpatrick Watts was born in 1881 in Nottingham, England. She was the daughter of the Reverend Alan Hunter Watts, a clergyman, and his wife, Mary Kirkpatrick. Helen was educated at Nottingham High School for Girls and later attended University College Nottingham.

Activism

Helen Kirkpatrick Watts became actively involved in the women's suffrage movement in the early 1900s. She joined the WSPU, which was known for its more radical and militant tactics compared to other suffrage organizations like the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS).

Arrests and Imprisonment

Watts was arrested multiple times for her participation in suffrage activities. In 1909, she was arrested for her involvement in a demonstration outside the House of Commons and was subsequently imprisoned. During her time in prison, she participated in hunger strikes, a common form of protest among suffragettes, which often led to force-feeding by the authorities.

Contributions to the Movement

Helen Kirkpatrick Watts was known for her eloquent speeches and writings advocating for women's suffrage. She traveled extensively, giving talks and participating in demonstrations to raise awareness about the cause. Her dedication and efforts were instrumental in keeping the momentum of the suffrage movement alive during a critical period.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications, Watts continued to be involved in social and political causes. She remained an advocate for women's rights and worked towards achieving full suffrage, which was eventually realized with the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928.

Helen Kirkpatrick Watts passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of courage and determination in the fight for women's rights. Her contributions to the suffrage movement are remembered as a vital part of the history of women's emancipation in the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Representation of the People Act 1918
• Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928