Lilian Lenton

Lilian-lenton

Lilian Lenton (5 January 1891 – 28 October 1972) was a British suffragette and dancer. She was an active member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and was known for her militant tactics in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Lilian Lenton was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. She trained as a dancer before becoming involved in the suffrage movement. Her early life and education were marked by a growing awareness of social inequalities, which eventually led her to join the WSPU.

Suffrage Movement

Lenton joined the Women's Social and Political Union in 1910. The WSPU, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, was known for its militant approach to securing women's right to vote. Lenton quickly became involved in the more radical activities of the organization.

Arson Campaign

Lenton was particularly known for her involvement in the WSPU's arson campaign. She was arrested multiple times for setting fire to buildings as a form of protest. One of her most notable actions was the attempted arson of the Tea Pavilion at Kew Gardens in 1913. She was arrested but managed to escape from Holloway Prison using a disguise.

Hunger Strikes

Like many suffragettes, Lenton went on hunger strike while imprisoned. She was subjected to force-feeding, a brutal practice that involved inserting a tube into the stomach through the nose or mouth to administer food. This practice caused significant health issues for Lenton, including a collapsed lung.

Later Life

After the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted limited suffrage to women, Lenton continued to be active in social causes. She worked with the Women's Freedom League and other organizations to promote women's rights and social justice.

Legacy

Lilian Lenton's contributions to the suffrage movement were significant. Her militant actions and resilience in the face of harsh treatment highlighted the lengths to which women were willing to go to secure their rights. She is remembered as a key figure in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Women's Social and Political Union
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Holloway Prison
• Force-feeding
• Representation of the People Act 1918
• Women's Freedom League