Mary Jane Clarke

Mary Jane Clarke - Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton and Hove

Mary Jane Clarke (née Simmons; 1862 – 1910) was a prominent British suffragette and a key member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). She was the sister of Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, another notable suffragette. Clarke is remembered for her dedication to the cause of women's suffrage and her tragic death, which highlighted the harsh treatment of suffragettes by the authorities.

Early Life

Mary Jane Clarke was born in 1862 in England. She was the daughter of a Methodist minister and grew up in a family that valued education and social justice. Her sister, Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, would also become a significant figure in the suffrage movement.

Involvement in the Suffrage Movement

Clarke joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the early 1900s. The WSPU, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, was known for its militant tactics in the fight for women's suffrage. Clarke quickly became an active member, participating in various demonstrations and protests.

Imprisonment and Death

In November 1910, Clarke was arrested during a protest and sentenced to one month of hard labor in Holloway Prison. The harsh conditions of her imprisonment took a severe toll on her health. Shortly after her release, Clarke died on December 22, 1910. Her death was a significant event in the suffrage movement, drawing attention to the brutal treatment of suffragettes by the authorities.

Legacy

Mary Jane Clarke's death became a rallying point for the suffrage movement. Her sacrifice was commemorated by her fellow suffragettes, and she is remembered as a martyr for the cause of women's rights. Clarke's story is a testament to the courage and resilience of the women who fought for the right to vote.

See Also

• Women's Social and Political Union
• Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Holloway Prison
• Suffragette