Mary Phillips (suffragette)

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Suffragette Mary Phillips 1909. Blathwayt, Col Linley

Mary Phillips was a prominent suffragette and member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the early 20th century. She played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Mary Phillips was born in Scotland in 1880. Little is known about her early life and education, but she became involved in the suffrage movement in the early 1900s.

Activism

Phillips joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst. The WSPU was known for its militant tactics in advocating for women's right to vote.

Imprisonment

Mary Phillips was arrested multiple times for her involvement in suffragette activities. She participated in various protests and demonstrations, which often led to her imprisonment. During her time in prison, she went on hunger strikes, a common tactic used by suffragettes to draw attention to their cause. The government responded with the controversial practice of force-feeding.

Contributions

Phillips was known for her oratory skills and her ability to inspire others. She traveled extensively, giving speeches and organizing events to promote women's suffrage. Her dedication and commitment to the cause made her a respected figure within the movement.

Later Life

After the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications, Phillips continued to be active in social and political causes. She remained a staunch advocate for women's rights until her death in 1969.

Legacy

Mary Phillips is remembered as a courageous and determined suffragette who played a vital role in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Her efforts, along with those of her fellow suffragettes, paved the way for future generations of women to participate fully in the democratic process.

See Also

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