Norah Elam

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Norah Elam

Norah Elam (5 May 1878 – 30 March 1961), also known as Norah Dacre Fox, was a prominent British suffragette, fascist, and political activist. She played a significant role in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and later became involved with the British Union of Fascists (BUF).

Early Life

Norah Elam was born Norah Doherty in Dublin, Ireland. She moved to London in her early years, where she became actively involved in the women's suffrage movement.

Suffrage Movement

Elam joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the early 20th century. The WSPU, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, was known for its militant tactics in the fight for women's suffrage. Elam was arrested multiple times for her participation in protests and demonstrations. She was also involved in the Cat and Mouse Act, which allowed the temporary release of suffragettes on hunger strike.

World War I

During World War I, Elam, like many suffragettes, shifted her focus to supporting the war effort. She worked in munitions factories and was involved in various patriotic activities.

Involvement with Fascism

After the war, Elam's political views shifted significantly. She became a member of the British Union of Fascists (BUF), led by Oswald Mosley. Elam was an influential figure within the BUF, advocating for women's roles within the fascist movement. She stood as a BUF candidate in the 1937 London County Council elections.

Later Life and Death

Norah Elam continued her political activism until her death on 30 March 1961. Her legacy remains controversial due to her involvement with both the suffrage movement and the BUF.

Legacy

Elam's life reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of early 20th-century political activism. Her contributions to the suffrage movement are remembered alongside her later, more contentious political affiliations.

See Also

• Women's Social and Political Union
• British Union of Fascists
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Oswald Mosley
• Cat and Mouse Act