Pleasance Pendred

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Forcefeeding

Pleasance Pendred was a British suffragette and social reformer active in the early 20th century. She was known for her involvement in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and her efforts to secure women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Pleasance Pendred was born in London, England, in the late 19th century. She grew up in a progressive household that valued education and social justice. Her early exposure to the struggles of the working class and the limitations placed on women in society influenced her later activism.

Activism

Pendred 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. Pendred participated in numerous demonstrations, marches, and acts of civil disobedience.

Imprisonment

Like many suffragettes, Pendred was arrested multiple times for her activism. She endured harsh conditions in prison, including force-feeding during hunger strikes. Her resilience and determination made her a prominent figure in the suffrage movement.

Later Life and Legacy

After the passage of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30, Pendred continued to advocate for social reforms. She worked on issues such as child labor, education reform, and healthcare.

Pleasance Pendred's contributions to the suffrage movement and her ongoing efforts for social justice have left a lasting impact. She is remembered as a dedicated and courageous activist who played a significant role in advancing women's rights 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