In 1838 the People’s Charter called for “a vote for every man twenty-one years of age, of sound mind, and not undergoing punishment for a crime.” But what about women? According to the autobiography of William Lovett, in a footnote no less, the leading Chartist wrote: ‘I may state here that the first draft of … Read more
Why was there a problem with catering for the poor? In the 20th century, widespread provisions were finally made for poor relief, protecting those who were unwell, elderly and unemployed. Early developments in providing for the poor were based on those who were considered ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’, ideas which are still prevalent in modern society. … Read more
“Every man has an unequivocal right to enquire and judge for himself, – to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience, – to vindicate his own principles, and to invite others to embrace them.”[1] So noted by Baptist Thomas Williams in an essay titled ‘On Intolerance in Religion’ published in 1816. The mainstay … Read more
Saturday morning, 23 March 1829 became a significant day in England; it was the last time a sitting Prime Minister was to be involved in a duel – which took place on the Battersea-fields in the early hours of the morning. The Duke of Wellington, incumbent PM, had challenged Lord Winchilsea to ‘that which a … Read more
We say our sovereign lord may understand that his false council has lost his law, his merchandise is lost, his common people is destroyed, the sea is lost, France is lost, the king himself is so set that he may not pay for his meat nor drink, and he owes more than ever any King … Read more
Every freeman from henceforth, without danger shall make in his own wood, or on his land, or on his water, which he has within our forest, mills, springs, pools, marlpits, dykes, or earable ground, without enclosing that earable ground, so that it be not to the annoyance of any of his neighbours.[1] In 1217, King … Read more
‘… a respectable woman’s place was in the home. Unfortunately, though, it was rapidly becoming obvious that the home was not necessarily a more retired or safer place than the field of battle’[1] During the English Civil War, many women were left at home whilst their husbands fought for either the Crown or Parliament. However, … Read more
In March 1984, the Conservative government announced the closure of twenty coal mines with a loss of 20,000 jobs. In response, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) announced a strike which ultimately lasted a year and, at its peak, involved 142,000 workers. The strike was one of the most bitter trade disputes in British history, … Read more
On Sunday 3rd June 2018, the Festival of History brought to life the struggle for democracy and freedom in a family-friendly extravaganza. In the heart of Royal Holloway’s iconic Founder’s Building, visitors witnessed suffragette self-defence classes, participated in arts and crafts activities and observed First World War soldiers and Medieval knights in demonstrations and drills. In … Read more
On 6th February 2018, celebrations were held across Britain to commemorate the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which gave some women the right to vote for the first time. Whilst this was pivotal for women’s suffrage, it was also an important milestone for men’s suffrage. Prior to the Act, property qualifications … Read more
