The Freedom of Labour Defence Society was founded in 1899 by Jessie Boucherett and Helen Blackburn in order to influence Members of Parliament and public opinion in relation to the Factory Bill (which became the Factory Act in 1901). Jessie Boucherett bequeathed £2000 to the Freedom of Labour Defence Fund on her death in 1905. The society continued active work until 1913, opposing proposals which would have an adverse effect on women’s work in particular. It remained in existence until December 1915, at which point it was considered unlikely that active work would be revived. Those who served as officers included the following: Lady Frances Balfour (President); Miss Edith Lawson (Secretary); Miss Antoinette Mackenzie (Treasurer); and Sir William Chance and Lady Knightley of Fawsley (Vice-Presidents). [Notes drawn from the archives.]