Beatrice and Edith Clayton Pepper papers, 1862 - 1997

Sub-sub-group

Reference Code: GBR/0271/GCRF 8/1/8

Scope and Contents

The papers, photographs and artefacts listed here relate to the two sisters' suffrage activities and to suffrage activities generally, including miscellaneous materials relating to Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel Pankhurst. There are also a number of papers of general biographical interest, not only on Beatrice and Edith but also on the Pepper family generally.

Dates

Creation: 1862 - 1997

Biographical / Historical

Beatrice (1882-1969) and Edith (1885-1978) Clayton Pepper were the youngest daughters of Charles Pepper and Elizabeth Clayton Pepper, liberal-minded parents who had supported the cause of women's suffrage from its early days. Both lived at home and helped run the family home, leaving them time to take an active part in the militant suffrage campaign and the activities of the Women's Social and Political Union, including various Deputations to the House of Commons. Edith had joined the WSPU in 1906 after hearing Christabel Pankhurst speak in the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. Beatrice was arrested in 1909 on charges of obstructing the police: then she and Edith were both arrested in 1911 on similar charges and served prison sentences of seven days in Holloway Gaol. They also gave much of their time and energy to promoting the cause throughout Lancashire, including helping with processions, selling 'Votes for Women' and, later, 'The Suffragette', pavement chalking, giving out handbills and stewarding at the big meetings in Manchester's Free Trade Hall.

Extent

0.5 archive box(es) (0.5 box) : Paper

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Given by Valerie Warrior (G 1955) and Susan Leach nee Warrior (G 1960), July 2005 and February 2006. The Warriors are Edith and Beatrice Pepper's great nieces.