Annie Kenney: Overlooked Suffragette and Symbol of Militancy
The First Militant Act
On October 13, 1905, Annie Kenney and Christabel Pankhurst made history by storming into a political meeting in Manchester, England, demanding the right to vote for women. Their arrest and imprisonment for this act is widely regarded as the first militant action of the suffragette movement.
A Letter from Prison
A recently discovered letter from Kenney to her sister Nell sheds new light on her experience behind bars. Found in the British Columbia Archives by historian Lyndsey Jenkins, the letter provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of a suffragette imprisoned for her beliefs.
A Woman of the People
Unlike many other suffragette leaders who came from elite backgrounds, Kenney was a working-class woman. Born in Oldham, a town within Greater Manchester, in 1879, she began working in a cotton mill at the age of 10. Her experiences as a laborer gave her a unique perspective on the struggles faced by working-class women.
A Key Figure in the WSPU
Kenney joined the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a radical wing of the suffrage movement founded by Emmeline Pankhurst, Christabel’s mother. She quickly became an important figurehead for the WSPU, helping to spread the message of suffrage to other female laborers.
Leading the Movement
After Emmeline Pankhurst’s imprisonment and Christabel’s flight to Paris, Kenney effectively led the WSPU through the difficult years leading up to 1918’s Representation of the People Act, which granted women their first voting rights.
Imprisonment and Health Problems
Kenney was arrested and imprisoned several times after the 1905 incident. Her hunger and thirst strikes during these imprisonments “devastated her health,” according to the University of Oxford.
An Underestimated Significance
Despite her dedication to the suffragette cause, Kenney is less remembered than other key figures like the Pankhursts. The recently discovered letter offers vital insight into a woman whose “significance is often underestimated and poorly understood,” says Jenkins.
A Revealing Document
“This is an exciting and revealing document,” Jenkins adds, “which deepens our understanding of the battle for suffrage and the women who fought it.” The letter provides a personal perspective on the suffrage movement and the sacrifices made by its members.
Public Excitement and Private Worries
The letter reveals a contrast between Kenney’s public excitement about the suffragette cause and her private worries about the impact of her actions on her family. She expressed concern about their disapproval and anger, particularly from her sister Alice.
Legacy and Inspiration
Annie Kenney’s story is a reminder of the courage and determination of the women who fought for suffrage. Her letter from prison is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the personal experiences of suffragettes and the complexities of their struggle.
The Annie Kenney Project plans to erect a statue of the suffragette in Oldham’s Parliament Square to commemorate her contributions to the movement. This statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Kenney’s significance and the important role she played in securing women’s right to vote.
