Born: 1870 (Islington, London)
Died: 1952
Constance Elizabeth Bryer (July 1870 – 12 July 1952) was a British classical violinist and campaigner for women’s rights, an activist, and suffragette who made significant contributions to the feminist movement in Britain. Bryer’s fierce determination and unwavering commitment to women’s suffrage led her to endure imprisonment, hunger strikes, and personal sacrifices in her quest for equality.
Born in Islington, London in 1870, Constance Bryer was the eldest of seven children. Her father, Thomas John Bryer, was a successful bullion merchant, while her mother, Elizabeth Butler Bryer, was a homemaker. Bryer grew up in a family that valued music, and her passion for the violin emerged at a young age. By 1908, she had established herself as a skilled violinist and was living with her family at their home on Tufnell Park Road in London.
Despite her promising career as a musician, Bryer felt compelled to join the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) and the Church League for Women’s Suffrage (CLWS), sacrificing her musical pursuits to dedicate herself fully to the feminist cause. Bryer hailed from a musical family, with her sister Pearl studying under the renowned musician Paderewski. This background enriched Bryer’s activism, as she often used music as a tool to mobilize support for the suffrage movement.
Between 1911 and 1913, Bryer served as the Secretary for the North Islington branch of the WSPU, actively organizing events, rallies, and demonstrations. She even participated in the historic Black Friday protest in 1910, where suffragettes clashed with the police. Bryer’s unyielding dedication to the cause led to multiple arrests, including one in 1911 for her involvement in a WSPU demonstration against the torpedoing of the Conciliation Bill. She served a five-day prison sentence for her activism.
In May 1912, Bryer’s commitment to the suffrage movement resulted in a significant sacrifice. She was sentenced to four months in HM Prison Birmingham for breaking windows on Regent Street in London, a method of protest often employed by suffragettes to draw attention to their cause. During her imprisonment, Bryer joined other suffragette prisoners in hunger strikes, leading to force-feeding as a means of control. Undeterred, she wrote a poignant verse in an autograph album, capturing the suffragettes’ resilience and determination even in the face of adversity.
After the suffrage movement achieved its goal with the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, Bryer continued to advocate for women’s rights and played an active role in various organizations. She remained committed to preserving the memory of her fellow suffragette and close friend, Olive Wharry, who named Bryer as an executor in her will. Wharry bequeathed to Bryer an annuity of £200, as well as her hunger strike medal, etchings, and books.
Bryer’s impact on women’s history cannot be understated. Through her unwavering commitment, sacrifices, and perseverance, she contributed significantly to the struggle for gender equality in Britain. Her role as a classical violinist and suffragette showcased the resilience and determination of women in breaking societal barriers. Constance Bryer’s legacy will forever be remembered as a symbol of strength and an inspiration to future advocates for women’s rights.