Born: 1872 (Greenwich, London, England)
Died: 1913
Biography:
Emily Wilding Davison (11 October 1872 – 8 June 1913) was an English suffragette who fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote in Britain during the early twentieth century. She remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of the suffrage movement. Davison’s unwavering commitment to her cause led her to participate in numerous acts of civil disobedience, endure multiple arrests and hunger strikes, and ultimately make the ultimate sacrifice for women’s rights.
Born in Greenwich, London, to Charles Davison and Margaret Caisley, both natives of Morpeth, Northumberland, Emily Davison grew up in a middle-class family. She was the third of four children, and tragically, her younger sister passed away from diphtheria at the tender age of six. The Davison family later moved to Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, where Emily received her education at home until the age of 11. Subsequently, she attended a day school in London and spent a year studying in Dunkirk, France.
Davison’s pursuit of education continued as she earned a degree from Royal Holloway College in London. She later attended St Hugh’s College, Oxford, where she further developed her intellectual and ideological perspectives. After completing her education, Davison worked as a teacher and governess, where she witnessed firsthand the limitations imposed on women within society. This experience fueled her passion for women’s rights and propelled her to join the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in November 1906.
Within the WSPU, Davison quickly rose through the ranks and became an influential officer. She also served as a chief steward during marches, showcasing her organizational skills and dedication to the cause. Notably, she gained a reputation for her militant tactics, such as breaking windows, throwing stones, setting fire to postboxes, and even planting bombs. Her commitment to her cause was further exemplified by her audacious act of hiding overnight in the Palace of Westminster on three separate occasions, including during the 1911 census.
However, it was the tragic events of the 1913 Derby that would forever etch Davison’s name into history. On June 8th, 1913, she deliberately walked onto the track during the race and was fatally struck by King George V’s horse, Anmer. The motivations and intentions behind her actions that day remain uncertain. Some theories suggest it was an accident, while others argue it was an act of suicide. Another possibility is that Davison intended to pin a suffragette banner to the king’s horse, symbolizing the demand for women’s suffrage.
Davison’s death sent shockwaves throughout the suffrage movement and British society at large. Her funeral, organized by the WSPU, drew a procession of 5,000 suffragettes and their supporters. Additionally, 50,000 people lined the streets as her coffin made its way through London before being taken by train to the family plot in Morpeth, Northumberland. Her sacrifice and unwavering dedication ignited a renewed sense of determination within the suffrage movement.
Beyond her activism, Emily Davison was a staunch feminist and a passionate Christian. She believed in the power of socialism as both a moral and political force for good. Despite her controversial and dramatic tactics, she remains an emblem of the women’s suffrage movement and a symbol of the sacrifices made by countless women in their quest for justice and equality.
Awards:
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