Suffragette

35

Married

474 Foleshill Road, Coventry

WSPU

Resists

Mary lived with her husband Robert who was a Brass Founder. As head of household, it is likely Robert filled in the couples 1911 census form. Hence, most of the required details have been given correctly - but not all. Most likely at his wife's request, Robert has written 'suffragette' as Mary's occupation. This qualifies her as a 1911 census resister taking part in the suffragette boycott of the government survey that year in protest at not having the vote. Taking part was a substantial risk for working women as such action could incur a fine and even imprisonment. As a 'suffragette', Mary was most likely a member of the WSPU who opened a branch in Coventry 1908 with an office in Earl Street. At this stage we know little else about Mary. Could you help? Foleshill Road has undergone significant redevelopment and renumbering so it's unlikely Mary's home still exists. Researcher: Tara Morton. Coventry research funded by Warwick University.