Private means

51

Married

30 Clarence Square, Cheltenham.

WSPU

Resists

Frances Stirling and her daughter (see) Elvira Stirling were supporters of the WSPU from 1911 when a local branch was set up by Ada Flatman. Frances gave 1 gn. to their funds in the year 1911-12 and took part in the boycott of the government census that year along with her daughter Elvira. Frances declares that the census form 'is filled in through the magnanimity of a suffragette' in the hope that just legislation for women will soon be forthcoming - qualifying the two women as census resisters (see image). In common with a number of local supporters, Frances Stirling later joined the CUWFA and in 1912 signed the presentation to the Conservative MP under that organisation's heading. It is not known whether this was because she became disillusioned with WSPU tactics or whether she maintained dual allegiance. Frances was Canadian and four of her five living children with her British born husband were born there. In 1913, the whole family returned to Canada. Researcher/contributor: Sue Jones author of 'Votes for Women: Cheltenham and the Cotswolds' (The History Press, 2018).