CRIMINAL CASES: Suffragettes. The first files in this piece relate to proceedings...

CRIMINAL CASES: Suffragettes.

The first files in this piece relate to proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court and the subsequent imprisonment of suffragettes in HM Prison, Newcastle, following protests and incidents linked to a visit by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, David Lloyd George, to the Newcastle Liberal Club and the Palace Theatre and other associated incidents on 9 October 1909. Those mentioned in these files include:

• Violet Bryant.
• Winifred Jones.
• Lady Constance Lytton.
• Mrs Jane E Brailsford.
• Kathleen Brown.
• Lily Asquith.
• Kitty Marion.
• Ellen Pitman.
• Dorothy Pethick.
• Dorothy Shellard.

These files, which have within them many press cuttings, additionally record the discharge and release of some of those imprisoned and also include:

• Medical reports on the health of the prisoners, several of whom went on hunger strike and were forcibly fed, together with Governor's reports, letters from the prisoners' relatives, solicitors and representatives enquiring about their welfare and treatment, and reporting their character including a letter addressed to the King from Mr H N Brailsford in regard to his wife.
• The Newcastle Chief Constable's report on the visit by David Lloyd George, 9 October 1909, with a list of names of suffragettes arrested, dates of conviction, offences and results.
• Questions and answers in the House of Commons respecting the suffragettes in Newcastle gaol, 20 and 27 October 1909, together with correspondence from the Labour MP Keir Hardie requesting the release of Kitty Marion and enquiring on the prisoners' welfare and their forced feeding.

There are also papers in this record which relate to suffragettes in HM Prison, Birmingham:

• Signed resolutions addressed to the Rt Hon H Gladstone [the Home Secretary] from The National Women's Social and Political Union, Bermondsey, 26 October 1909, for the release (from HM Prison, Birmingham), of an existing suffragette prisoner Mrs Mary Leigh.
• Medical reports from HM Prison, Birmingham, regarding the forcible feeding of suffragette prisoners held there, including Charlotte Marsh, November 1909.

See also: HO 45/10417/183577 HO 45/10418/183577