Votes for Women

The first book to investigate the fight for votes in the Cotswolds.

In 1918, after years of campaigning, British women over the age of 30 gained a parliamentary vote. Cheltenham was the hub of activity in the Cotswolds and in the period before the outbreak of the First World War had a number of vigorous societies and individuals. From being imprisoned for trying to approach the Prime Minister to refusing to be counted in the 1911 census, local women - and many men - from across the region fought a valiant and dignified campaign to make their voices heard. Eventually, success was achieved. At a time when women had very little power inside or outside the home, this is the story of how ordinary women supported each other to demand a say in the affairs of this country.

Richly illustrated and featuring previously undiscovered material, this is the first book to investigate the women's suffrage movement in the Cotswolds and who exactly supported the cause.

About the Author

Dr Sue Jones took early retirement from teaching to research the history of women’s suffrage, gaining a PhD in the subject. She has written for Cheltenham Local History Society Journal and the Pittville Works website, has also given talks to Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society and for the Cheltenham Trust, as well as addressing Cheltenham U3A. She lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire.