Page from a scrapbook with notes and a newspaper cutting relating to a W.S.P.U procession...

28th July 1908. Image shows a group of women carrying placards and banners as they take part in the Women's Social & Political Union's Procession to Woodhouse Moor where a huge rally was held. On a fine Sunday, 28th July 1908, they began their march from the Town Hall. Bands played on Woodhouse Moor where thousands of people, both men and women, had gathered to listen to the various speakers from the 10 platforms. One of the most famous of the suffragettes to address the crowds was Adela Pankhurst, daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and sister of Sylvia and Christabel, all leaders of the British Suffrage movement. Also speaking was Emmeline Pethick Lawrence who in 1912 was arrested with her husband and Emmeline Pankhurst for taking part in a window smashing campaign. They famously went on hunger strike while serving prison sentences. The day on Woodhouse Moor was a great success with a resolution put advocating 'Votes for Women'. It was carried by a huge majority as reported in the Leeds Mercury. The image was in a collection of newspaper cuttings which once belonged to Leonora Cohen (1873 - 1978), a suffragette who lived in Leeds but gained notoriety when in 1913, in order to publicise her cause she attempted to break the glass showcase in the Jewel House of the Tower of London containing insignia of the Order of Merit. A note wrapped around the iron bar she used read "This is my protest against the Governments treachery to the working women of Great Britain." She was arrested several times over the years, once when she went on a hunger and then a thirst strike while in custody in Armley Prison. Beneath this photograph, in her handwriting is written, "I, Leonora Cohen was arrested and charged with inciting the public to militancy under Edward 3rds act, ("a trumped up false charge") at the same period as George Lansbury abd John Scurr. A protest meeting was held in Trafalgar Square, London for the release of the three charged under the old Antediluvian Act". Leonora Cohen died at the age of 105. Between 1923 and 1926 she lived at no.2 Claremont Villas, Clarendon Road and a blue plaque is now displayed on this property in memory of her.