Men's League for
Women's Suffrage





 

 

 

 

 


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There were several men living in the East Grinstead area who supported women's suffrage. The most prominent of these was Charles Corbett (1853-1935), the Liberal M.P. for East Grinstead. After his election in 1906 Corbett made several speeches in favour of women's rights in the House of Commons but failed to persuade the Liberal government to pass a 'Women's Suffrage' bill. After being defeated by the Conservative candidate, Henry Cautley, in 1910, Charles Corbett continued to campaign for women's rights. His wife, Marie Corbett, and his two daughters, Margery Ashby and Cicely Fisher, were all members of the East Grinstead Suffrage Society.

Thomas Buckley (1853-1929) of the Grange, Crawley Down, was another member of the Liberal Party who supported women's suffrage. His wife, Jane Buckley (1855-1929) and daughter, Florence Buckley (1884-1926), were both members of the East Grinstead Suffrage Society. Edward Steer, Liberal Party agent and the most radical member of the East Grinstead Urban Council, was a passionate advocate of equal rights. On the 23rd July, 1913, Steer was one of the main victims of the East Grinstead Riot that took place during a public meeting of the East Grinstead Suffrage Society.

John Godwin King (1864-1948) of Stonelands, West Hoathly, Chairman of the local Liberal Party and a member of the Sussex County Council for forty-nine years, was another important supporter of the cause. John Godwin's daughter, Ursula Ridley (1897-1974), was a member of the NUWSS in the East End of London.

Robert Cecil (1864-1958), who lived at Chelwood Gate, was one of the small band of conservatives in the House of Commons who supported women's suffrage. Although Cecil spoke in support of the NUWSS, he was totally opposed to the activities of the Women's Political and Social Union (WSPU).

Several non-conformist ministers in the East Grinstead area also supported women's rights. Rev. Rupert Strong of Hammerwood, Rev. J. L. Brack of Ardingly and Rev. G. B. Riddell, a retired minister living in East Grinstead, all spoke at public meetings in favour of women's rights. The views of Rev. Brack had been influenced by his contact with Marie Corbett, a fellow Guardian of the Uckfield Workhouse.

In March 1913, Riddell and Strong helped form the East Grinstead branch of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage. Members of the organisation included Rev. J. L. Brack, Charles Corbett, Robert Cecil, Edward Steer, R. J. Callaway and E. T. Godwin.

 

 


 

(1) Rev. Rupert Strong, speech at Hammerwood (27th January, 1913)

The movement for women's suffrage was one of vital importance to the morality and welfare of the nation. I believe women should have some share in the government in order to promote clean living.

 

(2) The East Grinstead Observer (8th March, 1913)

An East Grinstead branch of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage was formed last Thursday. Rev. G. B. Riddell, presided and the Rev. Rupert Strong was elected chairman. Mr. R. J. Callaway as treasurer and Mr. E. T. Godwin as secretary. Letters were read expressing sympathy for the movement from Lord Robert Cecil and Mr. Charles Corbett.

 

(3) The East Grinstead Observer (15th March, 1913)

A meeting of the Central Sussex Suffrage Society was held at the Congregational Hall, Horsted Keynes. Rev. J. L. Brack, rector of Ardingly, expressed dislike of militant methods and added that this was an additional reason for supporting the work of those suffragists who had carefully avoided the use of physical force. He based his sympathy with the women's suffrage movement partly upon his experience as a chaplain to a workhouse, where the only visitor who understood how things went on was a lady Guardian. Mrs. Marie Corbett and Miss A. S. Verrall thanked the speakers.

 

(4) The East Grinstead Observer (8th March, 1913)

At a meeting of the East Grinstead branch of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage on Tuesday evening, the Rev. G. B. Riddell condemned the tactics of the militant suffragettes and said he did not blame men for their brutality and the lynch law of the crowd.

 

 

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