East Grinstead Men's League for Women's Suffrage

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 the East Grinstead constituency. 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 H. W. 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 argued in January, 1913 that: "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." Rev. J. L. Brack of Ardingly and Rev. G. B. Riddell, a retired minister living in East Grinstead, both 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.

 

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