Suffrage 100 events programme for 2018 released by National Archives

Details of events to mark the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which gave the vote to some women, have been released by National Archives.

To mark the centenary of the first women getting the vote, The National Archives will hold a season of events, “Suffrage 100”, throughout 2018. There will be talks, a film screening, displays and story-telling at the National Archives in Kew.

Film screening, 9 February

As a start to the “Suffrage 100” season, The National Archives invites you to a special film screening of Suffragette, with a chance to explore some of the original documents related to the movie. Starring Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep, the plot follows the story of a working class laundress in 19^th century London who becomes radicalised when she meets a group of women organising to win the vote. The document display will be open from 18:00, while the screening, with introduction, will start at 18:45. 

 20 February - Suffrage debate

By 1912 suffrage militancy had hit its peak, including high profile arson attacks, window smashing campaigns and the targeting of MPs houses. In retrospect, militant tactics are what the movement is most famed for; but Did Militancy Help or Hinder the Fight for the Franchise? Come along to the National Archives for a lively debate with Jane Robinson and Krista Cowman, with further speakers to be announced.

7 June - talk

The Impact of the First World War and the Campaign for Suffrage is complex and interesting. In this talk, Angela Smith will look at the ways in which the many different factions of the movement adopted a range of strategies, using the war to achieve the same end. 

For more information on all the above events and how to book, visit the National Archive website.

(image collage copyright The National Archives)