Programme Outline
This programme focuses on public attitudes to the Suffragettes and how these were reflected, or shaped, by the press. The programme opens with the sensational death of Emily Davison. It goes on to examine the wider context of the Suffragette movement, and then charts the softening of attitudes for the duration of the funeral.
Emily Davison's death [0.00-2.47]
It is difficult to find adequate modern comparisons for the impact of Emily Davison's death at the Derby in 1913. It really shook society. The affront that Davison's death posed to the structure of society comes across in the vivid and anguished headlines of the time.
The press and the Suffragettes [2.47-6.15]
This section of the programme sets out the press's treatment of the Suffragettes. The general tone is one of puzzlement and bewilderment. Women in 1913 were still expected to be the companions and servants of men, and among the middle classes the idealised 'Angel of the Home' was still a strong image. There was deep revulsion at the thought of women voting – many felt it would sully their purity by involving them in the dirty business of politics. The Suffragettes challenged this vision of society.
The impact of Emily Davison's funeral [6.15-end]
The press coverage of Emily Davison's funeral reveals a remarkable turnaround, probably reflecting the attitudes of society. The funeral of any young person is a sad event and there was a good deal of sympathy for Miss Davison's colleagues. However, attitudes to the Suffragettes changed little. The last word in The Standard is probably a fair indication of where society stood on the question of votes for women.
