DEEDS NOT WORDS

By 1912 women had been demanding the vote for nearly 50 years and were becoming increasingly frustrated. Hopes rose when Liberal Prime Minister Asquith agreed a Conciliation Bill that would have given some women the vote but were dashed again when he refused to honour the Bill. In response the WSPU, following their motto “Deeds not Words”, stepped up militancy. They smashed windows in London’s Regent Street and elsewhere, and, led by Christabel Pankhurst, began an arson campaign. The aim was to torch property belonging to MPs who opposed votes for women. On 15 April 1915 arson arrived in Hastings when Levetleigh, a stately house in St Leonards belonging to Tory MP, a well-known opponent of votes for women, went up in flames. The house was empty and no one was hurt though the house was seriously damaged. Police soon realised it was the work of suffragettes, not least because a postcard was left at the scene saying militancy would end when women got the vote. Local activists were suspected but denied involvement. It soon transpired that a well-known suffragette Kitty Marion was responsible. The attack caused a sensation locally and nationally with the press describing it as an “outrage” and criticising the suffragettes for their

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violent tactics. Militancy angered the public and upset peaceful suffragists. However, the WSPU never attacked people, only property to try and force the government into giving women the vote. Many suffragists knew that the WSPU had been driven to the limit and many spoke in support of them, including Hastings suffragists Jane Strickland and Isabel Willis, who blamed the Government for increased militancy. “Every sort of constitutional and ‘womanly’ method has been pursued … but, so far, this has failed.”

Jane Strickland

“The Government has done nothing but resort to trickery and the breaking of faith. Adding to this… forcefeeding, the temper of the women has become inflamed with resentment and indignation.”

Isabel Willis

Above: Hammers such as these were used to break toffee. Suffragettes used them to break windows. Opposite page: Levetleigh on fire Top: Postcard left at Levetleigh. Above: the broken window where suffragettes entered Levetleigh. Women put brown paper and jam on the window to muffle the sound of breaking glass. 39