Malanie Dionne

Written by Malanie Dionne

Modified & Updated: 03 Dec 2024

35-facts-about-emily-davison
Source: Thecollector.com

Emily Davison, a name synonymous with the suffragette movement, remains a figure of intrigue and inspiration. Who was Emily Davison? She was a fearless activist who fought for women's right to vote in early 20th-century Britain. Known for her daring acts, including hiding in the House of Commons and stepping in front of King George V's horse, Davison's life was a blend of courage and controversy. Her actions sparked debates and brought attention to the suffrage cause. Through these 35 facts, you'll gain a deeper understanding of her life, her motivations, and the legacy she left behind. Buckle up for a journey into the life of a true trailblazer!

Key Takeaways:

  • Emily Davison was a fearless suffragette who fought for women's right to vote. Her extreme tactics and tragic end at the Epsom Derby left a lasting impact on the suffrage movement and continue to inspire activists today.
  • Despite facing financial difficulties and societal barriers, Emily Davison's unwavering dedication to women's suffrage and her ultimate sacrifice at the Epsom Derby have solidified her legacy as a martyr for women's rights.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Emily Davison's early years set the stage for her later activism. Here are some key facts about her beginnings:

  1. Born on October 11, 1872, in Blackheath, London, Emily Wilding Davison was the daughter of Charles Davison and Margaret Caisley.
  2. She attended Kensington High School and later studied at Royal Holloway College, but had to leave due to financial difficulties after her father's death.
  3. Emily later enrolled at St Hugh's College, Oxford, where she studied English literature but did not receive a degree because women were not awarded degrees at that time.

Activism and Suffragette Movement

Emily Davison became a prominent figure in the fight for women's suffrage. Her dedication and actions were remarkable:

  1. She joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1906, a militant organization campaigning for women's right to vote.
  2. Emily was known for her extreme tactics, including setting fire to postboxes and throwing stones at politicians' windows.
  3. She was arrested nine times and went on hunger strikes seven times, enduring force-feeding as a result.
  4. In 1909, she hid in a cupboard in the House of Commons overnight to claim she was the first woman to "stay" in Parliament.

The Epsom Derby Incident

One of the most famous events in Emily Davison's life was her tragic end at the Epsom Derby:

  1. On June 4, 1913, Emily attended the Epsom Derby and stepped onto the racetrack during the race.
  2. She was struck by King George V's horse, Anmer, and sustained fatal injuries.
  3. Emily died four days later, on June 8, 1913, at Epsom Cottage Hospital.
  4. Her motives for stepping onto the track remain debated; some believe she intended to attach a suffragette flag to the horse, while others think it was a protest.

Legacy and Impact

Emily Davison's actions left a lasting impact on the suffrage movement and beyond:

  1. Her funeral on June 14, 1913, was a massive event, with thousands of suffragettes marching in her honor.
  2. Emily's death brought significant attention to the women's suffrage movement, highlighting the lengths to which activists would go for their cause.
  3. She is remembered as a martyr for women's rights, with memorials and plaques commemorating her life and work.
  4. In 1999, a plaque was placed in the cupboard where she hid in the House of Commons, recognizing her contribution to the suffrage movement.

Personal Traits and Beliefs

Emily Davison was known for her strong personality and unwavering beliefs:

  1. She was deeply religious and believed her actions were morally justified.
  2. Emily was an accomplished writer, contributing articles to the WSPU's newspaper, "Votes for Women."
  3. She was also a talented speaker, often giving speeches to rally support for women's suffrage.
  4. Emily believed in education for women and advocated for equal opportunities in all aspects of life.

Controversial Actions

Emily Davison's methods were often controversial, even among her fellow suffragettes:

  1. She once attempted to disrupt a public meeting by shouting down a speaker, which led to her arrest.
  2. Emily was known to carry a hammer in her handbag, ready to break windows as a form of protest.
  3. She once set fire to a postbox, resulting in a prison sentence.
  4. Her extreme tactics sometimes caused friction within the WSPU, with some members feeling her actions were too radical.

Recognition and Honors

Emily Davison has been honored in various ways for her contributions to women's rights:

  1. A blue plaque commemorates her at her birthplace in Blackheath, London.
  2. In 2013, the centenary of her death was marked by numerous events and exhibitions celebrating her life and legacy.
  3. Emily's story has been featured in books, documentaries, and films, ensuring her legacy endures.
  4. The Emily Davison Memorial Project works to educate people about her life and the suffrage movement.

Family and Personal Life

Despite her public persona, Emily Davison had a personal life that influenced her activism:

  1. She was very close to her mother, Margaret, who supported her suffrage activities.
  2. Emily had three siblings, and her family background was relatively affluent, which allowed her to pursue education and activism.
  3. Her father's death when she was young had a profound impact on her, both emotionally and financially.

Final Resting Place

Emily Davison's final resting place is a site of pilgrimage for many suffrage supporters:

  1. She is buried in St Mary's Churchyard in Morpeth, Northumberland.
  2. Her gravestone bears the WSPU slogan, "Deeds not words," reflecting her belief in action over rhetoric.
  3. The site is visited by those who wish to pay their respects to a key figure in the fight for women's rights.

Cultural Impact

Emily Davison's life and actions have had a lasting cultural impact:

  1. She has been portrayed in various media, including the 2015 film "Suffragette," where she was played by actress Natalie Press.
  2. Emily's story continues to inspire activists and feminists around the world, serving as a powerful example of dedication and sacrifice for a just cause.

Emily Davison's Legacy

Emily Davison's actions left a lasting impact on the suffrage movement. Her dedication and bravery highlighted the lengths to which women were willing to go for their rights. By stepping in front of the king's horse, she brought global attention to the cause. Her sacrifice wasn't in vain; it played a part in the eventual granting of voting rights to women in the UK. Davison's story reminds us of the power of individual actions in driving societal change. Her legacy continues to inspire those fighting for equality and justice today. Remembering her contributions helps keep the spirit of activism alive. So, next time you think about the right to vote, think of Emily Davison and the countless others who fought tirelessly for that privilege. Her story is a testament to courage and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Emily Davison?
Emily Davison was a key figure in the British suffragette movement, known for her extreme tactics in fighting for women's right to vote. Her actions, often daring and controversial, made her a symbol of the struggle for gender equality.
What did Emily Davison do to become famous?
She became famous, or rather infamous, for her protest at the 1913 Epsom Derby, where she stepped onto the race track and was hit by King George V's horse, Anmer. This act, believed by many to be a bid to pin a suffragette banner on the horse, led to her death four days later.
Why did Emily Davison choose such extreme methods?
Frustrated by the lack of progress in securing women's voting rights through peaceful means, Davison resorted to more radical actions. She believed that dramatic acts were necessary to draw attention to the cause, even if they meant risking her own safety.
Did Emily Davison's actions impact the suffragette movement?
Absolutely. While her methods were controversial, they succeeded in drawing international attention to the suffragette cause. Her death, in particular, highlighted the lengths to which women were willing to go for their rights, sparking widespread debate and sympathy.
Was Emily Davison's death intentional?
Historians and scholars have long debated this. Some argue that her death was a tragic accident, while others believe she intended to martyr herself for the suffrage movement. However, evidence, including her return train ticket and letters, suggests she might not have planned to die that day.
How is Emily Davison remembered today?
Today, Emily Davison is celebrated as a martyr and hero in the fight for women's suffrage. Memorials, books, and films have been dedicated to her life and actions, ensuring her legacy endures as a symbol of courage and determination in the face of injustice.
What can we learn from Emily Davison's life and actions?
Her story teaches us about the power of conviction and the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Davison's legacy reminds us that change often requires sacrifice and that individual actions can inspire movements and make a lasting impact on society.

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