I’m the author of The Bristol Suffragettes, a history of the suffragette movement in Bristol and the west country. I’ve been writing and speaking about the part local women played in the campaign for votes for women for many years. I’m also a member of the steering committee of the West of England and South Wales Women’s History Network.

This year is the one hundredth anniversary of the granting of votes to some British women. Women only won the right to vote after decades of campaigning. Bristol was an important centre for the suffrage movement. This year the city is celebrating the Bristol women who were involved in the campaign and their hard work, dedication and the sacrifices they made so that women can vote today.

The Bristol and West of England Society for Women’s Suffrage was one of the earliest women’s suffrage groups. It was set up when Florence Davenport Hill (1828/9–1919) invited a group of like-minded individuals to a meeting at her home, 3 West Mall (formerly 3 The Mall), on 24 January 1868. Founding members included a number of well-known Bristol reform campaigners, amongst them Agnes Beddoe, Mrs Alfred Brittain, Rev J Estlin Carpenter, Mary Estlin, Mrs Mill Colman, and Lilias Ashworth (from 1869). The Bristol society joined the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies in 1896, and continued campaigning right up until all women won the vote in 1928.

Bristol MP Thangam Debbonaire will be guest of honour at a short installation ceremony at 3 West Mall, Bristol BS8 4BH at 11.30 on Saturday 15 December 2018. All are welcome to attend. There is no charge for this event.