Votes for Women! Suffragettes in Bow Street and Beyond!

The suffragette movement was a pivotal chapter in the ongoing fight for women’s rights. This immersive tour explores the powerful history and diverse contributions of these brave activists, who used civil disobedience to demand the right to vote. From significant sites like 10 Downing Street to the Bow Street Police Museum, the tour engages participants with theatrical storytelling that highlights the militant actions and criminalization these women faced. By uncovering the HERSTORY of the suffrage movement, the tour offers a compelling glimpse into the sacrifices and impact of these remarkable individuals who forever changed the course of history.

Good To Know

• The tour explores the history and strategies of the Suffragette movement, including their militant tactics and the criminalization of their actions by authorities.
• Participants will visit significant locations in London associated with the Suffragette campaign, such as 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and the Bow Street Police Museum.
• The tour features theatrical elements to enhance the storytelling and provide an immersive experience for participants, highlighting the contributions of diverse Suffragette figures.
• A 50% discount on entry to the Bow Street Police Museum is included, allowing participants to further explore the criminalization of the Suffragette movement.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 14 or individuals with mobility impairments due to the significant walking and standing required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This tour, titled "Votes for Women! Suffragettes in Bow Street and Beyond!", lasts 2 hours and is conducted in English.

It starts at the Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue in Parliament Square and ends at the Bow Street Police Museum. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The tour covers significant locations in central London, including 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and the National Gallery.

Storytelling and theatrics bring the lesser-known actions of suffragettes to life, providing insights into their militant campaign and the role of the police and justice system in criminalizing their efforts.

Highlights and Theatrical Experience

The guided walking tour from Westminster to Covent Garden focuses on the HERSTORY of the Suffragette campaign, bringing their militant actions and impact on history to life through theatrical storytelling.

Participants will visit significant locations like 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and the National Gallery, where lesser-known suffragettes carried out acts of vandalism and civil disobedience.

The tour includes 50% off entry to the Bow Street Police Museum, where the role of the justice system in criminalizing the Suffragettes will be discussed.

Theatrical elements and dramatic reenactments help bring these powerful stories to life, offering a unique and immersive experience for attendees.

Exploring Militant Suffragette Actions

Many of the Suffragettes employed militant tactics to draw attention to their cause and demand the right to vote.

They engaged in acts of civil disobedience, including chaining themselves to railings, setting fire to postboxes, and smashing windows.

The most famous incident was when Emily Wilding Davison threw herself under the King’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, sustaining fatal injuries.

These radical actions, while controversial at the time, helped to raise the profile of the Suffrage movement and ultimately led to the passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted some women the right to vote.

Criminalization by Police and Justice

Why were the actions of the suffragettes often met with criminalization by the police and justice system?

The militant tactics employed by the suffragettes, including vandalism, arson, and civil disobedience, were viewed as threats to public order by the authorities.

The suffragettes were frequently arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to harsh treatment, such as:

• Force-feeding during hunger strikes
• Imprisonment without trial
• Denial of basic rights and legal protections
• Brutal policing tactics to suppress demonstrations
• Failure to acknowledge the political motivations behind their actions

This criminalization was a deliberate attempt to discredit the suffragette movement and undermine their demands for equal voting rights.

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Significant Locations Along the Tour

Throughout the tour, you will explore several significant locations that played a crucial role in the suffragette movement’s history.

They’ll visit 10 Downing Street, the site of many protests demanding women’s suffrage. At Horse Guards Parade, they’ll learn about the violent clashes between suffragettes and police during demonstrations.

The tour continues to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, where suffragettes staged high-profile acts of civil disobedience.

In Covent Garden, the group will discover the connections between the suffrage campaign and the arts, including the Royal Opera House.

The tour culminates at the Bow Street Police Museum, providing insights into the criminalization of the suffragettes’ militant tactics.

Contributions of Diverse Suffragettes

Alongside the well-known suffragettes like Emmeline Pankhurst, the tour also highlights the contributions of lesser-known but equally impactful figures from diverse backgrounds.

It explores the stories of:

• Sophia Duleep Singh, a princess turned activist who disrupted royal events
• Edith Garrud, a jujitsu instructor who trained suffragettes in self-defense
• Kitty Marion, a German-born performer who used her platform to advocate for the cause
• Jayaben Desai, a trade unionist who led the Grunwick dispute, a seminal labor rights battle
• Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist who campaigned against lynching and for women’s suffrage.

These diverse voices and actions were crucial in the long fight for voting rights.

Practical Information for Participants

This tour isn’t suitable for all participants. It requires a significant amount of walking and standing, making it challenging for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Children under the age of 14 may also find the content and pace of the tour unsuitable. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Bringing water is also recommended, as the tour can be physically demanding.

Despite these limitations, the tour promises an engaging and informative exploration of the suffragette movement, featuring dramatic storytelling and visits to significant historical locations.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

The tour has earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on a single review. The reviewer described the experience as "Amazing tour! Fun and informative."

This suggests the tour effectively blends historical content with theatrical storytelling, captivating participants. The guide is also encouraged to showcase their expertise in other tours.

To ensure an enjoyable experience, the tour isn’t recommended for:

• Children under 14
• Individuals with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves extensive walking and standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Student or Senior Discounts Available for This Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer any student or senior discounts according to the information provided. The tour has a fixed price for all participants, with no special pricing options mentioned.

Can I Bring Children Under the Age of 14 if They Are Accompanied by an Adult?

No, children under the age of 14 are not permitted on this tour, even if accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for minors and the guide has specified it’s not appropriate for that age group.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is permitted during the tour, but participants should be mindful not to disrupt the guide’s narration or the group’s experience. Visitors are encouraged to take photos, but should refrain from using flash or standing in others’ way.

Will the Tour Be Canceled in Inclement Weather?

The tour will not be canceled in inclement weather. According to the information provided, the tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing participants to cancel if the weather is unfavorable.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 2-hour walking tour that cannot be lengthened. Participants should plan accordingly and ensure they can complete the full tour within the allotted timeframe.

Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a powerful exploration of the suffragette movement, bringing its HERSTORY to life through theatrical storytelling. Participants will discover significant sites and engage with the militant actions and diverse contributions of these brave activists, gaining a compelling glimpse into the fight for women’s suffrage and the criminalization they faced from the police and justice system.

You can check availability for your dates here: