Articles

Rosa May Billinghurst – suffragette and women’s rights activist

Lewisham’s famous women: Rosa May Billinghurst ( 1875 – 1953) Rosa May Billinghurst (commonly known as May Billinghurst) was born on 31 May 1875 at 35 Granville Park, Lewisham. She was the second …

A vote of her own

6 February 2018 marked 100 years since the Representation of the People Act 1918 – the act which allowed some women in the UK the right to vote. This was a major landmark in the history of our …

Edith Lanchester – socialist and feminist

Lewisham’s famous women: Edith Lanchester (1871-1966) Many people know of the famous Catford born actress Elsa Lanchester, but what do you know of her socialist and feminist mother, …

Women’s suffrage movement in Britain

In the nineteenth century, women had no place in national politics. They were not eligible to run for Parliament and were not even allowed to vote. The assumption was that women did not need to vote …

Clemence Dane (Winifred Ashton) – Novelist and playwright

Lewisham’s famous women: Clemence Dane (1888-1965) Clemence Dane was born Winifred Ashton on 21 February 1888 in Westcombe Park Road, Blackheath. In 1897, the family moved to 22 Westwood Hill, …

Eleanor Marx – socialist campaigner

Lewisham’s famous women: Eleanor Marx (1855 – 1898) Although commonly remembered as the daughter of Karl Marx, Eleanor Marx achieved a great deal in her own right as a feminist, a socialist, a …

Marie Lloyd – music hall star

Lewisham’s famous women: Marie Lloyd (1870-1922) Marie Lloyd is considered to be the greatest and most popular of the music hall artists. She lived for several years in Lewisham between 1887 …

Thurgood Marshall: Champion of civil rights and first African American Supreme Court Justice

‍Thurgood Marshall was an influential figure in American history, known for his groundbreaking work as a civil rights lawyer and the first African American Supreme Court Justice. His tireless efforts …

How to tell if you have SAD — and what to do about it

For many people, winter is a time of sadness and depression. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and people find themselves feeling down. This is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. …

Colin Kaepernick and the new salute – Take the knee

This post in is honour of Colin Kaepernick and the people who are currently participating in civil rights activities to highlight the injustices around the world. Whilst Black History Month is …

Black Power Salute and Peter Norman – the third man

The picture of Tommie Smith and John Carlos giving the Black Power Salute is iconic and instantly recognisable to many. But few people know of the bravery and tragedy of the other guy, the third …

Suffrage in Britain: Women of colour and the right to vote

The history of the women’s suffrage movement is often depicted as a struggle predominantly led and fought by white women. However, this narrow perspective overlooks the significant contributions …