Description

Richard Marsden Pankhurst is an obscure figure, forgotten by history because he has been overshadowed by his dazzling wife, Emmeline, the great leader of the Suffragettes. Yet their partnership as campaigners was a critical element in her development and success. Her reaction to his death in 1898 led to her decision five years later to convene the Women’s Social and Political Union, popularly known as the Suffragettes.Richard’s intense character and devotion to ideals made him an object of both admiration and derision. He was widely respected as an honest man who put principle before self and party. Yet in worldly terms he was a failure. As a barrister, he should have been able to provide a comfortable home life for his family, but his political extremism hindered success in his career and the family struggled to afford the life to which they aspired. Even as a political campaigner Richard failed in several attempts to enter parliament.Nevertheless his marriage to young and beautiful Emmeline lent him a new glamour and soon resulted in a growing family. He moulded their beliefs and actions, creating a campaigning machine. Women’s equality was a significant focus, but so too were the other radical causes they espoused on behalf of the poor, workers, children, and world peace.Emmeline had already begun to take the lead in political activism, due in no small measure to the support of her devoted and unconventional spouse. The startling tactics of the Suffragettes in the early 20th century owed much to the influence of Richard Pankhurst. Later overshadowed by his extraordinary wife and daughters, his memory has been erased, but his story is a vital component in understanding the remarkable Pankhurst women.