110 years ago today, a pivotal event in suffragette history occurred. Known as Black Friday, WSPU members marched to Parliament Square, clashing with police and anti-suffrage campaigners, leading to accusations of police violence, and the arrest of many of the women.

The conflict between the police and protesters lasted several hours, with many injuries being reported. Sylvia Pankhurst later detailed the event in her book, describing the ‘violent and indecent treatment’, and alleging ‘deliberate acts of cruelty’ throughout the day.

There were even rumours of sexual assaults, and deaths attributed as a result of injuries sustained.

I'm VERY interested in this event. I wrote my MA dissertation on Black Friday and the mainstream and feminist media responses to this event. One of my PhD research subjects mum also marched on Nov 18th:

Edith Bowerman later talked to historian Antonia Raeburn about that day. She said that it was her intention to go to 10 Downing Street or die in the attempt.

In response ‘a nearby policeman [gave] her a blow on the head. ‘He caught me by the hair and flinging me aside said: ‘Die then!’ I found afterwards that so much force had been used that my hairpins were bent double in my hair and my sealskin coat was torn to ribbons.’

This is just one of the fascinating stories about Black Friday. There are SO MANY MORE! See @vicky_ig's excellent thread to learn more: https://twitter.com/vicky_ig/status/1329036059179683840