Edith New

Edith New (1877 – 1951) was a British suffragette and teacher. She was a prominent member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), founded by Emmeline Pankhurst, and was actively involved in militant actions to campaign for women's suffrage.

New became involved in the suffrage movement after working as a teacher. She became disillusioned with the lack of opportunities available to women and believed that political equality was essential for social progress. In 1908, she resigned from her teaching position to devote herself entirely to the WSPU.

Known for her courage and determination, New participated in numerous protests and acts of civil disobedience. In June 1908, along with Mary Leigh, she chained herself to railings outside 10 Downing Street, resulting in her arrest and imprisonment. This action garnered significant media attention and helped to raise awareness of the suffrage cause.

She was imprisoned on several occasions for her militant activities, during which she engaged in hunger strikes. Like many suffragettes, she was forcibly fed, a brutal and controversial practice used by the authorities to break hunger strikes.

After women over 30 were granted the vote in 1918, New remained involved in political activism, working to improve the lives of women and children. She dedicated her life to fighting for equality and justice, and her contributions to the suffrage movement are remembered as a testament to her unwavering commitment to women's rights.