Annie Leigh Browne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Annie Leigh Browne
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| Born | 14 March 1851 Bridgwater, United Kingdom
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| Died | 8 March 1936 (aged 84) London, United Kingdom
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Queens College |
| Occupation | Educator, Suffragist |
Annie Leigh Browne (born March 14, 1851 – died March 8, 1936) was an important British educator and suffragist. A suffragist is someone who worked to get voting rights for women. Annie helped start College Hall, London, which was a place for women students. She also used her money and efforts to help women get elected to local government jobs.
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Early Life and Education
Annie Leigh Browne was born in Bridgwater, England, in 1851. Her grandfathers were brave men who fought in the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Annie, her parents, and her sister Mary first lived in Clifton, near Bristol. She learned from tutors and governesses at home.
Later, her family moved to London. In 1868, Annie studied at Queens College on Harley Street for one year. That same year, she went to a meeting about women's right to vote. This meeting was hosted by John Beddoe and his wife. It was one of the first meetings of its kind. Annie's long commitment to helping women get the vote started then. She and her sister also worked with famous social reformers like Octavia Hill and Samuel and Henrietta Barnett at Toynbee Hall. This was a place that helped people in poor areas.
Helping Women Get an Education
In 1880, Annie and her friend Mary Stewart Kilgour started working hard to improve education for women. With help from others, and Annie's own money, they opened College Hall in 1882. This was a special place where women students could live and study. It later moved to a new location in 1932.
Fighting for Women in Government
In November 1888, Annie helped create a group called the "Society for Promoting the Return of Women as County Councillors." This group later became the "Women's Local Government Society" in 1893. Annie gave money to the group and was a key member. Other important members included Eva McLaren and Millicent Garret Fawcett.
The main goal of this society was to get women elected to local government positions. They had an early success when two women, Jane Cobden and Lady Margaret Sandhurst, were elected to the London County Council. This was possible because of a law passed in 1888, which didn't stop women from running for these jobs.
However, a court later decided that this was a mistake and that women shouldn't be allowed to hold these positions. The society tried to change this decision, but they were not successful. Still, in 1894, a new law was passed that allowed married women to become members of school boards. This was another step forward for women in public life.
Continuing the Fight for Votes
Annie Leigh Browne continued to be very active in the fight for women's rights. In 1898, she was on the executive committee of the Union of Practical Suffragists. She was also a member of the Central Society for Women's Suffrage, and its later group, the London Society for Women's Suffrage.
In February 1907, Annie took part in a famous event called the 'Mud March'. This march was organized by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. It was a large protest where many women marched through the streets, even though it was a very muddy day, to demand the right to vote.
Later Life
Annie Leigh Browne passed away in London in 1936. She died from bronchitis. Her life showed a strong dedication to improving education and political rights for women in Britain.
