Doreen Allen facts for kids
Doreen Allen (born 1879 – died 18 June 1963) was an English suffragette. Suffragettes were women who fought for the right to vote. Doreen was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group used strong methods to get attention for their cause. When she was put in prison, she went on a hunger strike. This meant she refused to eat. Because of this, she was force-fed. For her bravery, she received the WSPU's Hunger Strike Medal.
Early Life
Doreen Allen was born in Dartford, Kent. Her birth name was Edith Doreen Allchin. She was one of ten children. Her parents were Mary Ann and John James Allchin. Her father was a builder. In 1905, she married Melville Hodsoll Allen. He worked at the London Stock Exchange. He also served as a captain in World War I.
Fighting for the Vote
Doreen Allen was arrested in March 1912. She had taken part in a protest where windows were broken. This was a common way suffragettes showed their anger. She was sent to Holloway Prison for four months. While in prison, she went on a hunger strike. This was a way for suffragettes to protest their imprisonment. Because she refused to eat, she was force-fed. This meant food was forced into her body.
Life in Prison
Many suffragettes were held in Holloway Prison. Doreen Allen was there with Mary Ann Aldham. Both their names are on The Suffragette Handkerchief. This special handkerchief was embroidered by Janie Terrero. It has the signatures of many women who were in prison for their beliefs.
To keep spirits high, the women in prison found ways to entertain themselves. Some, like Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, told stories. Doreen Allen would listen closely. Emmeline Pankhurst, a leader of the WSPU, also shared memories. The women even performed scenes from plays. Doreen Allen played a part in a scene from The Merchant of Venice. After she was released, Doreen Allen continued her work for women's suffrage. This was the movement to get women the right to vote.
Later Activism
In late 1913, WSPU leader Emmeline Pankhurst returned to Great Britain. Doreen Allen was part of the group of suffragettes who met her. Emmeline Pankhurst was arrested as soon as she arrived. This was under a law called the Cat and Mouse Act. This law allowed hunger-striking prisoners to be released when very ill. Then they would be re-arrested when they got better.
Doreen Allen spent her later years living in Brighton, Sussex. She passed away in June 1963.
Images for kids
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Example of a WSPU Hunger Strike medal
See also
In Spanish: Doreen Allen para niños
