Emily Spender facts for kids
Emily Spender (born in 1841, died in 1922) was an English writer and a suffragette. A suffragette was a woman who worked hard to gain the right to vote for women. Emily Spender used her writing and her actions to support women's rights.
Early Life and Family Connections
Emily Spender was born in 1841 in the city of Bath, England. She grew up in a time when women had very few rights. Emily came from a family that included some well-known people.
Her cousin was Henry Crabb Robinson, who was famous for keeping a detailed diary. Her great-nephew was Stephen Spender, a well-known British poet. These connections show that Emily was part of a family interested in writing and public life.
Her Novels and Writing Career
Emily Spender was a talented novelist. She wrote many books during her lifetime. Her first two novels were published without her name on them. This was common for women writers at the time.
Her first book was called Son and Heir (1870). It was a traditional story. Her second book, Restored (1871), was different. It was a feminist novel. This means it explored ideas about women's rights and equality. She dedicated this book to Lilias Sophia Hallett, a leader in the women's suffrage movement.
Emily Spender wrote several other novels. These included Kingsford: A Novel (1866) and True Marriage (1878). She also wrote Until the Day Breaks (1886). Her last known novel was A Soldier for a Day: A Story of the Italian War of Independence (1901). Through her stories, she often shared her views on society and women's roles.
Working for Women's Right to Vote
Emily Spender was not just a writer; she was also an active suffragette. She believed strongly that women should have the right to vote. In 1871, she became an important leader in the movement.
She served as the honorary secretary for the Bath committee of the National Society for Women's Suffrage (NSWS). This group worked to get voting rights for women. Emily was also part of the main committee for the NSWS. Her work helped to organize and lead the efforts for women's suffrage across England.
Emily Spender passed away in 1922. She lived to see some progress in women's voting rights in the UK, though full equality took more time. Her contributions as a writer and activist helped pave the way for future generations.
