Frances Simson facts for kids

Frances Helen Simson (1854–1938) was a Scottish woman who worked hard for women's rights. She was a key figure in the movement for women to get the right to vote, known as suffrage. She also fought for women to have better access to higher education. Frances Simson was one of the first eight women to graduate from the University of Edinburgh in 1893.

Early Life and Family

Frances Simson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on April 2, 1854. Her father was William Simson, who worked as a secretary for the Bank of Scotland. Her mother was Jane Christiana Aberdein. Frances was one of nine children in her family. She lived with her family in Eton Terrace, located in the New Town area of Edinburgh, for most of her life.

Her Journey to University Education

Frances Simson was 38 years old when she earned her Masters of Arts degree. This was a big achievement for women at the time. It became possible because of a new law called the Universities (Scotland) Act of 1889.

Before this law, women couldn't get full university degrees. However, Frances had been taking classes since 1867. She studied through groups like the Edinburgh Association for the University Education of Women (EAUEW). This group was first known as the Edinburgh Ladies' Educational Association (ELEA), and it started in 1867. These associations helped women get a university-level education even before they could officially graduate.

Fighting for Women's Voting Rights

Frances Simson was a strong supporter of women's right to vote. She joined forces with other important women like Margaret Nairn, Elsie Inglis, Frances Melville, and Chrystal Macmillan.

In 1906, they tried to get five women graduates the right to vote for the University MP. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the government. Their attempt did not succeed at first.

Even though women did not have the right to vote in general elections, Frances and her group wanted to challenge this. They took their case to an appeal in November 1907, but they still lost.

The group then worked to raise money to take their case to the House of Lords. This is a very high court in the UK. In November 1908, Chrystal Macmillan spoke as the main lawyer for their cause. Frances Simson also made important arguments and helped close the case on November 12.

Margaret Nairn wrote to Frances Simson on November 17, 1908. She thanked Frances for speaking up for their cause. Margaret said that Frances's and Miss Macmillan's words would be remembered in history.

Most women in the UK did not get the right to vote for Members of Parliament until a law was passed in 1918. This law was called the Representation of the People Act 1918.

Frances Simson was also the president of the Scottish Universities Women's Suffrage Union. This group was connected to the NUWSS, a large organization fighting for women's voting rights.

From 1897 to 1917, Frances Simson was the warden of Masson Hall. This was a special place in Edinburgh where women students could live.

Her Later Life and Recognition

In October 1933, the University of Edinburgh celebrated its 350th anniversary. During this celebration, Frances Simson received a special honorary degree called an LLD. She was the only woman to receive this honor that year. This award recognized her important role in helping women get a university education.

Later that same year, Frances was the president of the Edinburgh Equal Citizenship Society. This group grew out of the national organization that followed the NUWSS. She worked with Rosaline Masson in this society.

Frances Simson was honored at a special luncheon held at the former Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh. Many important people attended this event to celebrate her work. Among the hundred-plus guests were Lady Alexandra Watson, Dame Sarah Siddons, Dr. Frances Melville, Professor E.T. Whittaker, and Dr. Marion Gilchrist. They all came to honor her dedication to campaigning for women's education.