Margaret Ashton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Ashton
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At the Free Trade Hall in 1909
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| Born | 19 January 1856 |
| Died | 15 October 1937 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | First woman City Councillor for Manchester |
Margaret Ashton (born January 19, 1856 – died October 15, 1937) was an important English woman. She worked for women's right to vote, which means she was a suffragist. She was also a local politician, a peace activist, and someone who gave money to good causes (a philanthropist). She made history as the first woman City Councillor for Manchester.
Margaret Ashton's Career
Margaret Ashton was a true pioneer. She was the first woman to ever run for election to the Manchester City Council. In 1908, she became the first woman City Councillor. She was elected to represent the area of Manchester Withington.
Margaret Ashton cared a lot about public health. She was part of Manchester's public health committee. She also led the group that focused on the health of mothers and babies. She helped create special clinics for new mothers and their infants. She also worked to provide free milk for babies and new mothers. In 1914, she helped start the Manchester Babies Hospital. She founded it with Dr. Catherine Chisholm.
When World War I began in 1914, Margaret Ashton became a strong voice for peace. She was one of the people who disagreed with some parts of the women's suffrage movement. She believed in working with people from other countries for peace. She signed a special message called the 'Open Christmas Letter'. This letter was a call for peace sent to the women of Germany and Austria. It was published in January 1915. She also helped start a Manchester branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. This group worked for peace around the world.
In 1920, a group called the Women's Farm and Garden Union created small farms for women in Surrey. Margaret Ashton was a key supporter of this project. She provided £5,000 to help get it started. Another person, Sydney Renee Courtauld, also lent £4,000.
Margaret Ashton's Legacy
After Margaret Ashton passed away in 1937, her friends and admirers wanted to remember her. In 1938, they formed a committee to honor her. They decided to do two main things:
- They placed a special seat in the Manchester Town Hall. This seat was for the Lady Mayoress and other important guests. On the back of the seat, there was a plaque listing all of Margaret Ashton's achievements.
- They also started a series of lectures. These lectures would happen every two years. They were organized by the Victoria University of Manchester and the Manchester City Council. The first lecture was given in 1941 by Mary Stocks.
In 1982, a school for girls called Harpurhey High School was renamed. It became the Margaret Ashton Sixth Form College. This was another way to remember her important work.
Margaret Ashton's name is also honored in London. Her name and picture are on the base of the statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square. This statue was unveiled in 2018. It celebrates women who fought for the right to vote.
Margaret Ashton was also one of six women nominated for a new public statue in Manchester. The public voted for the winner in 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Margaret Ashton para niños
