Margaret Mansfield, Baroness Sandhurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lady Sandhurst
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Portrait of Margaret, Lady Sandhurst
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Margaret Fellowes
ca. 1828 Norfolk |
| Died | 7 January 1892 London |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Spouse | William Mansfield, Baron Sandhurst |
| Children |
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Margaret Mansfield, Baroness Sandhurst (born Margaret Fellowes, around 1828 – January 7, 1892) was a very important woman who fought for women's right to vote. She was one of the first women ever chosen to be part of a city council in the United Kingdom. She was also interested in spiritualism, which is a belief in communicating with spirits.
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About Margaret's Life
Margaret Fellowes was born around 1828 in Norfolk, England. She was the youngest of seven children. Her parents were Robert Fellowes and Jane Louisa Sheldon.
In 1854, Margaret married Sir William Mansfield. He was an important administrator in the British Raj, which was the British rule in India. Later, he became the first Baron Sandhurst. Margaret and William had four sons and one daughter.
After her husband passed away in 1876, Lady Sandhurst became more and more involved in two main areas: spiritualism and Liberal politics.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Lady Sandhurst was a very active member of groups that supported women's rights. She was part of the Women's Liberal Association and later the Women's Liberal Federation. She even led the Marylebone branch of this group.
She also cared a lot about helping others. Lady Sandhurst ran her own home for sick children on Marylebone Road.
Becoming a Council Member
In January 1889, Lady Sandhurst was elected to the London County Council. This was a huge step, as she was the first woman to win such an election. She received the most votes!
However, because she was a woman, one of the candidates she beat, named Beresford Hope, challenged her election. Both the Court of Queen's Bench and the Court of Appeal decided against her. This meant she could not keep her seat on the council. In May 1889, her seat was given to Beresford Hope. Lady Sandhurst was also fined £5 for every vote she had cast while she was on the council.
Recognizing Her Efforts
Even though she faced challenges, Lady Sandhurst was recognized for her strong support of Ireland. In September 1889, she was given the Freedom of the City of Dublin. This is a special honor given to people who have done great things for the city.
Continuing Her Work
In that same year, 1889, she also became a council member of the Women's Franchise League. This group worked to get women the right to vote. She also helped to create the Women's Trade Union Association, which supported women working in different jobs.
From 1889 onwards, she was also part of the main committee for the Central National Society for Women's Suffrage. This group was very important in the fight for women's voting rights.
In 1890, she was chosen to be the president of the Society for Promoting the Return of Women as County Councillors. This group later changed its name to the Women's Local Government Society in 1893.
Later Years and Legacy
Lady Sandhurst wrote at least two short books about her political interests. One of these, called Conversations on Political Principles, was published by the Women's Liberal Federation.
Lady Sandhurst passed away suddenly in London on January 7, 1892. She was at her home at 29 Park Road, Regent's Park. She was buried with her husband in Digswell, Hertfordshire.
Her family line includes later Lord Sandhursts and the current Earl of Macclesfield.
