The Suffrage Oak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Suffrage Oak
The Suffrage Oak in 2019 following its damage from Storm Ophelia
The Suffrage Oak Location in Central Glasgow
Species	Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto)
Coordinates	55°52′18″N 4°17′07″W / 55.8716°N 4.2854°W / 55.8716; -4.2854

The Suffrage Oak is a special Hungarian oak tree in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, Scotland. It was planted in 1918 by groups of women who fought for the right to vote. This tree celebrates a big moment in history: when the Representation of the People Act was passed in 1918. This law finally gave many women the chance to vote in elections.

In 1995, a plaque was added to the tree by the Women's Committee of Glasgow City Council. This happened on International Women's Day. The tree was even named Scotland's Tree of the Year in 2015. This award came after the Glasgow Women's Library suggested it.

A Tree with a Story: The Suffrage Oak

This important tree was planted on April 20, 1918. Louisa Lumsden planted it for many different women's suffrage organisations. These groups worked hard to get women the right to vote. The planting celebrated the new law, the Representation of the People Act 1918. This law was a huge step forward for women's rights.

What Was the Representation of the People Act?

The Representation of the People Act 1918 changed how people voted in Great Britain and Ireland. Before this, many people, especially women, could not vote. The new law allowed all men over 21 to vote, no matter if they owned property. It also gave women over 30 the right to vote. To vote, women had to own land or property, or their husbands had to. This law meant millions more people could take part in choosing their leaders. It first came into effect during the general election later that year.

Who Planted the Suffrage Oak?

Newspapers like the Daily Record announced the tree planting event. It was called a "Joint Local Celebration." Many groups worked together to make it happen. These included the Glasgow Society of Women's Suffrage and the Women's Freedom League. This showed that women from all parts of the suffrage movement were united. Important leaders like Louisa Lumsden, Frances Melville, Eunice Murray, and Chrystal Macmillan were there. They celebrated the long fight for women's voting rights.

A newspaper, the Sunday Post, reported on the event. It said many ladies gathered, some wearing sashes from their suffrage groups. Miss Frances Melville said giving women the vote was a huge change for Britain. Miss Louisa Lumsden, who planted the tree, spoke about the amazing work of the early campaigners. She asked everyone to work together and put aside differences.

The Tree's Recent Challenges

The Suffrage Oak in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow

In October 2017, the Suffrage Oak faced a big challenge. A strong storm, Storm Ophelia, hit the area. The tree lost about 30 percent of its branches. Its trunk also got a large tear. To save the tree and keep people safe, Glasgow City Council had to trim it. They made it shorter and balanced its shape.

The wood that was cut from the tree was not wasted. It was given to the Glasgow Women's Library. Local artist Annie Graham used these pieces to create special items. She made earrings, chopping boards, coasters, magnets, and trinket boxes. These items help remember the brave women who fought for the right to vote.

How the Suffrage Oak is Honored

The Suffrage Oak has received several honors over the years.

A Special Plaque

On International Women's Day in 1995, the Women's Committee of Glasgow City Council placed a plaque next to the tree. The plaque says: "This oak tree was planted by Women's Suffrage Organisations in Glasgow on 20 April 1918 to commemorate the granting of votes to women." It helps everyone remember the tree's important history.

Scotland's Tree of the Year

In 2015, the tree was named Scotland's Tree of the Year. The Woodland Trust gave this award. The Glasgow Women's Library had nominated the tree. Representatives from the library received the award. This happened at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on October 27, 2015.

The Woodland Trust also nominated the Suffrage Oak for the 2016 European Tree of the Year award. This shows how important this tree is, not just in Scotland, but across Europe.

Image gallery

See also

• List of individual trees