The Suffragette Oak facts for kids
The Suffragette Oak is a special tree in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, Scotland. It's a type of oak tree called a Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto). In 2015, it was even named Scotland's Tree of the Year! This tree is a living reminder of an important time in history.
History of the Suffragette Oak
This important tree was planted on April 20, 1918. A woman named Louisa Lumsden planted it for groups that supported women's right to vote. It was a way to celebrate women finally getting the right to vote in February 1918. This was a huge step forward for women's rights in the United Kingdom.
The planting ceremony was a big event. Many women gathered in Kelvingrove Park. They celebrated the new law that allowed some women to vote. Frances Melville, who was in charge of the event, said that women getting the vote was a very important change.
Louisa Lumsden, who planted the tree, talked about the amazing work of the women who fought for the right to vote. She also encouraged everyone to work together. She said that women had done very important work during the war. She believed that getting the vote was like opening a door to many new opportunities for women.
Another speaker, Eunice Murray, said that women in Glasgow were excited to vote in the next election. They looked forward to choosing who they thought would best represent them. After the tree planting, a meeting was held to continue the celebration.
In October 2017, the Suffragette Oak was damaged by Storm Ophelia. Because of the damage, Glasgow City Council had to make the tree shorter. They also trimmed its branches. The wood that was cut from the tree was given to the Glasgow Women's Library. This wood was used to create special items. These items help celebrate the brave women who fought for women's voting rights.
Awards and Recognition
In 2015, the Suffragette Oak won a special award. It was named Scotland's Tree of the Year. The Woodland Trust gave this award. The Glasgow Women's Library had nominated the tree for the award. Representatives from the Glasgow Women's Library received the award. This happened at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on October 27, 2015.
The Woodland Trust also nominated the Suffragette Oak for another award. It was put forward for the 2016 European Tree of the Year award. This shows how important and well-known this tree has become.
