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Primary sourcePhotograph21 June 1908

Women's Sunday Procession, Hyde Park, 1908

Unknown author · 21 June 1908

A photograph of the head of the 1908 Women's Sunday suffrage march in Hyde Park, showing Emmeline Pankhurst at the front with Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy.

Shows Pankhurst leading the head of the Women's Sunday procession, direct photographic evidence of her leadership.

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Black and white photograph of women in Edwardian hats and long dresses at the head of a march. A banner above reads 'Tamed Taxes...Bring Rectitude' partially visible. A woman at left wears a light suit with a rosette and holds a rope-like pole; a central woman wears a sash and a large hat; an older woman in an embroidered coat holds flowers. Men in dark suits and bowler hats stand behind them, and a flag is at right.
Head of the procession, Women's Sunday suffragette march, Hyde Park, London, 21 June 1908.

About this source

What it is

This black-and-white photograph was taken on 21 June 1908 at the head of the 'Women's Sunday' procession in Hyde Park, London, organised by the Women's Social and Political Union. It shows Emmeline Pankhurst and Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy at the front of the march.

Why it matters

Women's Sunday was one of the largest demonstrations of the suffrage campaign, meant to show mass public support for women's right to vote. This photograph is direct evidence of Pankhurst's leadership role at the front of such demonstrations.

Look closer

  • What can you tell about the size and organisation of the march just from this close-up image?
  • Why might the WSPU have wanted photographs of its leaders at the front of marches?
  • What does the clothing and setting tell you about who was expected to take part?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Emmeline Pankhurst on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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