This film is part of Free
The Suffragette Election
Trusted, tried and true? A Labour MP takes a principled stand on women's right to vote
Overview
Was the battle for women's votes fought only by women? No, some men actively supported women's suffrage too. Labour MP George Lansbury, seen here surrounded by youngsters with his campaign slogan, 'Trusted, tried & true', resigned his seat in Bromley and Bow so that he could use the 1912 by-election as a platform to promote his belief in equality. His party declined to support him, and he stood instead as a Women's Suffrage and Socialist candidate, losing to Unionist Reginald Blair by 751 votes.
The following year, Lansbury was imprisoned for vocalising support for arson attacks at a Women's Social and Political Union rally. He won his old seat back from Blair in 1922 and served under Ramsay Macdonald in Labour's second government of 1929-31. After Macdonald's decision to form and lead a national government with the Conservatives in 1931 split his party, Lansbury sided with the rebels and ultimately rose to the leadership in 1932 (he was replaced by Clement Attlee in 1935).
Related
Miss Davison's Funeral Miss Davison's Funeral
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Bloomsbury
The funeral procession of suffragette Emily Davison - fatally injured at the Epsom Derby - passes through London to her final resting place in Morpeth.
Suffragette Derby of 1913 Suffragette Derby of 1913
Non-Fiction 1913 5 mins Silent Location: Epsom
A momentous act of self sacrifice is caught on camera - Emily Davison is trampled by the King's horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby.
Suffragettes Again Suffragettes Again
Non-Fiction 1913 1 mins Silent
Incendiary images from Plymouth, at the sharp end of the campaign for women's votes.
Milling the Militants; A Comical Absurdity Milling the Militants; A Comical Absurdity
Comedy 1913 7 mins Silent
Left with the kids while his wife campaigns for women's votes, an aggrieved husband dreams of punishing all suffragettes.
Meet the Suffragettes: The Original Media-Disruptors Meet the Suffragettes: The Original Media-Disruptors
Short documentary 2015 10 mins
BFI's silent film curator, Bryony Dixon, explores the BFI National Archive's holdings around women's suffrage.
Palace Pandemonium Palace Pandemonium
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Buckingham Palace
The campaign for women's suffrage steps up as Emmeline Pankhurst is arrested at the gates of Buckingham Palace.
London: Late Emperor of Japan London: Late Emperor of Japan
Non-Fiction 1912 0 mins Silent Location: London
Journalists congregate outside the Japanese embassy in London following the announcement of the death of the Emperor Meiji.
Two Dosas Two Dosas
Comedy 2014 16 mins Location: London
Geeky Pavan takes his 'English Rose' on a date to the most authentic Indian restaurant in the city. To his horror she goes off-menu, in Hindi...
Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: London
Capital scenes thanks to Victorian filmmakers
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands
Non-Fiction 1897 1 mins Silent Location: London
The Band of the First Life Guards approaches Westminster Bridge during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Lord Roberts' Arrival in London Lord Roberts' Arrival in London
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Location: London
A conquering Boer War hero enjoys a rapturous homecoming parade
Foundling Hospital Sports Day Foundling Hospital Sports Day
1899 2 mins Silent Location: London
A sports day gives the young residents of the Foundling Hospital a chance to let off steam
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.