Annie Kenney

Born into a working-class family near Oldham in 1879, Annie Kenney was the fifth of eleven children. From the age of 10, she divided her time between school and work in a local cotton mill. In 1905, she attended a meeting in Oldham hosted by Christabel Pankhurst, who inspired Annie with her charismatic speech on women and voting rights. Shortly after, she joined the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), where she become one of the only working-class activists among the organisation’s senior leadership. Annie is noted for having several romantic relationships with women, including Christabel Pankhurst herself. Together they attended a rally here at the Free Trade Hall and interupt Sir Edward Grey to shout "Will the Liberal Government give votes to women?". They were shortly charged for assault after resisting arrest and spitting at police officers in protest.

Voice Recording by Emma Hodge & Tilly-Jay Hodge Written & Produced by Ellie Andrews