Scrapbook

Scrapbook compiled by Lucy Minnie Baldock, (c.1864-1954), WSPU organiser in East London. The scrapbook comprises newscuttings, flyers and other items relating to Minnie's Suffragette activity. Significant items include:
Membership card for the Women's Social and Political Union designed by Sylvia Pankhurst. The design reflects the origins of the Women's Social and Political Union in the Manchester labour movement. This style of WSPU membership card was only issued for a short period from 1906.
Typed account by Minnie Baldock of a violent confronation she witnessed between Teresa Billington and two policemen in Cavendish Square. The account notes that Teresa and a policeman exchanged 'slaps' following which another policeman 'caught her by the throat until her face became purple'
Court Summary sheet, dated 24th October 1906 outlining the sentence of fine or imprisonment issued to [Lucy] M Baldock for disorderly conduct in the Old Palace Yard Westminster on 23rd October 1906.
Charge sheet issued on 27th March 1913 by the Metropolitan Police relating to the arrest of Marget Llewhellin (?) on a charge of wilful damage demanding she appear in Bow Street Police Court on 28th March 1913.
Minnie Baldock lived in West Ham and was one of the earliest London supporters of the Women's Social and Political Union. Politically active in he Independent Labour Party her husband was a local ILP councillor in West Ham. In January 1906 Minnie became Chairwoman of the newly formed Unemployed Women of South-West Ham. This group subsequently went to Caxton Hall and joined Emmeline Pankhurst in lobbying the House of Commons and, by February, had become the Canning Town branch of the WSPU. Minnie Baldock became a salaried Organiser for the WSPU travelling the country and spending time away from her husband and two sons. She also served two terms of imprisonment for militancy in 1906 and 1908. In 1911 Minnie was diagnosed with cancer and, although she survived her militancy and involvement with the WSPU was curtailed.