Blue Plaque unveiling ceremony takes place for Urmston suffragette sisters

Urmston residents and politicians gathered for a ‘Blue Plaque’ ceremony outside a property on Primrose Avenue.

The Blue Plaque was for Beatrice and Edith Pepper who were suffragette sisters and unveiling the plaque was the great niece Susan Leach along with Grandaughter Katie Leach.

Beatrice Pepper (1882-1969) and Edith (1885-1978) were sisters who played a big part in the militant suffrage campaign and the activities of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU).

They both lived at number 2 Primrose Avenue in Urmston, for most of their lives. They were the youngest daughters of head teacher, Charles, and former governess, Elizabeth Pepper (neé Smith Clayton) who were parents to eleven children.

Both were born in Chorlton-on-Medlock and initially lived at Greenheys Lane with their parents and siblings, but by 1901, the family had moved to the Moss Side area. Their father was headmaster at a School in Hulme from 1866 – 1907, this being the school that Beatrice and Edith attended, until they were old enough to join High School in Moss Side.

After leaving school, they took occasional part time clerical jobs and helped run the family home, which left them time to take an active part in the militant suffrage.

They also helped with processions, selling newspapers such as Votes for Women and The Suffragette, and they chalked slogans on pavements and walls.It is claimed they also performed Morris dances in Manchester to raise funds for the WSPU.

Trafford Labour and council leader Tom Ross attended the event along with councillors Catherine Hynes, Joanne Harding with the Mayor of Trafford.