The City of London Corporation has today agreed to hold a series of events to commemorate the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918.

Following a meeting today, senior City figures approved the decision to recommend to the Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s highest decision-making body, that a keynote lecture be held at Guildhall on the Suffragettes’ and Suffragists’ struggle in the City of London to win the right for women to vote.

Students from the City of London’s schools and Academies, and women from across the Square Mile, will be invited to attend the lecture.

The City of London Corporation is also actively considering other ways of marking the centenary.

In a speech at the Archbishops’ Dinner at The Mansion House this evening, Lord Mayor Charles Bowman is expected to tell guests:

“We can’t undo the wrongs that were done to those involved in the Suffragist and Suffragette Movement.

Indeed, in this modern and forward-thinking society, it seems inconceivable to us now that women should have ever been denied the right to vote.

But we see things differently now and, although much work remains to be done, considerable progress has undeniably been made in the fight for equality.

We feel strongly that we should put these recommendations before the Court of Common Council next month and hope that they are warmly received and ultimately, approved.”

In October 1920, Sylvia Pankhurst was prosecuted at The Mansion House Justice Room for publishing a newspaper in the City of London that advocated disloyalty and refusal to obey orders in the Navy, and looting the docks in London.

Despite admitting to being the editor of The Workers’ Dreadnought, Pankhurst pleaded not guilty, but Sir Alfred Newton, the presiding magistrate and a senior City Alderman, found her guilty and sentenced her to six months’ imprisonment in Holloway.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

• We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust, makes grants of around £20 million annually to tackle disadvantage across London.

• We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, the Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important commons in London.

• We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies, all reflecting a long-term approach.

See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.