Margaret Sara Meggitt (1866-1920) was a political activist and Suffragette in Newport during the period of World War I.[1] She founded the Newport branch of the National Federation of Women Workers and was the first woman to sit on the Newport Trades and Labour Council.[2][3]
Margaret Sara Meggitt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1866 Grantham, England |
| Died | 21 March 1920 (aged 53–54) Newport, Wales |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, Suffragist |
| Spouse | George Meggitt |
Early life edit
She was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire in 1866. She qualified as a teacher before marrying George Meggitt. They moved to Newport in 1907 when her husband became manager of a glue factory.
Political activity edit
Meggit was involved in the Suffragette movement in Mansfield[4] and continued her association after moving to Newport, holding meetings in her home at The Cliff, Eveswell, Newport. She joined the Independent Labour Party and worked to help the poor and gave advice and assistance to "women in distress" who called at her home.[5][6] She frequently wrote letters to the local press, often dealing with women's issues such as war widows' pensions.[7]
Her son, William Meggitt, won the Military Cross while serving with the RAF during World War I.
Death edit
She died on 21 March 1920 following a serious asthma attack.[5]
References edit
- ^ Newport Who's Who 1920. Newport Central Library: R. H. John. 1920.
- ^ "WAW: Women and War". WAW: Women and War. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "16 The Election 1918". thechartists.org. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Margaret Sara Meggitt - Newport Past Photo Search". www.newportpast.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ a b "Death of Mrs Meggitt". South Wales Weekly Argus. 27 March 1920.
- ^ "Trades Council". South Wales Weekly Argus. 8 January 1916.
- ^ "Letters". South Wales Argus. 15 August 1917.