Tag Archives: bicycle

The Countess of Warwick: A Society Cyclist

Frances Evelyn ‘Daisy’ Greville, The Countess of Warwick Frances Evelyn ‘Daisy’ Greville, The Countess of Warwick (1861–1938) was one of late England’s leading Victorian and Edwardian socialites and philanthropists. It is, however, for her role as royal mistress and subject … Continue reading

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The Pankhursts: Clarionettes and Suffragettes

Emmeline, Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst Cycling was a family affair for the Pankhursts, who famously founded the Women’s Suffrage and Political Union. Dr Richard Pankhurst (1834-1896) was an avid cyclist and prominent member of the Clarion Cycling Club. His wife … Continue reading

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Madame Sarah Grand: New Woman A-Wheel

Madame Sarah Grand posed with her bicycle, Kensington In addition to being one of the leading literary figures of her time Sarah Grand was, in keeping with the idea of the New Woman she promoted, an avid cyclist. Born Frances … Continue reading

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Last Chance to See Cycling to Suffrage at The Women’s Library

Cycling to Suffrage: The Bicycle and Women’s Rights, 1890-1914 Closes 8 Sept 2012–See the show while you still can! This special exhibit explores the history and politics of women’s bicycling In 1895, American activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton famously declared that … Continue reading

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Women’s Cycling Resource List for Londoners

Interested in learning to ride or getting involved with a local cycling group? Check out the Women’s Cycling Resource List that accompanied the “Cycling to Suffrage” exhibit at The Women’s Library. Women’s Cycling Resource List, 2012 Follow the links in … Continue reading

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“Cycling to Suffrage” on The Bike Show, Resonance Radio

Want to know what an 1885 photo of a wax mannequin on a tricycle tells us about the dress reform movement? Or hear how the residents Malden reacted to the sight of a lady cyclist’s bloomers in 1890? Tune in to The … Continue reading

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Cycling to Suffrage Exhibit Opens March 21st, 2012

“Cycling to Suffrage: The Bicycle and Women’s Rights, 1890-1914″ opens at The Women’s Library 21 March 2012 Cycling has long been associated with the emancipation of women, from the fashionable lady cyclists of the 1890s to the more politically motivated … Continue reading

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A Bicycle Built for Two: Tandems in History

Kate and William’s Tandem The video above parodies Boris Johnson’s very fitting wedding present to newlyweds Kate Middleton and Prince William: a tandem bicycle. Their marital bicycle, a Barcley hire bike built for two, has a legacy rooted in application … Continue reading

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Lady Cyclist Effigy at the Cambridge University Protest, 1897

In 1897, a proposal was put before Cambridge University’s Senate to grant full degrees to female graduates. Male students responded with outrage. The image above shows the scene in the market square on the day of the debate. An effigy … Continue reading

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The Way to Wareham: Lady Cyclists in Punch magazine cartoons, 1890s

Lady cyclists were a favorite subject for comment in the pages of satirical publications such as Punch. Hundreds of poems, diatribes, and cartoons on the topic were published in the years during and buffering the cycling craze. The lady cyclists … Continue reading

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