In Parliament

The Lords Recognise Women's Rights Campaigner 08 November 2011

Jessica had the distinct pleasure to attend the hanging of the portrait of Margaret Mackworth, otherwise known as the 2^nd Viscountess Rhondda, in honour of her women’s rights work.

Viscountess Rhondda was a pivotal activist within the women’s suffrage movement at the turn of the 19^th Century marking her impact within the Newport area. In 1908, she joined the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) where she attracted controversy at the time by attempting to destroy a post box. She was subsequently imprisoned, but released after a hunger strike.

She was a strong supporter of women entering the House of Lords, which was forbidden at the time. She had tried to take her father’s seat after his death but was refused. It was only less than a month after her death in 1958 that women were allowed to sit in the House of Lords.

Jessica said “Viscountess Rhondda serves as an inspiration for women today through her work for equality of gender and for her tireless work furthering that goal. For this, Viscountess Rhondda will always be remembered.”