Date: May 5th
Category: Historical Travel | Women in Resistance
Strap on your Edwardian boots, unfurl your sash, and fill your flask — we’re taking a walk through London like the Suffragettes did: with purpose.
If you’ve ever marched for change, signed a petition, or proudly placed your vote, you owe more than a little to the women who pounded London’s pavements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This self-guided historical walking tour uncovers the sites, stories, and spirit of the suffrage movement — from peaceful protests to explosive resistance.
Ready? You’ll need comfortable shoes, a keen eye, and ideally, a friend to shout “Deeds not words!” with. (Or you can just whisper it dramatically to the pigeons.)
🗺️ Route Overview
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Total Stops: 6
Distance: ~3 miles
Start: Westminster Abbey
End: King’s Cross Station
Download the printable PDF map and audio version: Click here
1. 🔔 Westminster Abbey: The Door They Couldn’t Ignore
We begin at Parliament Square, where bronze statues of Churchill and Mandela now stand — but look to your left and meet Millicent Fawcett, the only woman commemorated in this power-packed plaza.
🪧 Quote on her plinth: “Courage calls to courage everywhere.”
📸 IG Tip: Snap your photo with Millicent and tag #SuffragetteSteps
2. 🧨 Caxton Hall: Where the Deeds Began
đź“Ť Caxton Street, SW1H 0QW
The WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) held many of their infamous rallies here. It was the launchpad for suffrage protests — and police surveillance. Sylvia Pankhurst and Annie Kenney spoke here before facing arrest.
Today, it’s luxury flats (naturally), but the façade and plaque remain — a stone reminder of incendiary words spoken within.
3. 🗞️ Women’s Press HQ
📍 4 Clement’s Inn, near Aldwych
This was the original base of Emmeline Pankhurst and the WSPU in 1906. From here, protests were organised, papers printed, and tea brewed in revolutionary quantities. The building is gone, but look for a blue plaque.
🛍️ Want a “Votes for Women” enamel pin like the ones they wore? We’ve got you covered.
4. ⚖️ Royal Courts of Justice
Many suffragettes were tried here for protest-related charges. Some defended themselves with fiery speeches; others were gagged or dragged from the courtroom. Courtroom resistance was part of the spectacle — and the strategy.
đź“– Read about Mary Richardson, who slashed the Rokeby Venus in the National Gallery, and then gave this building a piece of her mind.
5. 🚔 Bow Street Magistrates’ Court
This was where countless suffragettes were processed and sentenced. Emily Wilding Davison stood here. So did the entire Clapham group after storming Downing Street.
Today it’s a luxury hotel — but don’t worry. You’re standing on revolutionary ground.
6. 🎓 The People’s Platform: King’s Cross Station
Not strictly suffrage-related — but a symbol of movement, freedom, and escape. Many suffragettes used trains to organise national campaigns, flee arrest, or travel to Holloway Prison. It’s also the perfect metaphorical end to your walk: the fight continues, the tracks stretch on.
Why King’s Cross? Because all good rebellions end at a platform.
🛍️ Walk the Talk
Commemorate your stroll with our “Deeds Not Words” collection:
- Limited-edition walking tour tote bags
- Suffragette tea towel map (perfect for history kitchens)
- Quote journals inspired by Fawcett, Davison, and Pankhurst
đź“š Want to Know More?
- The Suffragette by Sylvia Pankhurst (Free on Project Gutenberg)
- Museum of London’s Votes for Women exhibit – Visit online
- Rebel Women Walking Tours – National Archives UK
đź’¬ Guild Community Challenge
Did you complete the walk? Share your best snap or quote along the way with #SuffragetteSteps and tag @TimeTravellersGuild — we’ll spotlight our favourites in the May 31 round-up!
