Historical Pageant, Women's Coronation Procession

Postcard depicting Suffragettes dressed as nuns led by St Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, taking part in the Coronation Procession, 17th June 1911. The women were part of the Historical Pageant section of the Procession where women represented inspirational historical female figures, Organised by the Women's Social and Political Union this spectacular procession was held a week before the coronation of George V with the intention of enlisting the support of the new King for the proposed Conciliation Bill. This Bill about to be debated in Parliament proposed the parliamentary franchise for women who were responsible for the premises they occupied. However, despite their efforts, George V made it clear he did not support the Suffragette campaign and opposed the Conciliation Bill.