Suffragettes Dressed in Medieval Costume

Suffragettes dressed in Medieval costume taking part in the Coronation Procession, 17 June 1911. The women were part of the Historical Pageant section of the Procession that 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.
As can be seen in the photograph the event attracted mass crowds of spectators including men, women and children who were entertained by the visual spectacle of the occasion.