Alice Hawkins: Timeline
1863
Born in Stafford to Henry and Helen Riley
one of nine children. Henry was a “journeyman shoemaker”.
1876
Family moved to Leicester to find work in the shoe trade.
1884
Alice marries Alfred Hawkins. Met at an early socialist meeting.
1886
Alice joins the Equity Shoes as a shoe machinist. The company, being a very early workers co-operative,
supported Alice in her political life.
1894
Joined the Independent Labour Party.
1902
As a member of the Clarion Society Cycling Club, reported in the local newspaper for “outraging public decency”
by wearing bloomers!
Feb 1907
Alice decides to join a suffragette meeting in Hyde Park on the day of the state opening of Parliament. Arrested on the same day for
disorderly conduct at the gates of the House of Commons and given 14 days in Holloway with 28 other women, including the Pankhursts.
April 1907
Alice convenes the inaugural meeting of the Leicester branch of the WSPU. Sylvia Pankhurst present and gives a stirring speech.
Summer 1907
Alice invites the Pankhursts to Leicester to meet the workers of the Equity Shoes. Sylvia Pankhurst sketches Alice whilst at work.
1909
Alfred heckles Winston Churchill at a public meeting in Leicester. Alice imprisoned for 14 days for trying to force an entry
into the meeting hall.
1910
Alfred severely injured after again heckling Winston Churchill and being thrown out of a public meeting in Bradford.
1911
The Men’s Political Union takes the young Liberals to court to sue for Alfred’s injuries. Alfred awarded £100!
Sep 1911
Alice and other colleagues in the shoe trade form the Women’s Independent Boot and Shoe Trade Union in an attempt to gain
improved pay and conditions of work.
1911
‘Black November’. Mass battles in London. The police severely beat up the suffragettes. Alice given 14 days for breaking windows
at the Home Office.
1911
Alice and Alfred’s youngest son, Tom, dies suddenly of blood poisoning. The Pankhursts write a moving letter of condolence to
them both.
1911
Alice and Alfred’s youngest son, Tom, dies suddenly of blood poisoning.
1912
Alice meets Lloyd George at Parliament other women to put over her point of view.
1914
Great War breaks out. Alice’s time as a suffragette comes to an abrupt end.
1946
Alice dies at the home of her son, Alfred, aged 83.
Post events:
1992
The Leicester City Council fix a blue plaque on the wall of the Equity shoe factory in memory of Alice.
2002
Leicester City Museum service bids at Sotheby’s for a pastel sketch drawn by Slyvia Pankhurst whilst visiting Leicester in 1907.
Largely considered to be that of Alice.
