Papers of Edith Eskrigge

The archive consists of photographs and postcards relating to the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) Pilgrimage in 1913, including photographs of Eskrigge and fellow suffragists camping en route to London; letters received from individuals such as Eleanor Rathbone, and organisations, such as the Canning Town Settlement, relating to her suffrage campaigning and social welfare work; and biographical information about Eskrigge.

Edith Eskrigge (1872-1948) was the sixth child of Robert Atkinson Eskrigge and Eliza Robson, a Quaker. Edith was born in 1872 at Liscard Vale, Wallasey, Cheshire. She attended a Girls’ school in Wallasey before transferring, in 1889, to a boarding school, Sonnenschein’s Girls’ School in Anerley, Surrey. During 1890-1892, Edith returned home to Wallasey. In 1893 Edith was teaching Callisthenics to a class of girls in Wallasey. A few years later, Edith was involved with the Settlement for Women Workers, also known as the Canning Town Settlement, which she left in May 1897. Edith was a member of the South Wales Suffrage Federation. In Jul 1913 Edith joined the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) pilgrimage, on the Watling Street route from Carlisle to London. Between Aug 1914 and Mar 1920, Edith was involved with the Liverpool War Pensions Committee and the Soldier and Sailor’s Families Association. Edith was chief officer of the latter and it was here that she worked with Eleanor Rathbone. Whilst in Liverpool, Edith was also involved in establishing a school for children who were invalids. This became a charity, Invalid Children’s Aid, later known as the Child Welfare Association. Her interest in the welfare of children continued with her active role in the Child Adoption Society. Also post-war, Edith served as honorary secretary of the Liverpool branch of the Women’s Citizens Association. Edith was a keen cyclist and an outdoors enthusiast. She travelled in Europe, America and Egypt. She died in 1948.

This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.

Donated by great-niece, also acting as literary executor.

Fawcett Library Catalogue

See also the Papers of Eleanor Rathbone (Ref: 7ELR) held at The Women’s Library.