Scrapbooks of Bayard Simmons

This material is held atWomen's Library Archives

  • Reference
    • GB 106 7BSI
  • Former Reference
    • GB 106 7/XX56; 7/XXX56
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1931-1951
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 1 OS box

Scope and Content

The archive consists of two scrapbooks of manuscript poems, reviews and press cuttings. The volumes contain items relating to the suffrage movement and general news items about politics, art, literature and theatre. There are many press cuttings from 'The Freethinker' and manuscript poems by Simmons. The archive also includes a photocopied surrogate version of parts of the scrapbooks and an index.

Administrative / Biographical History

Bayard Simmons (fl.1906), author, poet and contributor to ‘The Freethinker’, was a member of the Men’s Social and Political Union for Women’s Suffrage. He was the first man to go to prison for the cause of women’s suffrage, spending two weeks in Brixton Prison in 1906.

Access Information

This collection is partially available for research. The original scrapbooks are not available for research as they are too fragile to produce. A photocopy of parts of the collection is available for use. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their visit.

Acquisition Information

The collection was deposited in 1999 by the Bishopsgate Institute as an outright gift.

Other Finding Aids

The Women's Library Catalogue

Alternative Form Available

Photocopies of a selection of the scrapbook pages are available. Please order 7BSI/2.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Fragile - Please do not produce in the Reading Room until conserved. Please use the photocopies instead (7BSI/2).

Related Material

The Women’s Library also holds the papers of Elsie Duval and Hugh Franklin (7HFD) and The John Rylands University Library in Manchester holds the Manchester Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage 1909–18 (see GB 0133 MML )