Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Belles of Bow

I came across an advert for this historical walking tour organised by the Museum of London. I assume the walk will go past the “Lord Morpeth” Public House in Old Ford Road which is built on the site of what was a Toy factory set up by Sylvia Pankhurst (picture is from the old pub sign). This pub is a poplar venue for “leaving do’s” by local workers which I have frequented once or thrice (or more). I work from a office only about a 10 minutes walk away.

Nearby was the site of ex-public house called the “Gunmakers Arms” which Sylvia used as a crèche and soup kitchen for the local poor. She renamed it the “Mothers Arms”.

Check out this site for extracts of Sylvia’s journal.

Check out this link to the last time(s) I posted on Bow Belles.

Sun 8 Mar, 2.30-4.30pmThis walking tour with Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky follows in the footsteps of Sylvia Pankhurst, who chose east London as the starting point for her campaign for women's suffrage. Pankhurst established a creche, restaurant and model toy factory in the area, believing that East End women were key to the success of the Suffragette movement. The route highlights Suffragette supporters and workplaces including the famous Bryant & May match factory, site of the Match Girls' strike of 1888.Book in advance £8, 18+

4 comments:

Toñi.co said...

Buenas noches desde españa.
Interesante blog.

John Gray said...

Hi Toni

I think you said you found this post interesting!

Regards

John

Anonymous said...

I was reading recently a Times article on the famous Bryant & May Match girls stike

Yes and they condemed the unions and the strike even then

John Gray said...

Hello John,
I noticed your blog this evening and thought that I should draw attention to the fact that The Eleanor Arms was also used as a crèche by the Suffragettes during the first world war. This is recorded on the deeds of the pub.

Frankie Colclough

Landlord The Eleanor Arms.