These postcard images from 1910 elicit a range of reactions today. They capture men dressed as suffragettes while participating in a football game between the ‘Gentlemen and Suffragettes’ of Oakham.
The match was part of a rustic sports and fete day held to raise funds for the local Baptist Benevolent Fund. The events took place at Bridge Field on Braunston Road and included a ladies versus gentlemen cricket match; sack, obstacle and flat races, and a ‘bowling at the wicket’ competition.
The highlight of the afternoon was the ‘burlesque’ football match. According to a newspaper report “…the Suffragettes were not only amusing, but victorious to the extent of two goals to one.”
While some view the footballers’ actions as disrespectful to the suffrage movement, the men in the more formal photograph appear to be proudly displaying a ‘Votes for Women’ sign, suggesting their support for women’s rights.
What do you think?
Research by Emma Warren & Jayne Williams.
The Angel Inn stood where the entrance to Barlow Road is now. It was subsequently the British Legion Club from 1933 until their moving to The Limes on High Street. The Angel was demolished during the 1960s.
