A campaign to remember the famous suffragette Emily Davison and her connection to Blackheath has been started by Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate. Despite being born in Blackheath and having lived there for many years, her connection to the area is not publicly recognised.
Setting out the reasons for the need for a public plaque, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“Emily Davison is best known for her death at the Epsom Derby race where she stepped into the path of the King’s horse and was knocked unconscious to the ground, dying four days later. However this act was merely the final step in a lifetime of tireless campaigning for votes for women.
“Emily Davison suffered repeated imprisonment and the brutality of being force fed as part of her fight to ensure that each and every woman should have the vote.
“She was born into a comfortable middle-class background and could have easily have chosen an easy life, but instead she put her principles first whatever the consequences for her.
“She was a remarkable woman that we should never forget. It is time that she is recognised by a blue plaque in Blackheath."
Read more at This Is Local London.