Primary school students from Accrington have taken part in an inspiring visit to The Pankhurst Museum in Manchester as part of a special project celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering suffragist Lydia Becker, who spent her childhood at Moorside House in Altham, Accrington.
The visit formed part of a Hyndburn Borough Council initiative aimed at bringing Becker’s story to life for a new generation and highlighting the area’s connection to the women’s suffrage movement. Becker was a key figure in the campaign for women’s voting rights and a close associate of Emmeline Pankhurst, who was influenced by her work.
Children from Altham St James’ Church of England Primary School and Huncoat Primary School took part in the project, which culminated in workshops at the historic Pankhurst Museum. The museum, saved, rebuilt and run by women, stands as a powerful testament to the story of the fight for women’s suffrage and the continuing importance of that legacy today.
Altham St James’ CE Primary School secured the visit after winning a competition related to the project, with their presentation on Lydia Becker. As part of their prize, the pupils will also travel to London later this year to further explore the history of the suffrage movement. Huncoat Primary finished a very close second after delivering an impressive presentation of their own, which included their very own rap.
During the visit, pupils took part in interactive workshops where they handled historical objects, explored the protest methods used by suffragists, dressed up in period clothing and created their own protest banners. The hands-on sessions helped bring the history of the women’s suffrage movement to life and gave students a deeper understanding of the determination and courage shown by those who campaigned for equality.
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “It was wonderful to see the children so engaged with the story of the women’s suffrage movement. The Pankhurst Museum is incredibly inspiring, and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the workshops.”
Funding for this project has been provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
