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Mrs Hilda Brackenbury

Hilda Brackenbury (1832 - 1918) was the mother of Georgiana Brackenbury and an important figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Hilda Brackenbury joined the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1907 and spent time in prison in 1912 following her involvement in the WSPU’s ‘window-breaking’ demonstrations. The Brackenbury family home at Campden Hill Square in London became known as ‘Mouse Castle’ within the ranks of the WSPU as members were sent there to recuperate after being released under the so-called ‘Cat and Mouse Act’.

It seems that Schreiner first met the Brackenburys at Nauheim in Germany in 1914, and she stayed at Campden Hill Square on a number of occasions. It is likely that some letters were exchanged between Schreiner and the Brackenburys, although none have been traced. When Mrs Brackenbury died in 1918, Schreiner described her as a ‘wonderful woman’ in a letter to May Murray Parker.

For more information see:
Elizabeth Crawford (2006) The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Britain and Ireland London: Routledge
E. M. Lloyd, revised by Roger T. Stearn (2004) ‘Brackenbury, Charles Booth (1831-1890)’ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Oxford University Press http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/3159

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 Mentioned In

 University of Cape Town, Historical Manuscripts: Manuscripts & Archives at the University of Cape Town is a leading location for accessing archival papers across many per... Show/Hide Collection Letters

 Olive Schreiner BC16/Box11/Fold2/Undated/70:Monday , My dear Laddie, I went to see the Brackenbury’s today. The eldest Miss B- was away but I gave your message to ...

 Olive Schreiner BC16/Box11/Fold2/Undated/83:Monday , Dear Laddie , Old Mrs Brackenbury is dead. Died rather suddenly, I think of influenza. She was a rare old person, &...