Rose Lamartine Yates, a proud graduate of Royal Holloway College in 1896, left an indelible mark on history as a pioneering suffragette and cycling advocate. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and determination.
After earning her degree in modern languages, Rose’s passion for justice led her to join the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1908. Her dedication to the suffrage movement saw her arrested in 1909 during a demonstration outside the House of Commons, where she served a month in prison. Despite the backlash, including criticism from popular media at the time, Rose stood firm in her commitment to equality.
Rose and her husband, Tom Yates, shared a love of cycling and were prominent members of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. In 1907, Rose broke barriers by becoming the first woman elected to the club’s governing council. Their home, Dorset Hall in Merton, became a refuge for suffragettes recovering from imprisonment, further cementing her role as a leader in the movement.
Rose’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for women’s rights and the transformative impact of advocacy and activism. To learn more about Rose Lamartine Yates and her remarkable journey, read the full article here.
