A rare silver suffragette Hunger Strike medal and a fascinating archive of letters, books and ephemera relating to suffragette Kate Williams Evans

the medal engraved Hunger Strike to the obverse and Kate Evans to the reverse, complete with three coloured purple (dignity), green (hope) and white (purity) ribbon and two silver bars one engraved March 4th 1912, contained within original velvet lined presentation box with printed inscription to the silk lined lid, together with an accompanying letter from The Women's Social and Political Union stating that Miss Evans has been presented with a prison brooch:

i) Metropolitan Police arrest warrant issued to Kate on 4th March 1912 for 'Malicious damage'

ii) 'The Pocket R. L. S. from the works of Stevenson'; a pocket book given to Kate by Meg - her sister, with hand-written pencil autographs from a number of Suffragettes including Emily Wilding Davison, E. Pankhurst and Sarah Benett

iii) John, Nancy. A. 'Holloway Jingles' a collection of poems written by the Suffragettes contained within a pictorial printed outer green covers with, images of the inside of the cells. Possibly a first edition, with two poems by Kate entitled 'Who?' and 'The cleaners of Holloway'

iv) A hand written letter from fellow inmate and suffragette Sarah Benett to her maid Jane regarding the health of Kate Evans as the hunger strike began (Kate explained that she had this letter stitched to the hem of her skirt) the letter reads' Miss Evans will be my guest till she is a little stronger. She has been starving so treat her as an invalid...'

v) A letter from Dorothy fellow inmate in prison to Kate after she has left prison it reads 'Your flowers have been such a joy to me through a very strenuous time. Now I am getting some mental and spiritual peace, though my body is suffering - I find I am getting ill much sooner now I am not taking water either...The cells here are darker than any I have seen...We come up for trial on Tuesday if still alive and in captivity...'

vi) A letter from Mary Griffiths to Kate's sister regarding Kate's courage it reads 'We can hardly realise at present what a debt of gratitude we owe the militant section of the Suffragists, but I am quite sure that later on their heroism and devotion will be appreciated'

vii) Four other pieces of ephemera including two letters to Kate one from her sister Margaret whilst still in prison reading 'all your friends ask very kindly after you, and are looking forward very much to seeing you home again', and another from Hannah Lomax; a memo from Holloway to Kate noting that they are unable to trace the lady Kate is looking for - and another similar

viii) Two photographs of Kate Evans and various newspaper clippings

ix) 'Associate member of the Sorbonne' medal presented to Kate Evans May/June 1926 by the International Women's Suffrage Alliance

x) 'Five years' struggle for freedom' by Margaret Wynne Nevinson, pamphlet

xi) A framed and signed letter of Commendation to Kate Evans signed by E. Pankhurst on behalf of the Women's Social Political Union

(qty)

Condition: The medal and ribbon is in very good condition and the ribbon has good original colour. Slight wear around the 1912 of date where the silver has been polished The 'jingles' book has been stapled on the spine but over the years as the staple has rusted, one of the central leaves has loosened. The interior papers are generally in good condition. The outer leaves with wear with age - and minor tears to edges but no significant tears across pages. Small pencil notations to a few words of poems. The Neinson pamphlet with biro notes to the font and minor foxing otherwise in fair condition. Condition of the Sorbonne gilt medal medal is good just minor wear to paper label inside gilt frame. Overall wear with age to all paperwork. The letter of commendation to Kate is in good condition with clear images and text although the signature of E. Pankhurst is faded but still legible.

Kate Williams Evans was born in 1866 in Llansantffraid, Mongomeryshire. Growing up she was interested in Politics and spent a considerable time in Paris. Whilst there she met with people interested in the Women's Social and Political Union. In her early thirties she joined the Union and was an active member. She became a Suffragette to the dismay of her parents who thought the behaviour of these women was quite shocking. On 4th March 1912 she was arrested, imprisoned and served 54 says in Holloway prison. This collection is to be offered for auction by the family.