Florence & Gwendoline Beaumont, Millicent Fawcett

The difficult and politically heady days at Hatfeild Hall in Wakefield, when Florence and Gwendoline greeted Millicent Fawcett and other now famous suffragists, are difficult to imagine. They lived side by side, supporting one another and hundreds of women to find purpose in a world that constantly denied them the right to vote. The women of Hatfeild Hall left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.

Florence Beaumont

Florence’s motto was, ‘I shall not bow to convention if that convention is based on unkindness or stupidity’ is a reminder for women in 2026 who live in a world which continues to deny women autonomy, continues to roll back hard fought for and won, rights and is quick to dismiss and condemn success, to keep integrity, kindness and ethicality at the heart all things.

Florence’s work has been commemorated individually as well as on this shared plaque. You can find out more about this, and download a free pdf about her work on our dedicated Florence Beaumont page.

Women's suffrage badge in green, white and red to represent Give Women Rights — Women’s suffrage badge in green, white, and red to represent Give Women Rights

Florence established the Wakefield Branch of the National Union of Women’s Suffragist Societies in the drawing room at Hatfield Hall in 1910. She was a prolific writer to the local newspapers, penning such correspondence as the example below.

Florence Beaumont Sculpture

The Forgotten Women of Wakefield project is fundraising for a sculpture to honour Florence’s work as a suffragist. This will be unveiled in 2028, the 100th anniversary of women getting the same voting rights as men.

You can help us by

coming on our walks and other fundraising events,
making a donation, even £1 makes a difference
sponsoring us in our costumed climb (below).

Donate a shilling for our Mountain Climb

Florence climbed the Matterhorn.

Our team is settling for Malham Cove. But we’ll still be in full Victorian costume. You can encourage our efforts and get exclusive details and photos of our expedition by donating just one shilling.

(£7.33 in your new, decimal coinage!).

That’s the same as the annual fee to be a member of the NUWSS (National Union of Suffrage Societies).

DONATE TO THE FUND

Gwendoline Beaumont

Gwendoline Beaumont was married to Florence’s brother, Gerald, and lived at Hatfeild Hall whilst raising her three boys. During WW1, they welcomed Belgian refugees and convalescent soldiers there. She played a vital role in the fight for equality.

Gwendoline Beaumont, as a result of her sister-in-law’s work, was able to stand as a candidate in the 1935 General Election. Consequently, her campaign carried a strong message to all citizens. In particular, she reminded women—who would not have been able to vote without the suffragist movement—that “it is your duty to vote”.

Gwendoline Beaumont election poster 1935

Gwendoline Beaumont, election newspaper cutting 1935 — Election newspaper cutting 1935, Gwendoline Beaumont

Gwendoline Beaumont, Wakefield suffragist, and her three children — Gwendoline Beaumont, suffragist, and her three children, Stephen, Christopher and Robert

Millicent Fawcett

Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett was President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies from 1897, and was a well-known speaker on women’s rights. The NUWSS was a powerful influence in the campaign for women’s rights. She was a friend of the Beaumont women and visited Hatfeild Hall in 1910 and 1917.