104 years ago to this day Emily Davison died, and there’s a poignant reason why people are using her name to encourage you to head to the polls.
Davison was a prominent suffragette who died in 1913 after she threw herself in front of King George V’s horse at the Epsom Derby. It is thought that she was waving a scarf with the suffragettes’ logo when she ran into the path of the horse.
She died in hospital four days later after suffering a fractured skull and internal bleeding.
This was during a time that the suffragette movement was becoming more radical in their efforts to further the cause, including arson attacks and bombings.
It’s not entirely clear whether Davison threw herself under the horse to martyr herself for the cause or if it was instead meant to be a stunt.
Because today is the anniversary of her death, people are using it as a reminder to go out and vote.
Emily Davison died on this day. She died trying to garland the King's horse with a "Votes for Women" sash. Use the vote she died to win.
— Jo Maugham QC (@JolyonMaugham) June 8, 2017
Emily Davison died today 104 years ago fighting for your rights. If that doesn't make you go out and vote I don't know what will #GE2017
— Vanja (@xvanjax) June 8, 2017
104 years ago, Emily Davison died protesting women's right to vote. Honour her and everyone who fought/still fights for democracy #Vote2017
— Lizzie Swindells (@lizzie1708) June 8, 2017
Emily Davison died on this day for votes for women. LADIES PLEASE GO AND VOTE !!! ????
— Rebecca (@Rebecca_Egan96) June 8, 2017
Davison seems to have inspired many people to head to the polls.
I just voted and it cost me nothing only because 104 years ago today it cost suffragette #EmilyDavison everything. #LoveYourVote #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/pvoqI5UuDJ
— Usaama Kaweesa (@UsaamaK) June 8, 2017
Just been reminded that it was on this exact date in 1913 that Emily Davison died for our right to vote. This ones for Emily then. ????#GE17
— Tamar Saphra (@TamarSaphra) June 8, 2017
104 years ago today Emily Davison died fighting for Votes For Women. We must all remember to vote today! I'll cast mine for @SueHayman1
— David Cornwall (@DavidCornwall2) June 8, 2017
Whenever I've been to vote, I always punch the air and say 'this is for you, Emily Davison' #ge2017
— Fay Hallam (@RealFayHallam) June 8, 2017
In 1918 women who were over 30 and met the property requirements were given the vote, and it was only in 1928 that women were given the right to vote on the same terms as men.