Criminal case file HH16/45: Helen Crawford, Flora Ellen Smith, Winnie Wallace
Helen Crawford: convicted of Wilful and Malicious Mischief (window smashing) at Glasgow Stipendiary Magistrates Court, 12 March 1914, and sentenced to 10 days imprisonment.
Please note that within the archival file Helen’s second name is spelt incorrectly as ‘Crawford’. As the correct spelling is ‘Crawfurd’ we have taken the decision to spell it this way in the captions.
Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace: untried prisoners charged with Assault on the Right Honourable H.H. Asquith, Prime Minister, Disorderly Conduct and Breach of the Peace, held at Inverness Prison, 29 August 1913. The prisoners were released on payment of bail and the charges were later dropped.
Covering sheet with the names Agnes Colquhoun Thomson and Elizabeth Thomson, and the archive reference ‘HH16/45’ handwritten on the front.
Covering sheet with the name Dorothea Lynas or Smith with the archival reference ‘HH16/40’ handwritten on the front.
Letter from Elginshire Constabulary to D. Crombie, Secretary of the Police Commissioners, 9th September 1913. Suffragettes Flora E. Smith and Winnie Wallace arrived from Inverness after their liberation there on bail via the 9.08am train.
Handwritten note on the back of a letter from the Elginshire Constabulary to D. Crombie, the Secretary of the Police Commissioners, 9th September 1913. The note is addressed to the Governor of Inverness Prison and asks him to refund the fares of the train journey from Inverness to Elgin.
Letter to the Prison Commissioners from Flora E. Smith and Winnie Wallace, 6th September 1913. It confirms that they did travel to Elgin from Inverness on the first available opportunity and called on the Chief Constable of Elgin at his office as evidence of their arrival.
Letter to the Governor of Inverness Prison from Flora E. Smith and Winnie Wallace, 3rd September 1913 requesting money for their train tickets from Inverness to Elgin.
Note from the Police Commissioners to the Governor of Inverness Prison forwarding a letter they sent to Misses Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace regarding their claim for rail fares.
Letter dated 5th September 1913 to Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace from the Secretary of the Prison Commissioners. Requests evidence to show that they did return to Elgin and their rail fares will be repaid.
Letter dated 5th September 1913 to Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace from the Secretary of the Prison Commissioners. Handwritten on the back “Suffragettes. Inverness, 4.9.1913. Flora Smith. Winnie Wallace. Railway Fares”.
Envelope of letter dated 5th September 1913 to Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace from the Secretary of the Prison Commissioners. Addressed “To The Governor, H.M. Prison, Inverness”. p1
Envelope of letter dated 5th September 1913 to Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace from the Secretary of the Prison Commissioners. Addressed “To The Governor, H.M. Prison, Inverness”. p2
Letter from the Governor of Inverness Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 4th September 1913. Forwards letter from Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace who were admitted to Inverness Prison Friday 29th August for Assault on the Right Honourable H. H. Asquith and for conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and committing a Breach of the Peace. Court adjourned the diet to 5th September 1913 and the accused were to be detained in prison, or until a security of £5 each was paid. This was paid by a female friend and they were released that evening. Requests instructions whether to repay their train fares to Elgin which had not been requested on their release from prison. p1
Letter from the Governor of Inverness Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 4th September 1913. Forwards letter from Flora Ellen Smith and Winnie Wallace who were admitted to Inverness Prison Friday 29th August for Assault on the Right Honourable H. H. Asquith and for conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and committing a Breach of the Peace. Court adjourned the diet to 5th September 1913 and the accused were to be detained in prison, or until a security of £5 each was paid. This was paid by a female friend and they were released that evening. Requests instructions whether to repay their train fares to Elgin which had not been requested on their release from prison. p2
File cover sheet. Handwritten on the front “Suffragettes. Inverness, 4.9.1913. Flora E. Smith. Winnie Wallace. Railway Fares”.
Letter from the Assistant Chief Constable, Glasgow City Police, to the Police Commissioners for Scotland, 22nd July 1914. Caution was accepted for the remainder of Helen Crawford’s sentence and licence must be regarded as cancelled.
Minutes of a discussion on artificially feeding Helen Crawfurd. It is agreed that her case is ‘not a case for artificial feeding’. The minutes note that Crawfurd was discharged on the 13th July 1914, and that upon payment of her ‘caution’ the Sheriff of Perthshire is of the opinion that her sentence is now completed. p1
Minutes of a discussion on artificially feeding Helen Crawfurd. It is agreed that her case is ‘not a case for artificial feeding’. The minutes note that Crawfurd was discharged on the 13th July 1914, and that upon payment of her ‘caution’ the Sheriff of Perthshire is of the opinion that her sentence is now completed. p2
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 15 July 1914. Helen Crawfurd was liberated on the 15th July 1914 under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act 1913. An additional note states that half of Crawfurd’s ‘caution’ of £20 has now been paid for her. As she has served ten days of her original twenty for failure to find her caution, this money was accepted and Crawfurd will be released accordingly. p1
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 15 July 1914. Helen Crawfurd was liberated on the 15th July 1914 under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act 1913. An additional note states that half of Crawfurd’s ‘caution’ of £20 has now been paid for her. As she has served ten days of her original twenty for failure to find her caution, this money was accepted and Crawfurd will be released accordingly. p2
Letter to the Chief Constable of Glasgow from the Secretary of the Police Commissioners for Scotland, 17th July 1914. States that the licence against Helen Crawford must be regarded as cancelled as the caution has been accepted for the remainder of her sentence.
Notes on Helen Crawfurd made by the Medical Officer H. Ferguson Watson, sent to the Governor of Perth Prison, 15th July 1914. Notes state that Crawfurd was admitted to prison on the 10th July and that ‘on admission she was hysterical [and] impertinent’. The Medical Officer records that her behaviour improved, that she drank potash daily, and that upon release her condition was good and she was able to walk to the cab.
H. M Prisons, Scotland memoranda regarding the discharge of Helen Crawfurd and whether she is liable to serve a further three days imprisonment under her original sentence. p1
H. M Prisons, Scotland memoranda regarding the discharge of Helen Crawfurd and whether she is liable to serve a further three days imprisonment under her original sentence. p2
Chronological notes detailing the case of Helen Crawfurd. Includes information on: her admittance to Duke Street Prison on 12th March 1914; liberation on 19th March 1914; failure to return to prison on 26th March 1914; arrest on a separate extract warrant on 7th April 1914; liberation on 12th April under the 1913 Act; failure to return to prison on 20th April 1914; re-arrest on 10th July; and final liberation 22nd July 1914. p1
Chronological notes detailing the case of Helen Crawfurd. Includes information on: her admittance to Duke Street Prison on 12th March 1914; liberation on 19th March 1914; failure to return to prison on 26th March 1914; arrest on a separate extract warrant on 7th April 1914; liberation on 12th April under the 1913 Act; failure to return to prison on 20th April 1914; re-arrest on 10th July; and final liberation 22nd July 1914. p2
A copy of the conditions of Helen Crawfurd’s release under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913 to be given to her upon discharge.
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 12th July 1914. Helen Crawfurd has refused to take any food since her admission to Perth Prison on evening of 10th July but is drinking potash water freely.
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 11th July 1914. Helen Crawfurd was admitted to Perth Prison 10th July. An officer is observing her continuously on request from the Medical Officer.
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 10th July 1914. Reports that the Perth City Police state that two Glasgow Police Officers had apprehended Helen Crawfurd, suffragette, and asked to admit her to Perth Prison. Notes that if suffragette refuses food she need not be artificially fed. p1
Letter from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 10th July 1914. Reports that the Perth City Police state that two Glasgow Police Officers had apprehended Helen Crawfurd, suffragette, and asked to admit her to Perth Prison. Notes that if suffragette refuses food she need not be artificially fed. p2
Telegram from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners reporting that Helen Crawfurd was liberated from Duke Street Prison in March 1913 and is now in Perth Prison Cells. Asks whether she can be admitted to Perth Prison.
Newspaper clipping from Edinburgh Evening Dispatch 11th July 1914. Headline ‘Their majesties startled. Suffragette springs on footboard of car. Saved from angry crowd by the police.’ Article describes the arrest of Helen Crawfurd the night before the arrival of the King George V’s visit to Perth. Upon the arrival of the royal party in the city, a woman leaned out of a window to throw a petition into the royal car. From the window above, a jug of water was poured over the ‘interrupter’. Later another woman stepped onto the foot plate of the royal car and struck the car’s window, startling the royal party inside.
Minutes from the Prison Commissioners for Scotland reporting that Helen Crawfurd failed to return to prison when the period of her licence expired. The Under Secretary for Scotland confirmed that steps do not need to be taken to re-arrest her.
Letter from Duke Street Prison to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 20th April 1914. Reports that Helen Crawfurd has not returned to prison on expiry of her licence. Note is attached to confirm she was arrested in Perth and admitted to Perth Prison yesterday evening. A warrant to transfer her is enclosed.
Report from the Prison Commissioners to the Secretary for Scotland that Helen Crawfurd was discharged 12th April 1914. Requests an Order of Temporary Discharge.
Letter from the Medical Officer to the Governor of Glasgow Prison, 8th April 1914. Reports that Helen Crawford was re-admitted to prison 7th April and was in some degree of enfeeblement. She had been sick for three days after previous liberation from prison. She is in very good spirits but stoutly refused to take either food or drink.
Letter from the Medical Officer to the Governor of Glasgow Prison, 11th April 1914. Reports that on evening rounds Helen Crawfurd was extremely depressed. Heart indicated enfeeblement and general state of collapse. Proposes liberation tomorrow morning.
Letter from Duke Street Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 7th April 1914. Helen Crawford has been re-admitted to prison for failing to find the required caution. p1
Letter from Duke Street Prison to the Prison Commissioners, 7th April 1914. Helen Crawford has been re-admitted to prison for failing to find the required caution. p2
An order for the temporary discharge of Helen Crawfurd under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913, and associated conditions. 12th April 1914. p1
An order for the temporary discharge of Helen Crawfurd under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913, and associated conditions. 12th April 1914. p1
Telephone message 7th April 1914. The Governor of Duke Street states that Helen Crawfurd has been again imprisoned on grounds of ‘failing to find caution – 20 days’.
The Prison Commissioners report that Helen Crawfurd failed to return to prison, 26th March 1914 as required by her licence. No active steps to be taken to return her to prison.
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, to the Prison Commissioners, 26th March 1914. Helen Crawfurd has not returned to prison as per the terms of her licence.
Note to the Prison Commissioner from Duke Street Prison to report that Helen Crawfurd is due to return to prison at 3pm on 26th March 1914. Requests instructions for action to be taken if she fails to return to prison. Attached note says no steps to be taken in bringing her back.
Report from the Prison Commissioners to the Secretary for Scotland. States that Helen Crawfurd has refused to take food and that they have approved her release on 19th March 1914.
Letter from the Criminal Record Office, London, to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 23rd March 1914. Acknowledges receipt of communication dated 20th March, and states that a copy of a photograph of Helen Crawfurd is enclosed [not in the file].
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 19th March 1914. Acknowledges their letter of 19th March and forwards the notice for the temporary discharge of Helen Crawfurd. Notes that Crawfurd was liberated at 5.10pm. She was conveyed to 17 Sutherland Street, Hillhead, in a taxicab and accompanied by female warder. p1
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 19th March 1914. Acknowledges their letter of 19th March and forwards the notice for the temporary discharge of Helen Crawfurd. Notes that Crawfurd was liberated at 5.10pm. She was conveyed to 17 Sutherland Street, Hillhead, in a taxicab and accompanied by female warder. p2
A draft of the notice of temporary discharge for Helen Crawfurd from Perth Prison under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913. Dated March 1914.
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 19th March 1914. Forwards four photographs of Helen Crawfurd. On 13th March fingerprints were forwarded to Scotland Yard and they cannot trace her as having been previously registered.
Envelope addressed as urgent to the Honourable Walter G. Hepburne-Scott, Master of Polwarth at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh.
Letter to the Honourable Walter G. Hepburne-Scott from the Women’s Social and Political Union, 19th March 1914. Requests a statement from him about Mrs Crawfurd who is in Duke Street Prison, Glasgow where forcible feeding has been adopted. Questions whether he believes this is the correct course of action. Note from the Honourable Walter G. Hepbunre-Scott to say that they were informed verbally that Helen Crawfurd is not being artificially fed and would not be on this occasion.
Draft notice of the temporary discharge of Helen Crawfurd from Perth Prison under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act 1913, March 1914.
The Prison Commissioners intimate that they have previously permitted Helen Crawfurd to be treated as a civil prisoner and would like to know if the Secretary for Scotland approves. Presumes this is not a case where artificial feeding should be resorted to. The Secretary for Scotland approves.
Telegram from Parliament Street to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 14th March 1914. Reports that the Secretary for Scotland approves proposals in their letter 13th March regarding Helen Crawfurd.
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow to the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, 13th March 1914. Confirms that Helen Crawfurd’s fingerprints should be taken. Notes that Crawfurd stated that she wouldn’t fight it, but would strongly protest, and then ‘absolutely refused to yield her hand to female officers and I sent for male nurse. With him she allowed her fingers to be inked but immediately any attempt to imprint them in paper was made she wriggled and twitched her fingers so that every impression was blurred. I had her removed (carried) to Hospital and further restrained by Warders but without satisfactory results. The Medical Officer was present throughout. The Glasgow Police say that they have had no experience of photographing from the inking plate but offered to try tomorrow.’
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow to the Prison Commissioners, 12th March 1914. Reports that Helen Crawfurd was today admitted to prison; that she has been allowed to wear her own clothing and has intimated her intention to abstain from food; and that she is the wife of Reverend A. M. Crawfurd, Sutherland Street, Glasgow. Includes newspaper clipping from the Edinburgh Evening News, 12th March 1914. Headline reads ‘Suffragette with a poker. Smashes recruiting office windows. A Glasgow protest.’ The article communicates that Helen Crawfurd was charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking two plate glass windows at the Recruiting Office, and plead not guilty. p1
Letter from Duke Street Prison, Glasgow to the Prison Commissioners, 12th March 1914. Reports that Helen Crawfurd was today admitted to prison; that she has been allowed to wear her own clothing and has intimated her intention to abstain from food; and that she is the wife of Reverend A. M. Crawfurd, Sutherland Street, Glasgow. Includes newspaper clipping from the Edinburgh Evening News, 12th March 1914. Headline reads ‘Suffragette with a poker. Smashes recruiting office windows. A Glasgow protest.’ The article communicates that Helen Crawfurd was charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking two plate glass windows at the Recruiting Office, and plead not guilty. p2