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Suffragettes: On Trial and In the Archives
LOCATION: London
Visit the National Justice Museum team at the Royal Courts of Justice and The Women’s Library archives at LSE for an immersive, cross-site day, exploring suffragette history through the lens of the story and trial of suffragette Elsie Duval.
In the historic Royal Courts of Justice, students will take part in a courtroom workshop in a real working courtroom. Stepping into all the courtroom roles from witnesses to lawyers, they will enact a mock-trial taking them back to 1912 where Elsie Duval has been accused of throwing stones at a post office window. Through exploring her motivations and deciding her fate, they’ll consider the important issues surrounding women’s rights, protest, and punishment.
After the trial, students will visit the LSE Library to explore The Women’s Library’s collection of historical documents, including diaries, letters, and newspaper articles directly related to Elsie Duval’s case and the suffrage movement. This interactive experience encourages discussion and critical thinking about fairness, and the fight for the right to vote.
Alongside the courtroom workshop session resources, teachers will also be provided with comprehensive pre-visit and post-visit resources to enhance student’s learning in the classroom.
Students will:
- Visit both a working court and a university library and working archive
- Examine original archival material to gain a social and historical context of the suffrage movement
- Prepare for and enact a mock trial based on the real case of suffragette, Elsie Duval
- Learn about the role of the courts in the suffrage movement in the UK
- Discuss and debate historical sentencing options and compare these to sentencing options in the present day
Curriculum Links: History, Citizenship, Law
Key Info
Curriculum Links: History, Citizenship, Law
Suitable for: Key Stage 2 groups
Key Skills Enhanced Include: Public speaking, historical enquiry, critical thinking
Location: Royal Courts of Justice, and London School of Economics Library. Groups will need to make their own arrangements between venues, however the walk should not exceed 10 minutes.
Duration: The day runs from 10:15-14:15. This includes 3hrs in sessions, and a 45-minute lunch break.
Number of students: Maximum of 30 (This number cannot be exceeded due to space restrictions)
Cost: £9.50 per pupil. 25% discount available subject to eligibility
Booking: Email NJM London Learning Manager Gemma Black: gemma.black@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk to book, or for any queries.
Timetable:
10:15 Arrival at Royal Courts of Justice
10:30-12:30 Courtroom Workshop with National Justice Museum at Royal Courts of Justice
12:30-13:15 Lunch Break (Groups to make own arrangements. Lincoln’s Inn Fields is recommended)
13:15-14:15 Archive workshop at London School of Economics Library
14:15 Depart
