Flora Drummond (1878 – 1949), Manchester-born suffragette who grew up on the Isle of Arran
Born in Manchester in 1878, Flora grew up in Pirnmill on the Isle of Arran where her mother had her roots. She later moved to Glasgow and took a business training course where she gained qualifications to become a post-mistress. Upon applying for a post she was refused due to the fact that she was 5 ft 1 inch tall and the height requirement was a minimum of 5ft 2 inches! This caused resentment as she felt women were discriminated against because of their smaller height.
Flora became an activist in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Her main activity was organising and leading rallies and demonstration. She was arrested nine times and was known for her daring stunts including sneaking inside the open door of 10 Downing Street and hiring a boat on the River Thames so she could get close to the Palace of Westminster to harangue members of parliament.
Flora was arrested nine times and went on several hunger strikes. This took its toll on her health and in 1914 she returned to Arran to recuperate before heading back to London.
Flora died in 1949, aged 70.
In 2018 a statue of fellow suffragette Millicent Fawcett was unveiled in Parliment Square in London and Flora’s name and picture is on the plinth of the statue.