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Women in the early CPGB: sources in the Bodleian Library
The papers of Graham Pollard form part of the Pollard-Johnson papers held by the Bodleian Library, Oxford. Collected into twelve boxes, they contain materials relating to the CPGB throughout the 1920s. The bulk of the material relates to 1924-7, although there are relevant papers either side of those dates. Generally, the collection is based on the St Pancras Local Party Committee (LPC), and includes minutes of the LPC, circulars from the London District Party Committee (DPC), agitprop and the department for 'Propaganda amongst Women'. In connection to the LPC's work, however, there are also papers relating to the Left Wing Movement in St Pancras and Holborn, to the Westminster Women's Guild and the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerics (NAUSAWA), and to the CPGB's publishing relationship with Martin Lawrence. Interestingly, too, there are countless pieces of correspondence between party members, lists of party members (and addresses), lists of left wing fractions in local Labour parties, and details of press sales, collections (Russian Famine Relief) and party dues. Unfortunately, the papers are in very little order, with connected material being dispersed across all the boxes. The LPC minutes are kept together, and there are general files, but the material is really in disarray.
The following notes comprise a selection of extracts relating to women in the CPGB in the 1920s. Of particular interest are the questionnaires giving brief details of communist work among women in particular locals, but a selection of other documents is given as a flavour of the sort of material that can be found in the collection. Despite the abundance of materials at both national and district level to be found in the Moscow archives, this is evidently the most extensive and illuminating cache of CPGB branch materials surviving from the 1920s. As such it is of inestimable value to the party's historians.
One or two points of context, to begin with: the St Pancras LPC meetings were usually attended by between eight and twelve party members. Apart from Graham Pollard, the most regular attendees include Kay Beauchamp, Olive Budden, Dona Torr and Ethel Maddox. There are a number of married couples on local membership lists, including Elinor and Emile Burns and Amy and Tom Colyer. Other names cropping up are Ernie Cant, the district party organiser from 1923, and R W Robson, who succeeded him in July 1925. Robson was temporarily replaced by Harry White while overseeing the congress of the Communist Party of Australia in the winter of 1927-8.
The papers are held by the Bodleian Library, Department of Western Manuscripts, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG.
The extracts
The Monthly Record of the London and Home Counties District Council of the Communist Party of Great Britain, No. 10, March 1922 (Box 6)
'The Women's Movement' by Minnie Birch. At present, little has been done by the CPGB with regard to the women's movement. Helen Crawfurd has been 'busy in the north', organising women's groups in several towns (Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Perth).
Letter from Ernie Cant as district organiser to all party locals, 21/8/23 (Box 8)
The letter informs all Locals that Helen Crawfurd is in charge of women's propaganda and is willing to address women's meetings in London. She would prefer Women's Coop Guilds, sections of the Labour Party or similar organisations. Locals should also let the DPC know if there is the possibility of forming women's groups to concentrate on work among women.
Letter from D. Mosley to K. Beauchamp, 11/1/26 (Box 10)
Letter of temporary resignation from the party due to financial reasons; he cannot afford to pay and travel in support of the party. His wage is £2/15/10 for man, wife and three children. Rent for one room is 14/- weekly, coal, wood and lamp oil comes to 8/6, milk is 4/- and bread 4/-. Mosley spends all his money on eating 'without wasting money on car fares or a packet of cigarettes to go to a meeting'. He is unable to clothe his children, and he owes Pollard 6/- and comrade Martin 2/' for Workers' Weekly.
St. Pancras LPC 'Report on Present Condition etc', 14/1/26 (Box 10)
Women's department: 'At present the members of the women's committee do not come on Tuesday but meet some other time, but Budden as women's organiser is present when she is not at District Women's Committee [sic].'
Minutes of the St. Pancras LPC, 24/2/26 (Box 1)
Reports that a women's council has been formed and the first meeting discussed affiliation to the National Minority Movement (NMM). The next meeting will discuss affiliation to Trades Council. Mrs Barker was elected as chair, but resigned. Olive Budden is the secretary, Mrs Hansen the LPC's women's organiser, with Budden assisting. Canvassing for International Women's Day is the main task on the agenda.
Minutes of the Organising Committee of the St. Pancras LPC, 16/12/26 (Box 1)
Reports that not much is being done with regard to women's work, and the committee will recommend to the LPC that Bessie Span takes it over. There is also talk of Mrs Boyd replacing Olive Budden.
St. Pancras Local Party Organiser's Report for the Period 8/4/27 to 21/6/27 (Box 11)
The report claims that the St. Pancras Local has 110 members, 30 of whom are 'active'. There are 40 women members [although the list in May numbers 33]. 75% of party members are also in a trade union. The Local has six area groups that meet regularly. 50 out of the 110 members attended the aggregate meeting.
Letter from Camberwell LPC [Evans] to London DPC Department for Work among Women, 2/8/27 (Box 11)
Mrs Valentine is in charge of work among women, but has domestic work to attend to. A report will be sent soon. At present, Mrs Cattermole is ill, and Mrs Wintringham has domestic work.
Letter from the West Ham LPC to the London DPC Department for Work among Women, 9/8/27 (Box 1)
A women's committee has been set up under Mrs G Smith, and it meets monthly.
Minutes of St. Pancras women's committee meeting, 7/9/27 (Box 11)
Thirteen present and a committee is elected to oversee relevant areas: Mrs. Hansen - Co-op and ICWPA; B[essie] Span - Factory group; E Maddox - LPC representative; K[ay] Beauchamp - NMM representative; Mrs Freedman - YCL representative; Mrs Collins - Board of Guardians. The committee decide that leaflets and papers should be sent to Brooks' piano factory and Kentish Town ASLEF Guild [Mrs Hamilton is a member of the latter]. Meeting are also to be organised outside the Board of Guardians and the Labour Exchange.
Letter from Lily Domb [the London DPC Department for Work among Women], 8/11/27 (Box 11)
The women's department in Bethnal Green 'has never functioned'. The reason is the fact that 'our women members are few'.
Letter from Mrs. Stibbins (Stepney Women's Department) to the London DPC Department for Work among Women, 12/12/27 (Box 1)
Party Questionnaires
Questionnaires from the London DPC Department for Work among Women to the LPCs, to be returned 15 December (1927) [Sent out 30/11/27 - London DPC Department for Work among Women to all Local Organisers].
(Box 1)
Name of Local: Stepney Local
Is there a department for Work among Women?: A Women's Department
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: Mrs Stebins [Stibbins], 54a Bedford St., E1
When and where does the committee meet?: 54a Bedford St., every two weeks
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 8
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: No
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 2
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: 4 [2 Tailors and Garment Workers' Union; 1 Ladies Tailors' Union; 1 Shop Assistants' union]
Number of women in trade unions?: 4
Number in MM?: 3
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: No
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: [blank]
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 3 quires to 4 quires. Fifty regular readers
Name of Local: St. Pancras
Is there a department for Work among Women?: Yes
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: Mrs. Maddox, 54 Mill Lane, NW6
When and where does the committee meet?: 17 Prince of Wales Crescent
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 4 (Hampstead)
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: [blank]
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 15 in coop (of whom 5 in Guilds)
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: About 13. Union unknown, Paper Workers', General Workers', National Union of Clerks', Shop Assistants', and Transport and General Workers' Union
Number of women in trade unions?: 16
Number in MM?: 8
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: One ASLEF (Hampstead)
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: 8
Average sale of the Working Woman?: [blank]
[Written at the bottom of the sheet]: 37 women in the Local
Name of Local: West London
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: [blank]
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 7
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: A fraction of 4 in the Westminster Labour Party and Trades Council. A fraction of 3 in the Chelsea Labour Party and Trades Council. In both cases, the sections are very small but sympathetic to the party.
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 3
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: Mrs. Sweet is a member of the Fulham No. 1 NUGMW, where 3 other women attend. There is a fraction of 3 party members in the branch, which is receiving the full attention of the LPC. A new member of the Local is in the CSCA [Civil Service Clerical Association], but no details are known as yet.
Number of women in trade unions?: 6
Number in MM?: 6
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: No
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: Uncertain, about 7
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 36 prior to circular to women's guilds from district
Name of Local: Wood Green
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No committee/comrade on the LPC
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: Mrs. D. Boggis, 16 Ecclesbourne Gardens, N13
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: None
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: ? Left Wing women in the Hornsey Coop Guild, and Left Wing are attending a women's discussion circle organised by women in the Local
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 8
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: 6, NUC [National Union of Clerks?], NATSOPA [National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants], SAU [?]
Number of women in trade unions?: 6
Number in MM?: 1
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: None
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: 6
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 12
Name of Local: West Ham
Is there a department for Work among Women?: Yes
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: Mrs. G. Smith 7 Tavistock Road E15
When and where does the committee meet?: Committee meets monthly, no specific place
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 9
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: There is no separate fraction. Mainly by personal contact
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 5
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: Mrs. Glading, National Union of Women Teachers, Mrs. Mills, NUGMW, West Ham branch meets every Wednesday
Number of women in trade unions?: 3
Number in MM?: [blank]
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: There are no such guilds in this area
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: 8
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 3 quire per month
(Box 9)
Name of Local: Lewisham, Bromley
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: [blank]
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 6
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: There was a fraction but it has not been functioning for three months owing to fraction leader moving out of district. A new leader has recently been appointed.
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 5
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: : Only one woman in trade union branch and that never meets
Number of women in trade unions?: 1
Number in MM?: 6
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: No
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: [blank]
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 2 quires
[Written at the bottom of the sheet]: A women's department is being organised in this local immediately (W. Arnold).
Name of Local: Paddington
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: [blank]
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 4
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: [blank]
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 1
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: : One woman in the NUC [I think it's a C] Central London Branch, one woman in NATSOPA (clerical branch), one woman in [?] union and secretary of mixed Coop Guild (Hammersmith)
Number of women in trade unions?: 2
Number in MM?: 2
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: No
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: 4
Average sale of the Working Woman?: [blank]
Name of Local: Croydon
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: [blank]
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: 2
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: Through Left Wing group
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 4
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: Nil
Number of women in trade unions?: 1
Number in MM?: 1
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: Yes, NUR only. No women party members in it
-
Number of women in the ICWPA?: 6
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 12
[Note at the bottom]; Done at the moment by the propaganda committee
[Accompanying letter from Local organiser, 18/12.27]: 'Our women members in the main work exceptionally hard, and most of them can be counted as amongst the real active members of the party locally.'
Name of Local: Brighton
Is there a department for Work among Women?: No. There was until recently, but unable to to carry on, so have merged into agit-prop, although some women comrades are still collecting clothing for mining areas
If so, what is the name and address of the comrade in charge?: [blank]
When and where does the committee meet?: [blank]
Number of women in Labour Party sections?: None
Is there a fraction and what efforts are made to draw Left Wing women into the Party?: [blank]
Number of Women in Coop Guilds?: 5
Number of women in trade union branches in which there [are] also non-party women; please give full details of each such branch: 1 in NUGMW, very poorly attended, reactionary organiser
Number of women in trade unions?: 1
Number in MM?: None
Are there any NUR or ASLEF Women's Guilds in your area and are there any Party members in them?: 1 NUR 1 ASLEF No party member in either
Number of women in the ICWPA? None
Average sale of the Working Woman?: 5 dozen
[Signed A. Pennifold]
Letter from Mrs Henrotte to London DPC [Department for Work among Women], 23/1/28 (Box 1)
Reason for non-attendance: 'I have two small children and a husband a musician, and it makes it rather difficult to make definite arrangements.' Normally, she can put children to bed at 8 o'clock and get to an evening meeting, but it takes longer to get to Great Ormond Street for a District women's committee meeting. She suggests that Mrs Smith from the West Ham Local replace her in the London DPC committee for work among women. We now have 18 women comrades in the Local, but the LPC has yet to call a meeting of us all.
Report of the Women's Delegate Conference, Friars Hall 4/2/28 (Box 11)
Attendance: 152 delegates, representing 9 Labour Parties, 10 Trades Councils, 6 women's sections, 9 trade union branches, 33 Coop Guilds, 25 communist parties, 7 YCLs, 3 ILPs, 3 Left Wing groups, 2 ICWPA, and 3 NUWCMs. Chair: Kath Duncan
Elected Committee: Mrs Bramley (West London Trades Council); Mrs Leicht (Hackney Labour Party); Mrs Edwards (Teddington ILP); Mrs Kearns (Basildon and Bromley NUWCM); Mrs. Freedman (St. Pancras YCL); Mrs Maddox (West Hampstead Coop Guild); Mrs Neal (Treasurer of [N]LWM EC); Mrs P Neal (Watford CPGB); Mr Neville (Shop Assistants' trade union); Miss Smith (Poplar ICWPA; Mrs Thomas (Hackney women's section)
Letter from Phyllis Neal [Watford LPC] to the London DPC, 14/3/28 (Box 1)
Report on the Westminster Labour Party and Trades Council Women's Section, 20/3/28 (Box 1)
By Norah Brown. Those present included D Cox, N Cox, Mrs Roberts and N Brown (CPGB), and Mrs Lyth, Mrs Bramley, Mrs Lanfear, Mrs Smith and Mrs Fitzgerald.
Letter from Lambeth LPC to the London DPC Department for Work among Women, probably mid to late 1927 (Box 1)
A committee of four has been set up (three women, one man) to form a women's department. Mrs Fowler, a member of the LPC is in charge, and they meet every Monday.
Handwritten letter from the Poplar LPC to the London DPC Department for Work among Women, probably late 1927 (Box 1) Since Mrs Walker left [the party?], no comrade has taken on work in the women's department. Moreover, Mrs. Walker has now taken up the 'hobby' of 'scandalising the party's methods etc'. A new recruit, Mrs James, was elected to the women's department at the last LPC, and hopes to improve matters. Mrs James comes from the Suffrage movement, but Mrs Walker is spreading rumours that she was once connected to 'Scotland Yard man'. She now lives with G H Cole, but he is known to speak to Tories and Liberals, with the qualification that he is taking money from the capitalist class in the process. This information is not meant to condemn Mrs James, but as a record for the DPC.
