An Edwardian Childhood at the Pankhurst Centre
Free summer activities | Thursday and Sunday openings
The Pankhurst Centre in Manchester is stepping into the world of an Edwardian Childhood for its summer Family Friendly activities. Each Thursday and Sunday from Thursday 24 July to Sunday 1 September visitors will be able to take part in the free activities during their visit to the birthplace of the suffragette movement.
Through crafts, a museum trail and fun games, visitors will discover more about the Edwardian era through a child’s eyes and in Emmeline’s parlour there is also the chance for children to dress for the period with hats, shawls and suffragette sashes to choose from. It was from 1898 to 1908 that 62 Nelson Street was the home to the Pankhurst family and where suffragette history was made.
During their visit families will be able to make a thaumatrope, an early example of an optical illusion toy that was popular in Edwardian times, featuring a spinning bird and cage. And those wanting to test their skills of dexterity and patience will be able to make their own cup and ball set. These are free drop in craft activities.
The focus on Edwardian childhood will enable visitors to explore a chapter of the Pankhurst’s family home when Emmeline worked as a Poor Law Guardian. This was an elected post, with Emmeline taking on the position in 1894, which was the first year women who didn’t own property were able to do so. Through this she would have seen a very different side to life, in a role that took her into the workhouses where she witnessed the poor conditions that children were living in. Visitors to the Pankhurst Centre will gain an insight into Emmeline’s work and Edwardian life through the summer museum trail, which is free to do and designed for all ages.
In the beautiful Pankhurst Centre garden, where the purple and white flowers and green foliage represent the suffragette colours, there will be traditional Edwardian games to have fun with, including quoits and skittles. On fine days, the garden is a great place to relax, or visit the tiny tearoom for drinks and biscuit, where you will also find the quirky shop, which takes the form of a suffragette wagon.
For further information visit pankhurstmuseum.com
