Source 34 pg 3:  Fragment of letter written by Janie Allen, 14 July 1912 (forcible feeding)

 

Description

This fragment of a letter written by Janie Allan around 1913-1914 explains the long-lasting effects of forcible-feeding on her health. Janie Allan was the daughter of Alexander Allan, the owner of the Allan Shipping Line. Her family was known for its socialist principles. She was an active member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Glasgow. In 1912, she was arrested and sentenced to four month's imprisonment in Holloway after taking part in the London window-breaking campaign. While in prison, she went on hunger strike and was forcibly fed for a week. Her papers are in the National Library of Scotland.

[NLS Shelfmark: Acc. 4498/2]

Source: The Women's Suffrage Movement: A Reference Guide, 1866-1928 by Elizabeth Crawford.

Transcript

Holloway in 1912 for one week. I did not resist at all, but sat quite still as if it were a dentist's chair, & yet the effect on my health was most disastrous. I am a very strong woman & absolutely sound in heart & lungs, but it was not till 5 months after, that I was able to take any exercise.