Margaret Bright Lucas 1818 – 1890
Temperance activist, suffragist.
14 July 1818 – 4 February 1890
Education
‘In the institutions of the Society of Friends’ ODNB
Some key achievements and Interests
Signed the temperance pledge at the age of sixteen.
1845 Became involved in political activity supporting her husband organise meetings and raise money during the anti-corn law agitation.
After the death of her husband, travelled to America where she became involved in the trans-Atlantic reform network.
1872 Joined the American Independent Order of Good Templars.
1874/5 Became a ‘Grand Worthy Vice-Templar’.
21 April 1876 Addressed meeting of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in Newcastle upon Tyne, which led to the founding of the British Women’s Temperance Association (BWTA).
1878 Elected President of the BWTA, a position she held until her death.
Involved in the anti-slavery movements and Anti-Corn Law League.
Member of the Ladies Emancipation Society.
Supported peace and anti-prostitution work.
Served on the executive committees of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage attending meetings round the country and the Ladies’ National Association.
Served on the executive of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage and the Ladies’ National Association.
1885-1890 President of the first World’s Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU).
President of Bloomsbury Branch of the Women’s Liberal Association.
1879 Presented the first women’s petition in favour of Sunday closing to the Houses of Parliament.
Issues
Had a very strict upbringing.
Family commitments: raising her son a deaf mute and daughter.
Suffered from bronchial trouble.
Connection to Bloomsbury
Lived at 7 Charlotte Street, Bloomsbury.
Female networks
Margaret Parker (first President BWTA) and other suffragettes and temperance reformers.
Writing/publications include (or for artworks put ‘artworks or works)
1890 Memoir of Margaret Bright Lucas; President of the British Women’s Temperance Association.
Further reading
Mrs Margaret Bright Lucas / Database – Women’s Suffrage Resources