Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Installation | Manchester suffragette banner, 1908

Image of Purple banner with the words ‘First in the fight. Founded by Mrs Pankhurst. 1903.’ There is a gold border with the word ‘Manchester’ at the top, ‘Women’s social’ on the left side and ‘& political union’ on the right. 
Image of Senior Conservator Kloe Rumsey with the 1908 Manchester suffragette banner in The Conservation Studio at People’s History Museum.

First in the Fight, a banner's story

Watch PHM’s Head of Collections Jenny Mabbott tell the story of the banner and how Emmeline Pankhurst would influence the WSPU movement, and the significance of the message ‘First in the Fight’.

Explore more..

Join a radical women tour

Images left to right: Mary Fildes on detail from Peterloo commemorative glass, date unknown, photograph of match girls, 1888, illustration of Sylvia Pankhurst by artist Halah El Kholy, 2019, and photograph of Jayaben Desai, date and copyright unknown. All images courtesy of People's History Museum.

Discover how women have campaigned for equality, from the women of Peterloo, to the Pankhursts, to the present, on a guided tour of PHM’s main galleries.

Suitable for 16+

Book your place

Bespoke buys from PHM shop

First in the Fight shop stock at People's History Museum shop.

Perfect gifts or souvenirs, pick up bespoke Manchester suffragette items and more when you visit PHM shop or online.  All purchases support the museum.

Shop the collection

Visit the Pankhurst Centre

Bust of Emmeline Pankhurst. Image courtesy of the Pankhurst Centre.

The Manchester suffragette banner celebrates the founding of the WSPU, which took place on 10 October 1903 at Emmeline Pankhurst’s home in Manchester.  Visit the Pankhurst Centre every Thursday and Sunday and discover the story of the Pankhurst family and the suffragette movement.

Book your tickets
We use cookies on our website to provide you with a better experience. See our privacy policy for further information. OK