| Holloway brooch | |
|---|---|
 Holloway brooch from the UK Parliamentary Collections | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Presented by | Women's Social and Political Union |
TheHolloway brooch was presented by theWomen's Social and Political Union (WSPU) to women who had been imprisoned atHolloway Prison for militantsuffragette activity. It is also referred to as the "Portcullis badge",[1] the "Holloway Prison brooch"[2] and the "Victoria Cross of the Union".[2]
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Beginning in 1902 Holloway Prison was a female-only prison in London, England.[3] In the early part of the twentieth century many suffragettes were incarcerated at the prison. As their actions became more militant, the women received more severe sentences. Once in prison the women continued their protests, eventually going on hunger strikes as they demanded to be designated as "political prisoners".[4]
The Holloway brooch was designed bySylvia Pankhurst. Made of silver, it depicts theportcullis symbol ofParliament and abroad arrow, associated with prison uniforms, in purple, white, and green enamel.[1][2] The brooches were given to suffragettes upon their release from Holloway.[4] The size is one inch by3⁄4 of an inch.[5] It was manufactured by Toye & Co London.[6]
On 29 April 1909 the first brooches were distributed at a large meeting at theAlbert Hall organised by the WSPU.[7][8] The first brooches were presented byChristabel Pankhurst andEmmeline Pankhurst,Annie Kenney andEmmeline Pethick-Lawrence.[9]
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