Women's Freedom League meeting

A meeting of the Women's Freedom League, Caxton Hall. It is possible this image was taken by Christina Broom during the opening speeches of the Green, Gold and White Fair that took place at Caxton Hall between 15th and 17th April 1909. The first day of the Fair was opened by the actress Ellen Terry dressed in 15th century costume accompanied by her daughter Edith Craig. The Fairs, that became a regular feature of the League's campaign, even continuing during World War I, were named after the colour scheme of the WFL and were primarily fund-raising and propaganda events. The first fair at Caxton Hall included a programme of theatrical entertainments organised by the Actresses' Franchise League and a number of side shows including a display of Cicely Hamilton's waxworks, a gypsy tent, several palmists and craftswomen at work. The militant suffrage organisation WFL was founded in 1907 by Suffragettes who broke away from the Women's Social and Political Union. The central banner says 'Women's Freedom League'. The banners behind the stage refer to various branches of the WFL including Holloway and Woking.