Irish contingent at the Women's Coronation Procession

The Irish Contingent at the Women's Coronation Procession, 17 June 1911. This contingent was formed from Irish members of the militant WSPU as well as representatives from the Irish Women's Franchise League & the Irish Women's Suffrage Societies. The Women's Coronation procession was organised by the militant Women's Social and Political Union. Held a week before the coronation of George V, it was intended to enlist the support of the new King in getting the Conciliation Bill of 1911 through Parliament.
The Irish contingent heralded by pipers in national dress, one of whom is seen on the left of the image, walked as part of the Pageant of Empire carrying symbolic gilded harps and shamrocks. On the Sunday before the procession printed flyers, 'heartily inviting' all Irishwomen to join the Pageant were distributed at Irish & Catholic chapels. In the last Votes for Women edition before the Procession Irishwomen were reminded that 'this contingent had first claim upon their time and participation. All women were urged to wear white with green sashes.