The history of the Pankhurst centre
Members of the Pankhurst Centre restoration team being interviewed by TV presenter Tony Wilson in the 1980s
The Pankhurst Centre at numbers 60-62 Nelson Street is the birthplace of the suffragette movement and attracts visitors from across the globe. Number 62 was home to Emmeline Pankhurst and her family, who led the suffragette campaign for Votes for Women - the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union was held here on 10th October 1903.
1898
Portrait of Emmeline Pankhurst
Emmeline Pankhurst and her family move into number 62 Nelson Street after the death of Emmeline's husband, Dr Richard Pankhurst. The first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union (later also known as the suffragettes) takes place in the house on 10 October 1903. The family leave the house in 1907, to move the campaign to London.
1974
Blue Plaque at the Pankhurst Centre
Numbers 60 and 62 Nelson Street are listed as historically significant. Number 62 at Grade II* because of the association with the Pankhurst family, number 60 at Grade II.
1978
60-62 Nelson Street before restoration begins, 1979
An application to demolish the buildings is received, and the campaign to rescue the buildings begins in earnest!
1984
Pankhurst Centre restoration begins
Restoration work on the dilapidated buildings starts. Community Programme Schemes are used to make sure the work is completed by female labourers.
1987
Barbara Castle at the opening of the Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Centre is opened by Helen Pankhurst – Emmeline Pankhurst's great-granddaughter and Sylvia Pankhurst’s granddaughter – and Barbara Castle on October 10th, which coincided with the anniversary of the first meeting of the Suffragettes in 1903.
2014
The Activism continues: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign at the Pankhurst Centre in 2019
The Pankhurst Trust merges with Manchester Women’s Aid. This bringing together of two iconic forces in Manchester ensures that our vital work could continue. By understanding and promoting the historic links between women’s suffrage and the injustices and inequalities women still face today, we’re able to strive towards a more equal world.
The history of 62 Nelson Street, as outlined on this page, is also available to download in Mandarin Chinese. Please click the button below to access the translation