Emily Davison Research Paper

History Assessment – The Death of Emily Davison

The Epsom Derby was not only a very important race but also the setting at which several high calibre people met. It was an imperative social event on everyone’s calendar. However the Derby in the year 1913 was to be one of the most remembered Derby’s in its history. At Tattenham Corner on 4th June 1913 spectators witnessed the death of Emily Davison a 41 year old woman. She was hit by the king’s horse, Anmer, and died 4 days later in hospital. It is not ultimately known why she died though there have been 2 interpretations behind the reasoning of her death. Emily Davison may be considered a peaceful protester. Evidence to support this is that found on her person was a return ticket from which we can infer that Ms Davison didn’t want to kill herself and instead she
This view may be formed from the evidence that Emily Davison was a violent suffragette; proven by the white green and purple flag sewn into her jacket and her criminal record. Emily had begun by throwing stones but it became worse and she had set two post boxes alight. Her activities were worsening making it not unusual for her to kill herself. In addition, John Ervine tells his account, “She did not go on the course thinking the race was over and rather she meant to stop the horse”, suggesting that there was intent and malice behind her actions making her a militant martyr. We can trust some of this evidence with some certainty as some is on a police record, making it official though this contradicts the evidence before from which we can surmise the police had no involvement in altering the evidence as if they had then they would alter this piece too. We can partly trust Mr Ervine as he was respected journalist, working for The Observer and The Morning Star, however for dramatic effect and emphasis his tale may have not been the real story therefore we may not be able to trust this