The Suffragette Oak: Glasgow’s Living Tribute to Women’s Suffrage

A Symbol Rooted in History

The Suffragette Oak, a Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto), was planted on 20 April 1918 in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, by representatives of multiple women’s suffrage organizations. This event commemorated the passing of the Representation of the People Act earlier that year, which granted voting rights to some women over the age of 30. The planting was a joint celebration involving groups such as the Glasgow Society of Women's Suffrage, Scottish Universities Suffrage Union, Women's Freedom League, Conservative and Unionist Women's Franchise, and United Suffragists. Louisa Lumsden, a prominent suffragist, planted the tree, symbolizing a living and growing testament to the political progress made by women.

A Gathering of Determination and Unity

The ceremony was marked by a large gathering of women, many adorned with tricolour sashes representing their respective suffrage societies. Following the planting, a meeting was held at the nearby Queen's Rooms, presided over by Chrystal Macmillan and featuring speeches from key figures such as Frances Melville and Helen Crawfurd. The event was widely publicized in local newspapers, emphasizing the significance of the suffrage movement in Glasgow and the hope for continued progress toward full enfranchisement for all women.

Endurance Through Time and Storms

Over a century later, the Suffragette Oak remains a potent symbol of resilience. In October 2017, Storm Ophelia caused significant damage, tearing about 30 percent of its canopy and damaging its trunk. To protect the tree and ensure public safety, Glasgow City Council carefully reduced its height and rebalanced the canopy. The wood from the damaged branches was given to the Glasgow Women's Library, where local artists transformed it into commemorative items such as earrings, chopping boards, and coasters, further extending the tree’s legacy into tangible keepsakes.

Recognition and Legacy

In 1995, the Women's Committee of Glasgow City Council installed a plaque beside the oak on International Women's Day, commemorating its planting by women's suffrage organizations. The plaque reads: 'This oak tree was planted by Women's Suffrage Organisations in Glasgow on 20 April 1918 to commemorate the granting of votes to women.' In 2015, the tree was named Scotland’s Tree of the Year by the Woodland Trust after being nominated by the Glasgow Women's Library, underscoring its cultural and historical importance. It was also nominated for the European Tree of the Year in 2016, highlighting its wider recognition.

An Inspirational Living Monument

Standing before the Suffragette Oak, visitors connect with a living symbol of courage, perseverance, and social change. It embodies the spirit of the women who fought tirelessly for equality and the right to vote. The oak’s enduring presence in Kelvingrove Park invites reflection on the progress made and the ongoing journey toward gender equality. It is a poignant reminder that change grows from deep roots and requires collective effort and steadfast determination.

The Oak in Its Urban Setting

Nestled within the lush greenery of Kelvingrove Park, the Suffragette Oak offers a tranquil spot amid Glasgow’s vibrant West End. The park itself is a cherished public space featuring gardens, sculptures, and pathways, making the oak accessible for quiet contemplation or part of a broader cultural walk. The surrounding environment enhances the tree’s significance, blending natural beauty with historical resonance, making it a meaningful destination for visitors interested in heritage and social history.