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Article: Gentle rebel was Gladstone's rock; Mary Gladstone was at the centre of world politics half a century before women had the vote. Penny Fray discovers why William Gladstone's daughter is about to become an icon for 21st century feminists.(Features)
- Article from:
- Daily Post (Liverpool, England)
- Article date:
- April 24, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 MGN Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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MORE than 30 years before the Suffragettes chained themselves to the railings of Buckingham Palace in their campaign for votes a Welsh woman was enjoying political influence only dreamed of by Sylvia Pankhurst and her daughters.
Mary Gladstone occupied a grey walled office at the heart of political power in Downing Street. Unelected and there by virtue of her father she nevertheless gained a political voice that was heard by some of the most influential names in history.
In silent awe the likes of Arthur Balfour and Lord Acton listened to her liberal opinions and admired her sharp intellect.
As daughter and private secretary to William ...