Cicily Fairfield aka Dame Rebecca West

Cicily (Cissy) Fairfield aka Dame Rebecca West

Dates: 21 December 1892 – 15 March 1983

Lived at: Fairliehope, 5 Chatham Close (1908-14)


Profession: Activist and author

Memorialised: There is a blue plaque in her honour at her former home at Hope Park Square, Edinburgh


Activism to support women's suffrage

Suffrage organisation(s):
  • Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU)

Key roles:
  • None

1911 Census:

Militant Activities:
  • Cicily took part in suffragette street protests
  • Involved in selling suffragette newspapers from the age of 14.
 
Read the full description of Cicily Fairfield here


Author
  • Wrote for a range of publications, including The Freewoman, a feminist publication (which was banned by WH Smith) and The Clarion
  • Became better known under her pen name of Dame Rebecca West. Became celebrated author of novels, essays, and journalism
  • Awarded: CBE – 1949, DBE – 1959.
Read more about her literary achievements here




 

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Cicily Fairfield aka Dame Rebecca West
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