ACTRESS, PLAYWRIGHT AND SUFFRAGIST, ELIZABETH ROBINS

Born in1862, she was an actress, playwright, novelist, and suffragist.

Elizabeth Robins, the first child of Charles Robins and Hannah Crow, and was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother was committed to an insane asylum when Elizabeth was a child. The children were divided up between relatives and Elizabeth was sent to live with her grandmother. Her father was a follower of Robert Owen and held progressive political views. Because of her intelligence, Elizabeth was one of her father's favorites. He wanted her to attend Vassar College and study medicine. However, when she was eighteen she ran away to become an actress.

In 1885 Robins married actor George Richmond Parks. Although her husband struggled to get parts, her own acting career gained momentum and she was soon in great demand. On May 31st, 1887, Parks left her a note saying he would 'stay in her light no longer' and committed suicide. Suffering from grief and guilt Robins relocated to London the following year. Except for extended visits to the U.S. to visit family, she remained in England for the rest of her life.

She became a member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, as well as the Women's Social and Political Union, although she broke with the WPSU over its increasing use of violent militancy. She remained a strong advocate of women's rights, however, and used her gifts as a public speaker and writer on behalf of the cause.

In 1907 her book The Convert was published. It was later turned into a play that became synonymous with the suffrage movement.

Robins was involved in the campaign to allow women to enter the House of Lords. Her friend, Margaret Haig, was the daughter of Viscount Rhondda. He was a supporter of women's rights and in his will made arrangements for Margaret to inherit his title. This was considered radical, as women did not normally inherit peerage titles. When Rhondda died in 1918 the House of Lords refused to allow Margaret, now the Viscountess Rhondda, to take her seat. Robins wrote numerous articles on the subject, but the House of Lords refused to change its decision. It was not until 1958 that women were first admitted to the House.