Thread by @UKParliament

#OTD in 1908 the most famous protest in the Ladies' Gallery took place, where women chained themselves to the grille shouting, 'We have been behind this insulting grille too long!' whilst thrusting a banner, pictured below, through the grille down into the chamber. #Vote100

In the early 19th century, women had no access to the @HouseofCommons , meaning they could not watch or listen to parliamentary debates. Before 1834, well-connected women watched proceedings through a ventilation shaft in the ceiling.

© Parliamentary Art Collection #Vote100

In 1834 Parliament was destroyed by fire, and as part of the rebuild by Charles Barry, a dedicated gallery for women was created, it was nicknamed 'The Cage' due to the grilles over the windows. This is where the famous protest took place. #Vote100

© Parliamentary Archives