A Peek across the Water

The inevitable discontent of workers gave rise to the Chartist movement and in 1838 the 'People's Charter' was published in London. We take many things for granted and forget that the right to vote for all over the age of 21 (now 18) was a long, costly and bitter battle. Chartism spread quickly, especially in south Wales. On the 4th November 1839 some 5,000 wet and weary workers marched to Newport. Troops were stationed in the Westgate Hotel and at 9.20am the firing started, it is not clear who fired the first shot but 22 of the marchers died and 50 were wounded. The leaders were arrested and charged with high treason and were transported to the penal colony in Australia for life.
By 1928, ninety years later, with the introduction of votes for women at 21 all the demands of the Chartists had been met.Things move very slowly in politics.