Malicious Mischief? Women’s Suffrage in Scotland

Letter from John Scott, Chief Constable, City Police Office Perth to the Secretary, Prison Commissioners, 13th July 1914. Acknowledges receipt of photographs and papers relating to Annie Rhoda Walker or Greig but states that she cannot be identified as Rhoda Fleming.

Message dated 11th July 1914 which reads ‘Send photo of Rhoda Greig to Perth City Police to see if they can identify.

Newspaper cutting from 'The Scotsman' noting that charges against Rhoda Robinson have been dropped, 7^th May 1914. Headline reads ‘The Incendiarism in West Perthshire. Proceedings Dropped.’

Report from D. Macpherson to the Prison Commissioners enclosing photograph and fingerprints of Rhoda Robinson (not included) and providing detailed physical description, 13th February 1914. Forwarded to Duke Street Prison by D. Crombie, Secretary of Prison Commissioners for staff to check in case of identification of Rhoda Robinson with Annie Rhoda Walker or Greig. Annotated with comments from D. Crombie and staff at Duke Street Prison. "Governor. Miss Napier and Miss Delaney recognise this as Mrs Greig. K.W. Allardyce, Matron." p1

Report from D. Macpherson to the Prison Commissioners enclosing photograph and fingerprints of Rhoda Robinson (not included) and providing detailed physical description, 13th February 1914. Forwarded to Duke Street Prison by D. Crombie, Secretary of Prison Commissioners for staff to check in case of identification of Rhoda Robinson with Annie Rhoda Walker or Greig. Annotated with comments from D. Crombie and staff at Duke Street Prison. "Governor. Miss Napier and Miss Delaney recognise this as Mrs Greig. K.W. Allardyce, Matron." p2

Minute from the Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners stating that Rhoda Robinson has been liberated on bail, 13th February 1914.

Report from J. Grant, Governor of Perth Prison to the Prison Commissioners concerning Rhoda Robinson's behaviour, 12th February 1914. "The Police Escort who brought her here informed me that she took no food since her breakfast yesterday morning, and she has refused to take any food since her admission here, otherwise she is quite pleasant and gives no trouble."

Report from the Medical Officer to the Governor, H.M. Prison Perth, 12th February 1914. States that Rhoda Robinson has refused to submit to medical examination and gives details of the Medical Officer's opinion of her state of health. "In my opinion she is not a person fitted for being artificially fed by forcible means."

Telegram from Scottish Office to Prison Commissioners, 11th February 1914. "Secretary for Scotland sanctions photographing and taking finger prints of untried prisoner Rhoda Robinson." Pasted on top of this document is a newspaper cutting from The Scotsman on 13th February 1914 entitled “Perthshire Fire-raising Case”.

Telegram from Scottish Office to Prison Commissioners, 11th February 1914. "Secretary for Scotland sanctions photographing and taking finger prints of untried prisoner Rhoda Robinson." Pasted on top of this document is a newspaper cutting from The Scotsman on 13th February 1914 entitled “Perthshire Fire-raising Case”.

Telegram from The Scottish Office to Prison Commissioners, 11th February 1914. "Secretary for Scotland sanctions photographing and taking finger prints of untried prisoner Rhoda Robinson."

Back of telegram from Scottish Office to Prison Commissioners, 11th February 1914. “Secretary for Scotland sanctions photography and taking finger prints of untried prisoner Rhoda Robinson”.

Draft telegram for the Secretary for Scotland stating that, given the nature of Rhoda Robinson’s crime, it is very necessary for her to be photographed. Asks whether it is possible to use reasonable force if she resists.

Report from D. Macpherson to Prison Commissioners, 9^th February 1914. States that the Procurator Fiscal suspects that Rhoda Robinson may be Gretta Rochfort or Robinson, a suffragette official. Requests instructions from the Prison Commissioners to photograph the prisoner for identification purposes. "As she will probably be bailed out on Wednesday first, I shall feel obliged by receiving instructions, on receipt, whether I may photograph her, & whether, if she resists, I am warranted to use reasonable force."

Newspaper cutting taking from the Evening Dispatch, 7^th February 1914. “Perthshire fire-raising outrage: Arrested woman’s “Hunger-strike””. Reports that Miss Rhoda Robinson who is currently in custody at Dunblane, charged with setting fire to a Comrie mansion, has gone on hunger strike.

Report from D. Macpherson to Prison Commissioners stating that Rhoda Robinson has begun to take food, 7^th February 1914. The newspaper cutting from the Evening Dispatch, dated 7^th February 1914 and titled “Perthshire fire-raising outrage: Arrested woman’s “Hunger-strike”” (image 15) was attached by pin to this record.

Report from D. Macpherson, Superintendent of Perthshire Constabulary, Dunblane Office to H.M. Prison Commissioners, 5^th February 1914. Gives details of Rhoda Robinson's behaviour in the police cells at Dunblane: she refuses to provide personal details about herself other than her name and she refuses to take any food.

Back page of Report from D. Macpherson, Superintendent of Perthshire Constabulary, Dunblane Office. States ‘Suffragettes. Dunblane Police Cells, 5.12.14, Rhoda Robinson’.

Newspaper cutting from The Evening Times [Glasgow] reporting on the events of Annie Rhoda Walker or Greig’s trial, 23^rd February 1912. Greig was charged with attempting to forcibly access a motor car belonging to Sir Thomas Mason and breaking a piece of glass in the door of the car, on the 9^th February. She was found guilty and sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment and £10 caution for six months’ good behaviour.

Minutes of communication between Mr Buglass, Governor of Duke Street Prison and H.M. Prison Commissioners, Edinburgh concerning the behaviour and treatment of Ms Greig, 23^rd-27^th February 1912. "Under rule dated 29^th July 1910 circulated by you on 22^nd September 1910 I granted her permission to wear her own clothing & to be excused bath on admission."

Page stating ‘Suffragettes, Duke Street’, 13th Feb. 1912. Suffragist prisoner annie Rhoda Walker or Greig’. Archival reference HH16/39