In June 1914, a young woman suspected of being a Suffragette stayed in the town, in accommodation in King Square. The police kept a vigilant eye on her, suspecting her of having an explosive device in the Dorothy bag which she always carried. On one occasion she visited St Mary’s church, closely followed by the police inspector who sat immediately behind her. Everyone in the church was aware of her presence and the tension could be felt mounting as the service progressed. At the end of the service, the young woman picked up her bag and left the town, never to return.
Text Copyright © 2008 Roger Evans