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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- Like many Welsh people - over the years...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- ..I've mapped out - a career in London.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- A century ago...
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- ..a woman in the world of business, - arts or politics was a rare sight.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- Women didn't even have - the right to vote.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- One Welsh lady - wanted to change this.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- A prominent figure in the struggle - for equality for women...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- ..was Margaret Haig Thomas.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- She inherited the title - of Viscountess Rhondda...
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- ..and fought to follow her father - into the House of Lords.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- This remarkable woman - made a massive impact...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..to ensure women - had the right to do everything...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- ..that we take for granted.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- She paid a high price for it.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- She was the only woman - who went to prison in Wales...
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- ..for her rebellious acts in Wales.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- She should be a familiar figure...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..but she isn't, - not even for historians.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- She had a prolific career - as a pioneering journalist...
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- ..a powerful businesswoman - and the Mrs Pankhurst of Wales.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- She survived the worst - maritime disaster of the Great War.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- Her life was fascinating, - fruitful and colourful.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- MOTHERLAND - WITH FFION HAGUE
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- I'm amazed by the lack of attention - Margaret Haig Thomas has received.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- She fought relentlessly for equality - for women, benefits for families...
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- ..and for women - to sit the House of Lords.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- In 2012, - this portrait of her was unveiled.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- Finally, Margaret had made - her mark at Westminster...
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- ..more than 50 years - following her death.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- Margaret was raised in Llanwern - on the edge of Newport.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- She was the only child - of the industrialist, D A Thomas.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- Her father was the protege - of Lloyd George.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- He owned coalmines in the Rhondda - and was a Liberal MP in Merthyr.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Her mother, Sybil, was a descendent - of General Douglas Haig.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- Their home was nestled - on this hillside.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- The building no longer exists, but - this is where she spent her youth.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- She learnt noble customs - from her mother...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- ..and business skills - from her father.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Margaret was an only child.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- She kept herself amused - by reading and writing.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- She enjoyed climbing trees - and behaved like a tomboy.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Margaret was also shy and insecure.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- As the result of being mentored - by her father...
0:03:09 > 0:03:14- ..she gained confidence - and was introduced to public life.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- At election time, - she would be involved.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- She was taken along to encourage - people to vote for her father.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Her mother - was also active in politics.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- She was president of the Aberdare - Women's Liberal Association...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..and played - quite an important role.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- Aged 15, Margaret was sent - to St Leonard's School in Scotland.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- It was a key period in her life.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- It was an innovative school.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- There was an emphasis - on how to shape an individual.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- They read extensively and covered - a wide spectrum of subjects.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- More importantly for Margaret, - she felt liberated.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- Margaret refers to it - as the happiest time of her life.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- She learnt that being a girl - wasn't an excuse to fail...
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- ..but there were expectations - for a girl of Margaret's calibre.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- She would soon face the social whirl - that was the London Season.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- It was three months - of debutant balls and parties.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- Why was it important for Margaret - to follow the Season?
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- She was born into - an upper middle class family...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..and was expected to marry.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- He had to be a member of the - aristocracy and be very wealthy.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- The best place to find him - was at the Season.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- How did Margaret embrace - the London Season?
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- Initially, - she showed great enthusiasm.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00- She was excited about the attire, - meeting a husband and new friends.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- However, she became disheartened - because she was very shy...
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- ..and struggled - with the opposite sex.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Margaret faced another problem.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- Fashion was changing.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- The portrayal of the perfect woman - in the magazines was very specific.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Women had to have a small silhouette - and a tiny waist.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- Margaret didn't fit - this image of an ideal body.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- She was a tall girl...
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- ..and the stays she wore - were very uncomfortable.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- Did she find a husband?
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- Margaret attended - the Season three times.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- She was too embarrassed to go again - as she failed in finding a husband.
0:05:51 > 0:05:57- She was under pressure to marry, - yet Margaret had her own ideas.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03- Studying at Somerville College in - Oxford left her feeling uninspired.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- I get the impression - that Margaret was a little lost.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- She lacked any direction - in her life.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- Several months later in 1901, - everything changed for Margaret.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- On 10 July, the flags were flying...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- ..there was a red carpet and ribbons - leading to the church.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Margaret had found a husband.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34- She came to Christchurch to marry - her neighbour, Humphrey Mackworth.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- They moved to a new home - near Llanwern.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- It was a wedding gift - from her parents.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- She said, - "we were an oddly assorted couple."
0:06:45 > 0:06:51- He was 20 years her senior and - was leader of the hunt at Llangybi.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- She preferred to read and be quiet.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- He thought it was very rude to read - whilst others were in the room.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- Despite their differences, - marriage gave her some independence.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Margaret was happy.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- This was primarily due to - a new course in life...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- ..that would give her a purpose.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- She campaigned for women's rights.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- Life was changing for women in terms - of education and marital rights.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- However, women were still - denied the right to vote.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- It sparked a national campaign.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- Margaret led a restrictive, - middle class lifestyle...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- ..which lacked any direction.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- She claimed that this campaign - gave her life a direction.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- It inspired her - and gave her life some purpose.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- The Pankhursts and the Women's - Social and Political Union...
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- ..were gaining momentum.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Margaret was instantly drawn - to their message.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- Their slogan was Deeds Not Words.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- They had grown tired - of all the discussions.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- It was time for them - to take direct action.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- They interrupted public meetings, - heckled at speakers...
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- ..intruded hustings at elections and - the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- These protests occurred in London, - Wrexham and Abergavenny.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It was publicity for their cause.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- Margaret protested around Britain - from Scotland to Hyde Park.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- With Mrs Pankhurst at her side, - she became a prominent campaigner.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- Margaret took it a step further and - wanted to do something more extreme.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- She decided the best action - to take was to make a bomb.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- She visited the WSPU headquarters - in London.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- She mixed chemicals in small vials - in order to produce a bomb.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- She hid the bomb in the bushes - for a week before the fateful day.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- She paced nervously - up and down the street...
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- ..prior to planting the bomb - inside a letterbox.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- Margaret was arrested - and summoned to court at Usk...
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- ..where she was found guilty.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- She refused to pay bail - but chose to make her stand.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Margaret's husband pleaded with her - to avoid prison...
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- ..but she refused and - was thrown into this prison in Usk.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- Being sent to jail - was a traumatic experience.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- They endured abhorrent conditions - in dark, filthy cells.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Many inmates took drastic action - and went on a hunger strike.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- However, the prison officials - force-fed them...
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- ..by inserting a thick rubber tube - into their mouths or nostrils.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- Consequently, - these women fell seriously ill.
0:10:15 > 0:10:21- The government promptly took action - by passing the Cat and Mouse Act.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- Having almost starved to death, the - women were released to recover...
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- ..and re-arrested - to complete the sentence.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- Margaret immediately - went on a hunger strike.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- She didn't eat or drink - for three days.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- When her health started to fail, - she was released.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- She was under the impression - that she would return to jail.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- Before making a full recovery, - her fine was paid anonymously.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- We believe her husband - paid the fine.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- Margaret's prison sentence - had angered her in-laws...
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- ..and Humphrey was incensed when - she decided to work for her father.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- It was completely inappropriate - for his wife to work.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- She learnt about business - from her father.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- She had - an unofficial apprenticeship.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Before that, - he'd talk to her about business.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- For somebody - in the late 19th century...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..to take their daughter - as a confidante...
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- ..and discussing ideas - about business is rather unusual.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Margaret learnt - about her father's empire...
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- ..that extended to Mississippi, - Pennsylvania and Canada.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- He showed his confidence - in Margaret...
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- ..by taking her - on a business trip in 1915.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- After the trip to New York, Margaret - and her father returned to Wales...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- ..on board the famous liner, - the Lusitania.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- They set sail for the most - traumatic experience of their lives.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- "My father and I came from luncheon - and strolled to the lift on D-deck.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- "He said we should stay up on deck - to see if we get our thrill.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- "I had no time to answer."
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0:12:27 > 0:12:27- Subtitles
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- In May 1915, Margaret Haig Thomas - and her father...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..were travelling from America - on the Lusitania.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- As the Irish coastline - came into sight...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- ..the cruise liner - was torpedoed by a German submarine.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- "There was a dull thud.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- "Not very loud - but unmistakeably an explosion.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- "My father walked over to look out - of a porthole. I didn't wait."
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- The liner was sinking fast.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- She removed her underskirts - to jump overboard...
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- ..but the level of the water - had reached her deck.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Margaret jumped - and plunged into the sea.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- She rose to the surface - and was surrounded by debris.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- "Something was in my right hand - and prevented me striking out.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- "It was a lifebelt - I had been holding for my father.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- "I let it go."
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Margaret slipped - into unconsciousness.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- At this point, the lifeboat - was searching for passengers.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- She later said that she was - very fortunate to be saved.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- "I was on a patrol steamer - named the Bluebell...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- "..when a sailor asked - if we lost anyone.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- "I remember the sudden sobering - on answering.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- "I didn't know - what had happened to my father.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- "We got into Queenstown Harbour - about eleven.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- "A man told me that my father - had been rescued...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- "..and was waiting - at the other end of the gangway."
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- The business trip - and trauma on board the Lusitania...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..strengthened her character.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Margaret didn't want to stay - in an unhappy marriage.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- In 1922, - she divorced Humphrey Mackworth.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- Divorce was still very expensive, - very unusual and quite shaming.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- She and Humphrey - didn't have much in common.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- She told her friend and actress, - Elizabeth Robins...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- .."He's a nice man - but does nothing."
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- It wasn't as shaming for Margaret - as it might have been for others.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- She was in a position - where she got on with her life.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- They went their separate ways.
0:14:56 > 0:15:02- She didn't have another man - in her life following her divorce...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- ..but had close relationships - with several women...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..such as Helen Archdale - from Time and Tide...
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- ..Winifred Holtby, the novelist, - and Theodora Bosenkay.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- There wasn't another man.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29- By 1923, Margaret felt - even more liberated than ever.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- She was a divorcee with money - and a profession...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- ..but she was faced - with a challenge...
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- ..as women only answered the phone - at the company's Cardiff Bay office.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Women were unofficially - involved in business.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Wives would be behind the scenes.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51- On the whole...
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- ..it was unusual for women - to have such a prominent role.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- By 1919, - she was chairing seven boards...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..and sat on about - 33 different boards.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- She had more directorships than any - other woman in the UK in the 1920s.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17- Margaret was elected president of - the Institute of Directors or IOD.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- This influential body...
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- ..continues to represent - business directors today.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- Margaret was the first - woman president and the only one.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- It's possible - she was the only woman member.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- It's interesting - that by the time she died in 1958...
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- ..there were 600 women members - in the Institute.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Things really changed - during her lifetime.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- If women were good enough - to work during the war...
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- ..they could work - after the war too.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- However, the press thought a woman - should be in the home.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- Her plan was to run a newspaper - that treated women equally.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Therefore, - she launched Time and Tide.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- Time and Tide - is one of her greatest achievements.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- What she wanted to do...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- ..was give an opportunity - for people to see...
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- ..what women had achieved - and might achieve...
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- ..and to discuss - the affairs of the day.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- When women won the right to vote - in 1928...
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- ..the newspaper changed tact and - became a leading literary journal.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47- By the 1940s, - it sold 40,000 copies a week.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- D J Morgan was chess editor - of Time and Tide in the 1950s.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- He visited the magazine - with his son, Lord K O Morgan.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- I met Margaret once in the 1950s.
0:18:00 > 0:18:06- I recall my father - speaking with Lady Rhondda.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- She was a lovely, dignified lady.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- The French would refer to her - as a "grande dame".
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- She was an important lady.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- David received a phone call - from Margaret.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- There was a problem - with one of his articles.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- Time and Tide - had become a right-winged paper.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- Some readers had complained - during the Cold War...
0:18:36 > 0:18:43- ..that there were too many sportsmen - and games from Russia...
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- ..in my father's articles.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47- It was quite humorous.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Lady Rhondda had a lovely chat - with my father.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- He didn't have a problem - with the Russians.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- I asked my father - if he changed his articles...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..but he wouldn't do that.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- Margaret was a sincere employer.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12- She wanted her staff to work hard - but was also happy to reward them.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- If Margaret liked - reading your article...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- ..she'd reward you with - half a dozen eggs from Llanwern.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- If your article was fantastic, - she'd give you a dozen eggs.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- This is how - she showed her appreciation.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- During this period, with the help - of other influential women...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- ..Margaret formed - the Six Point Group.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- The Six Point Group - was a pressure group...
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- ..that advocated social, - economic, legal and equal rights...
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- ..whether it be - legislating against child assault...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..or advocating - equal pay for teachers.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- It was to make sure that - now some women had the vote...
0:19:59 > 0:20:05- ..there would also be an opportunity - to have social and economic rights.
0:20:09 > 0:20:15- Another campaign was the right for - women to sit in the House of Lords.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- Her inherited title - of Viscountess Rhondda...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..didn't give her the right - to a seat because she was a woman.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- It was incredibly strange because - Margaret fought for women's rights.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- It was a bizarre situation.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- She wouldn't have - the right to vote...
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- ..because she was meant to be - a member of the House of Lords.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- She wouldn't benefit from it - so it was a problem for her.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Therefore, - she campaigned for many years.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- Months before her death in 1958, - the Life Peerages Act was passed.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- It permitted women - to sit in the House of Lords.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- Women with inherited titles had - to wait five years to follow suit.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- I, Baroness Morgan of Ely...
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- It would have been interesting - to be there 20 years ago.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- The House would have looked - very different...
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- ..full of old men - and only a handful of women.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- It's gradually changing...
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- ..and this is partly due - to Margaret's campaign.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- People are showing more interest...
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- ..in the woman - who transformed the House of Lords.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- She never had the chance - to take her seat.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- She died a few months earlier.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- Margaret died at the age of 75 - in 1958.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Tributes refer to her as one of - Britain's most prominent women.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- She introduced women's rights - to Wales...
0:22:05 > 0:22:11- ..and ensured that Welsh women - took an active role in the campaign.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- She was a symbol of someone - who offered support...
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- ..and would make a sacrifice - on behalf of the campaign.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Many of the rights - that we take for granted today...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..she helped to make possible.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Through her work in Time and Tide...
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- ..she publicized and advertised - what women could achieve...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- ..and deserves - to be better remembered.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- Her portrait now hangs - in the House of Lords.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- Therefore, Margaret has got - the recognition she deserves.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- She understood that women - have just as much right...
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- ..as much experience - and have as much to say as any man.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Margaret was a unique person.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- She thrived in the business world, - challenged social order...
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- ..and transformed - the House of Lords.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- It takes a special character - to fight against the system.
0:23:21 > 0:23:27- Margaret's story is incredibly - inspiring and I admire her greatly.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- The inscription on her grave - is wearing away...
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- ..but we cannot let her story - wither and die.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .