Besant Collection (#6)

John Tradescants House at Kennington, c1883, (1912). Artist: Elias Ashmole
John Tradescants House at Kennington, c1883, (1912).The Musaeum Tradescantianum was the first museum open to the public to be established in England

The Circular Window of the Hall of Winchester House (Winchester Palace), Southwark, 1835, (1912). Artist: David Roberts
The Circular Window of the Hall of Winchester House (Winchester Palace), Southwark, 1835, (1912). From London - South of the Thames, by Sir Walter Besant. [Adam & Charles Black, London, 1912]

Annie Besant, British socialist and theosophist, 1926. Artist: Brill
Annie Besant, British socialist and theosophist, 1926. An active campaigner for womens and workers rights, Annie Besant (nee Wood) was a powerful public speaker and a prolific writer

Wimbledon Common and the Windmill, c1900, (1912). Wimbledon Windmill, in 1816, Charles March, a carpenter of Roehampton gained permission to build the windmill, completing the project in 1817

An admission ticket to Vauxhall Gardens, 1786, (1912). A printed ticket for the Vauxhall Jubilee of 1786, a celebration of Spring Gardens own history

A Mock Election in the Kings Bench Prison, c1828, (1912). Artist: Bonner
A Mock Election in the Kings Bench Prison, c1828, (1912). In July 1827, the inmates of the Kings Bench Prison, Borough, South London

The Wellington Testimonial Clock Tower which stood at the South End of London Bridge, as it appeared in 1854, c1854, (1912). From London - South of the Thames, by Sir Walter Besant

Annie Besant with her daughter and granddaughter
Annie Besant (1847-1933) British social reformer, womens rights activist and supporter of Indian nationalism, pictured with her daughter Mable (Mrs Ernest Scott) and her granddaughter, Muriel

Annie Besant / Photo
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader

Sir Walter Besant, 1836 -1901. English Novelist And Historian. From The Strand Magazine Published 1894

Match Makers
The Match Makers of the East End. The match-making industry employed mainly female workers and came to prominence in 1888 during the match-making strike when, led by Annie Besant

(Friedrich Karl Christian) Ludwig Buchner (1824-1899) German philosopher, physiologist and physician, born at Darmstadt. Photograph from his Mind in Animals (London, 1880)

Walter Besant, c1901. Besant (1836-1901) British novelist, editor, philanthropist and social reformer was born at Portsmouth, Hampshire

Annie Besant (nee Wood) (1847-1933), British socialist and theosophist, 1890. An active campaigner for womens and workers rights, Annie Besant was a powerful public speaker and a prolific writer

Besant at Age 16
ANNIE BESANT in 1863, at age 16 Date: 1847 - 1933

Annie Besant / Ilz 1933
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader in old age Date: 1847 - 1933

Annie Besant / Phil May
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader, with Madame Blavatsky and an apparition of Mahatmaism above her Date: 1847 - 1933

Annie Besant in 1920
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader Date: 1847 - 1933

Besant in 1921
ANNIE BESANT in 1921, at age 74 Date: 1847 - 1933

Sir Walter Besant, in later life
Sir Walter Besant was a novelist and historian (1836-1901). The portrait shows Besant towards the end of his life. Date: circa 1890

Walter Besant (1836-1901) English social reformer, novelist and editor. First chairman of the Society of Authors (1884). Wood engraving, 1901

Annie Besant (born Wood - 1847-1933). British socialist and theosophist. Wood engraving 1890

Satire on Annie Besant
HOW TO BECOME A MAHATMA satire on Annie Besants career from social reformer to birth control advocate to spiritual guru

Annie Besant / Bibby s
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader

Besant at Arnhem 1920S
ANNIE BESANT lands at Arnhem airport, Netherlands, to take part in a Congress of the Star of the East, 1920s

Annie Besant in 1889
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader

Annie Besant in 1885
ANNIE BESANT English theosophist and Indian political leader

Sir Walter Besant
SIR WALTER BESANT English novelist

Woman breathing incense fumes
An example of the sense of smell -- a woman is in raptures as she breathes in fumes of incense

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"Besant: A Trailblazer in Social Justice and Activism" In 1888, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in history with the Matchgirl Strike. The courageous actions of the 1888 Matchgirls, led by Annie Besant, marked a turning point in workers' rights and ignited a spark that would fuel future movements. Born circa 1900, Annie Besant was an influential figure who dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. Her tireless efforts resonated far beyond her time, leaving an indelible mark on society. Besant's activism extended beyond labor issues. She played a significant role in various causes throughout her life. From championing women's suffrage to advocating for educational reforms, she fearlessly challenged societal norms. The Holy Trinity Church in Clapham stands as a testament to Besant's unwavering faith and commitment to spirituality. Built around c1812 and restored in 1912, this sacred place served as both solace and inspiration for her during turbulent times. Annie Besant collaborated closely with fellow activist Fuller on numerous projects aimed at improving living conditions for the working class. Together they fought against poverty-stricken neighborhoods depicted vividly by William Hogarth's powerful artworks like "Beer Street" (1751) or "A Country Inn Yard" (1747). It also shed light on social vices prevalent within elite circles through works such as William Radclyffe's depiction of "Gambling at Whites Club" (1734). Her relentless pursuit of truth exposed injustices regardless of social standing or privilege. With deep historical roots dating back to King Edward the Confessor's Palace at Borstal (Brill) in 1908 or incidents surrounding Venners Rising and rebel leaders' execution from 1661 captured poignantly by Thomas Dale’s artwork depicting Leadenhall Skin Market (1825), Besant understood that understanding the past was crucial for shaping a better future.