The general election of 14 December 1918 was a landmark of British democracy. For the first time, some women were able to vote, along with millions more men, tripling the size of the electorate.

This exhibition looks at the struggle that led to women winning the vote. It tells the stories of Lewes people who campaigned for and against the vote.

As the First World War drew to a close, nine thousand local women added their name to the electoral register. This project encouraged local people to ask how their family might have been involved in the campaign, and the exhibition brings some of their stories to light.

It shows portraits by Benjamin Reeves of women who voted for the first time in 1918, together with images from other archives.

Click image for more details

Image © Edward Reeves, Lewes

Venue: Lewes Town Hall, High Street, Lewes, BN7 2QS: Baxter Corridor, and Entrance Hall

Exhibition Open Day: Equality FC stall, suffrage photos, plus the chance to register to vote. Saturday 15 December 2018, 11-4 pm, Yarrow Room and Baxter Corridor

Thereafter the exhibition is open Mondays to Fridays from 17 December till 4 January, during Town Hall opening hours

Admission free