As a resident of Teddington, it's fascinating to look into local history and uncover the lesser-known events that shaped our community. One example is the fervour of the suffragette movement that took place right here, under our very noses, on the tracks that connect us to the heart of London.

In the early 1900s, the suffragette movement was gaining momentum, a pivotal force striving to secure equal voting rights for women. While the broader narrative often highlights national milestones, our town also played a role in this historic struggle.

Close to the Derby tragedy that claimed suffragette Emily Davison's life in May 1913, a month prior, Teddington bore witness to an act of protest that left an indelible mark on our local railway history. The 21:15 service from Waterloo to Teddington became the target of suffragette activism on April 26th, 1913.

Reports from the South Western Gazette, vividly recount the harrowing incident. Suffragettes set fire to three compartments, a daring act that initially threatened the entire train due to the brisk wind.

"It seemed at first as if the whole train was doomed to destruction," the Gazette reported. "In less than a quarter of an hour, the entire compartment of a second-class coach had been burnt out from the floor to the roof."

The quick response of a vigilant policeman, who spotted the flames at 3 am, and the heroic efforts of firefighters saved the train from total destruction. Investigators discovered a trail of evidence on board, including partially burnt candles, cans of petroleum, a basket with cotton wool, and suffragette literature.

Remarkably, traces of the suffragettes' escape were found in Fairfax Road, where they had ingeniously dismantled a six-foot fence to make their getaway. Despite an extensive investigation, no one was charged in connection to the fire. However, it's worth noting that the incident in nearby Hampton involving German actress Kitty, convicted for a similar fire, remains a possibility.

As we reflect on this chapter in Teddington's history, it's a testament to the lengths suffragettes went to in their fight for equality. Our town, therefore, stands as a living testament to the struggles and triumphs that shaped our community.