Women of the Century Database Display
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| Surname | Cohen |
| Forename/s | Leonora |
| Other Names | nee Throp |
| Dates | (1873 - 1978) |
| Biographical Notes | Born in Leeds in 1873. Daughter of Canova Throp, a sculptor. Married Henry Cohen in 1898. Became Leeds secretary of Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). Went to a London demonstration in 1911 and ended up protesting against the roughhandling she received by the police by breaking the window of the Local Government Board Office. Was sentenced to seven days in Holloway prison. Also took part in window-smashing campaign in 1912, but evaded arrest. Was a member of a WSPU deputation of working women who met with Lloyd George, Sir Edward Grey and other cabinet members of the House of Commons in 1913. When women were not included in the proposed Franchise Bill, she protested by breaking the glass showcase housing the Crown Jewels in Tower of London. Was arrested and tried, but the case was dismissed. She had provided her own court defence and managed to get the case dismissed by proving that the display case would cost less than £5 to repair and for criminal prosecution to take place the damages needed to be more than £7. Served as personal bodyguard to Mrs Pankhurst. Was a member of Women's Freedom League in 1930s. At the outbreak of the First World, War, she went into ammunitions work and was soon appointed as trade union representative on the National Munitions Advisory Committee. In 1926 elected president of the Leeds and District Trades C,ouncil|| and was later president of the Yorkshire Federation of Trades Councils. Leeds district organiser for the National Union of General and Municipal Workers. Appointed magistrate in 1926. Was Justice of the Peace for 30 years. First woman in Leeds to serve on a prison visiting committee. Awarded an OBE in 1928 for public services. Died in North Wales at the age of 105! Member of the Theosophical Society and member of the Ancient and Mystical Order of Rosae Crucis. |
| Associated Places | Leeds |