True Colours

Iron Gates Cottage in North Street, Midhurst often has a topical wreath on the door. I like the Suffragette colours on this one, a pretty tribute to and reminder of the women who gave so much for all of us.


Our Idea of Nothing at All
(“I am opposed to woman suffrage, but I am not opposed to woman.”
Anti-suffrage speech of Mr. Webb of North Carolina.)


O women, have you heard the news
Of charity and grace?
Look, look, how joy and gratitude
Are beaming in my face!
For Mr. Webb is not opposed
To woman in her place!
O Mr. Webb, how kind you are
To let us live at all,
To let us light the kitchen range
And tidy up the hall;
To tolerate the female sex
In spite of Adam’s fall.
O girls, suppose that Mr. Webb
Should alter his decree!
Suppose he were opposed to us—
Opposed to you and me.
What would be left for us to do—
Except to cease to be?


Alice Duer Miller



The cottage is Grade ll listed and was originally two cottages in a C17th timber framed building, refronted in the 18th century. Owned by the Cowdray estate as evidenced by the Cowdray yellow windows.