Ursula Bright

Ursula Mellor Bright (born Ursula Mellor; 5 July 1835 – 5 March 1915), was an English suffragist and activist for married women's property rights.

Life and career Bright was born on 5 July 1835 to Joseph and Catherine Mellor. Her father, brother and grandfather, Frederick Pennington M.P., were noted for their support for women's rights. Alongside Lydia Becker the organisation's Secretary, they encouraged Lilly Maxwell, a widowed shop owner, whose name had mistakenly appeared on the register of voters in Manchester, to cast her vote in a by-election on 26 November 1867, which Bright went on to win.

When the Ladies National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts was formed in 1869 then Bright was a founder member. She became the treasurer of the Married Women's Property Committee and remained active there until the Married Women's Property Act 1882 was passed. This was an act that gave women the right to control their own property. Elizabeth Cady Stanton credited Bright with the achievement in getting the bill passed, writing 'for ten consecutive years she gave her special attention to this bill ... was unwearied in her efforts, in rolling up petitions, scattering tracts, holding meetings' The passing of the Married Women's Property Act was important, as Bright had not considered that married women required the vote until this law was enacted.

She is credited with ensuring that the Local Government Act 1894 was passed which gave the vote to women in local elections.

In the 1890s, Bright became interested in Theosophy. She gave Annie Besant, who was a friend of her daughter, £3,000 towards their cause. There is a memorial for Jacob and Ursula at St George's Church, Esher.