Janet Haig Boyd
Janet Augusta Haig the second child and eldest daughter of Anne Eliza Fell (1822–1894) and George Augustus Haig (1820-1906), was baptised at All Saints Church, St. John’s Wood, London, on 21st February 1851. She was the sister of Sybil Haig Thomas and Charlotte Haig. (1)
Janet had an impressive extended family with a long history proudly traced back to Petrus De Haga of the 12th century. Her father was related to Douglas Haig who during the First World War would be promoted to the rank of Field Marshall and commander in chief of the British Expeditionary Force. (2)
Janet had seventy-two first cousins. An acquaintance described the clannish family as "a regular maelstrom... if you entered into friendly relations with them you had to become a Haig". (3)
George Haig became a successful agent in England for the sale of Scotch and Irish spirits. In 1858 he purchased 2,548 acres of land with eleven farms near the village of Llanbadarn Fynydd, between Llandrindod Wells and Newtown. In 1862 he designed and had built Pen Ithon Hall. Haig became High Sheriff for the county as well as a magistrate. (4)
Marriage: Janet Boyd
On 3rd November 1874, Janet Augusta Haig married George Fenwick Boyd, the son of Ann and Edward Fenwick Boyd (1810–1889), a colliery inspector and mining engineer. The union of Janet and George, a solicitor, produced four daughters: Sybil (1875), Annie (1878), Hester (1879) and Janet (1883). At the time the couple lived in North Parade, Whitley, Northumberland. (5)
By 1901 the family were living in Moor House, Leamside, Houghton, County Durham. Janet Augusta Boyd, aged 50 was described as a "Miniature Painter". At the time her four daughters Sybil, Annie, Hester and Janet were living at Moor House. They were looked after by seven domestic servants and a "Governess”. (6) It was also reported that Janet had exhibited in the Salon and the Royal Academy. (7) Janet’s husband, George Fenwick Boyd died on 6th April 1909, aged 59, leaving effects valued at £117,875. (8)
Women's Suffrage
The Haig sisters all supported women's suffrage. The women became frustrated by the lack of success of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and when Sybil's daughter, Margaret Haig Thomas, announced her intention to join the Women Social & Political Union (WSPU) procession to Hyde Park on 21st July 1908, Sybil decided to accompany her on the grounds "(a) she did not think an unmarried girl should walk unchaperoned through the gutter, (b) because she believed in votes for women". (9)
On 22nd October 1909 the Women's Freedom League (WFL) established the Women's Tax Resistance League (WTRL). (10) The motto adopted by the WTRL was "No Vote No Tax". According to Elizabeth Crawford, the author of The Women's Suffrage Movement: A Reference Guide 1866-1928 (2000): "When bailiffs seized goods belonging to women in lieu of tax, the TRL made the ensuing sale the occasion for a public or open-air meeting in order to spread the principles of women's suffrage and to rouse public opinion to the injustice of non-representation meted out on tax-paying women." (11)
Boyd joined the campaign and in June 1911 she refused to pay her rates of £21 and to raise the money they held an auction at her home during which a member of the WSPU came to speak to the assembled crowd and which resulted in Boyd selling a Spanish mantilla which was bought by her gardener. The money to pay for this was usually paid by a wealthy member of the WTRL or the WSPU. (12)
In 1911 Janet Boyd also took part in the WSPU boycott of the 1911 Census. Living at Moor House, Leamside, County Durham, she wrote on the census form "14 females passed the night here. As women are not counted as voters, neither should they be counted on this census". (13)
Imprisonment
Janet Boyd also took part in the WSPU window-breaking campaign. In November 1911 Boyd and Edith Downing were arrested for this offence. Votes for Women reported: "The constable, giving evidence, said that about eight o'clock he was in the Strand, and saw Mrs Boyd throw a large stone through the window of Somerset House, doing damage to the extent of about two or three shillings, and she was about to throw another when he prevented her. Another constable giving evidence said he was in the Strand, near Somerset House, and subsequently attended at Bow Street and picked out Miss Downing as the one who had thrown the stone. It was a small window valued at 1s. (14)
Janet Boyd was sentenced to was sentenced to 10s. and 1s. damage, or seven days in the second division. Boyd told the judge that "I don't consider I was guilty, because I was doing it for a good purpose." (15) Downing stated that there were only two courses before her, either to prove a traitor to the women's cause or to offer violence. (16)
The following year Boyd and her aunt, Florence Haig, were found guilty of breaking two windows at the premises of D. H. Evans and Company. causing damage of £66. Boyd, having been previously convicted, was sentenced to six months. Florence Haig, refused to be bound over because she "should feel like a soldier deserting in the middle of a battle, received a sentence of four months". (17)
Janet Boyd, now aged 61, went on hunger-strike. William O'Brien, the MP for Cork City, asked the Home Secretary Reginald McKenna, " whether his attention had been called to the case of an aged lady, Mrs Jane Augusta Boyd, imprisoned in Holoway Gaol for participation in a suffragist disturbance; whether he was aware that the old lady's health was suffering owing to the effects of an injury to her back sustained some years ago; and, whether, in view of the fact that she had already suffered three months' imprisonment, of her age, and of her state of health, he would consider it a case for extending the clemency of the Crown." McKenna replied that she had already been released. (18)
The following year Janet Boyd went out with her cousin Florence Haig in a mass window breaking campaign in London's Oxford Street. Others arrested that day included Emmeline Pankhurst, Christabel Pankhurst, Mabel Tuke, Clara Giveen, Sarah Carwin, Kitty Marion, Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence and Olive Wharry. (19)
Janet Boyd continued her work with the Women's Tax Resistance League. Her local newspaper, The Durham Advertiser, reported that it was an "annual protest". As always, this was followed by a distress warrant upon her property. On one occasion "One article, an Italian necklace, was put up for auction, and this was knocked down to Mrs Atkinson for the sum of £26, an amount sufficient to meet the demand and expenses'. Presumably, this item too made its way back into Boyd's possession." (20)
Later Life
The 1921 Census records that Janet Augusta Boyd was living at her London residence - 213 Ashley Gardens, London, SW1. She declared she was a widow and that her personal occupation was "Home Duties". She employed one domestic servant, Frances Clara Rawlings, a 31-year-old "Cook & Housekeeper". (21)
Janet Augusta Boyd died, aged 77, on 22nd September 1928 at Prescott House in the village of Gotherington, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, leaving effects valued at £8,613. 6s. 10d. - later revised to £8,147. 8s. 7d. (22)
It was reported by the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer on 12th December 1928. "The passing from the country of another old Durham family is marked by the sale of the Boyd collection of antiques - one of the finest in the North of England - together with the effects of Moor House, the old mansion so picturesquely situated on the outskirts of Durham. Generations of Boyds have played a foremost part in the affairs of the city, of Northumberland, many of whom have been High Sheriffs of the county. The late Mrs Janet Augusta Boyd, under the direction of whose executors the present sale is being held, was a cousin of Field-Marshal Earl Haig." (23)
Primary Sources
(1) Votes for Women (25th November 1910)
Mrs Janet A. Boyd is the daughter of the late G. A. Haig of Pen Ithon, Radnorshire, and the widow of the late G. F. Boyd, who was Deputy-Lieutenant and High Sheriff for the County of Durham. She is an artist, and has exhibited in the Salon, the Royal Academy, and other exhibitions. She has done splendid work is getting up meetings in county districts.
(2) Votes for Women (24th November 1911)
The constable, giving evidence, said that about eight o'clock he was in the Strand, and saw Mrs Boyd throw a large stone through the window of Somerset House, doing damage to the extent of about two or three shillings, and she was about to throw another when he prevented her. Another constable giving evidence said he was in the Strand, near Somerset House, and subsequently attended at Bow Street and picked out Miss Downing as the one who had thrown the stone. It was a small window valued at 1s. After further evidence Mrs Boyd was sentenced to 10s. and 3s. damage, or in the second division. Miss Downing, who said there were only two courses before her, either to prove a traitor to the women's cause or to offer violence, was sentenced to 10s. and 1s. damage, or seven days in the second division.
(3) Votes for Women (5th April 1912)
Mrs Janet Augusta Boyd and Miss Florence Eliza Haig were indicted for breaking two windows each at the premises of D. H. Evans and Co., damages £66. Miss Boyd having been previously convicted, was sentenced to six months. Miss Haig, who said that if bound over she should feel like a soldier deserting in the middle of a battle, received a sentence of few months.
(4) Nottingham Evening Post (26th June 1912)
Mr. O'Brien having asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been called to the case of an aged lady, Mrs Jane Augusta Boyd, imprisoned in Holoway Gaol for participation in a suffragist disturbance; whether he was aware that the old lady's health was suffering owing to the effects of an injury to her back sustained some years ago; and, whether, in view of the fact that she had already suffered three months' imprisonment, of her age, and of her state of health, he would consider it a case for extending the clemency of the Crown.
Mr. McKenna, replying in yesterday's Parliamentary papers, says: Mrs Boyd had enjoyed fairly good health during her imprisonment, but she has been refusing her food for several days, and,, an the advice of the medical officer, she was discharged on Sunday.
(5) Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer (12th December 1928)
The passing from the country of another old Durham family is marked by the sale of the Boyd collection of antiques – one of the finest in the North of England – together with the effects of Moor House, the old mansion so picturesquely situated on the outskirts of Durham. Generations of Boyds have played a foremost part in the affairs of the city, of Northumberland, many of whom have been High Sheriffs of the county. The late Mrs Janet Augusta Boyd, under the direction of whose executors the present sale is being held, was a cousin of Field-Marshal Earl Haig.
(6) David Simkin, Family History Research (15th June, 2023)
Janet Augusta Haig was born on 16th November 1850, the second child and eldest daughter of Anne Eliza Fell (1822–1894) and George Augustus Haig (1820-1906). [Birth registered in the Marylebone district of London during the 4th Quarter of 1850. Baptised at All Saints Church, St. John’s Wood, London, on 21st February 1851]. In the 1851 baptism register, George Augustus Haig is described as an “Agent” and in other documents as a “General Merchant”.
1851 Census: No 8 Loudoun Road, St. John’s Wood, Marylebone, London. Janet Augusta Haig, aged 4 months.
In 1852, George Augustus Haig bought land at Llanbadarn Fynydd, Radnorshire, Powys. He built Pen Ithon Hall, a country house, which was completed in 1862.
1861: Wine Merchant.
1864. George Augustus Haig, High Sheriff. Justice of the Peace.
1869-1875. George Augustus Haig owned ‘Hermongers’, Rudgwick, West Sussex. London Residence: No. 7, Argyll Street, Regent Street, London.
Janet Augusta Haig recorded in the following census returns:
1861 Census: 24 Adelaide Crescent, Hove, Sussex. Father George Augustus Haig, “Wine Merchant” aged 40. Janet Augusta Haig, aged 10.
1871 Census: 81 Inverness Terrace, Paddington, London. Father, George Augustus Haig described as “J.P. Landowner 3000 acres and Merchant” age 50. Janet Augusta Haig, aged 20. Occupation: “None”.
On 3rd November 1874, Janet Augusta Haig married George Fenwick Boyd (1850–1909), a solicitor. George Fenwick Boyd was born in Penland, County Durham, in 1850, the son of Ann and Edward Fenwick Boyd (1810–1889), a colliery inspector and mining engineer.The union of Janet Augusta Haig and George Fenwick Boyd produced four daughters:
1) Sybil Mary Boyd (born 29/08/1875, Whitley, Northumberland – died 1954, Monmouth). In 1911, Sybil married Godfrey Masters (1875-1958), an army officer. One son, George James Boyd Masters (1912–1943). Sybil’s son, Captain James Boyd Masters, died in action while serving with the 8th Army in North Africa.
2) Annie Boyd (born 1878, Whitley, Northumberland – died 17th May 1966, Wyesham, Monmouthshire).
3) Hester Boyd (born 1879, Whitley, Northumberland – died 1971, Pontypool, Monmouthshire). In 1909, Hester married Kenneth George Haig (1879, Windsor, Berkshire), a “Physician & Surgeon”. Two sons, one daughter.
4) Janet Haig Boyd (1883–1956). In 1910, Janet married Lieutenant Robert Giffard (1884–1914), an army officer in the Royal Field Artillery. One daughter Robina Giffard (born 1912, Farnborough, Hampshire). Captain Robert Giffard was wounded during the artillery attack on the Divisional Head Quarters at Hooge Chateau, near Ypres, Belgium, on 31st October 1914. Hooge, near Ypres, Belgium. Died of his wounds on Sunday 1st November 1914, aged 30.
1881 Census: Whitley, Northumberland. George Fenwick Boyd, “Solicitor”, age 31. Janet Augusta Boyd, no occupation, age 30. Sybil Mary (aged 5), Annie (aged 3), Hester (aged 1).
1891 Census: North Parade, Whitley, Northumberland. George Fenwick Boyd, “Magistrate’s Solicitor”, age 41. Janet Augusta Boyd, no occupation, age 40. Sybil Mary (aged 15), Annie (aged 13), Hester (aged 11), Janet (aged 7).
1901 Census: Moor House, Leamside, Houghton, County Durham. George Fenwick Boyd, “Solicitor, Deputy Lieutenant, J.P.”, aged 51. Janet Augusta Boyd, “Miniature Painter”, aged 50. Sybil Mary (aged 25), Annie (aged 23), Hester (aged 21), Janet (aged 17). Seven domestic servants plus one “Governess”.
Mrs Janet Augusta Boyd RMS (Royal Miniature Society) is listed in “Painters in the Northern Counties of England and Wales” by Dennis Child (2002), describing her work as “Landscapes and portraits in miniature in watercolour”.
Janet’s husband, George Fenwick Boyd of Moor House, Leamside, County Durham, died on 6th April 1909, aged 59, leaving effects valued at £117,875.
1911 Census. Janet Augusta Boyd not recorded in the 1911 Census. Mrs Janet Boyd boycotted the census in protest about the absence of women’s suffrage, writing on the census form “14 females passed the night here. As women are not counted as voters, neither should they be counted on this census”.
1921 Census: Janet Augusta Boyd recorded at her London residence - 213 Ashley Gardens, London, SW1. Mrs Janet Augusta Boyd, aged 70 years 7 months, declared that she was a widow and that her personal occupation was “Home Duties”. She employed one domestic servant, Frances Clara Rawlings, a 31-year-old “Cook & Housekeeper”.
Janet Augusta Boyd of Moor House, Leamside, County Durham, died, aged 77, on 22nd September 1928 at Prescott House in the village of Gotherington, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, leaving effects valued at £8,613. 6s. 10d, later revised to £8,147. 8s. 7d.
