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Emily Davison and the tragedy at Epsom Racecourse

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can describe the events that took place at Epsom Racecourse in 1913.

Key learning points

  1. On the 4th of June 1913, a tragedy occurred at Epsom Racecourse.
  2. A woman called Emily Davison ran out onto the course during a big horse race called the Epsom Derby.
  3. Emily ran out onto the course because she was fighting for a change to take place in Britain.
  4. She was knocked over by the King's horse and died from her injuries.

Keywords

  • Tragedy - a tragedy is an extremely sad event or situation

  • Vote - when someone can vote, they are allowed to make a choice about who runs the country

Common misconception

Some may think that Emily Davison died on the day of the Epsom Derby.

Emily Davison died four days after the race at Epsom, on the 8th of June 1913.

Teacher tip

Task B could be completed as a storyboard activity.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Victoria was the __________ of the United Kingdom for 63 years.

Princess
King
Correct answer: Queen
Prince

Q2.
Queen Victoria was married to...

Prince Charles
Correct answer: Prince Albert
Prince Harry

Q3.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had nine children.

Correct answer: True
False

Q4.
Put the following King and Queens into order, starting with the earliest.

1 - Queen Victoria
2 - Queen Elizabeth II
3 - King Charles III

Q5.
The time when Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom is known as the __________ era.

Georgian
Ancient
Correct answer: Victorian

Q6.
Queen Victoria became queen when she was __________ years old.

12
Correct answer: 18
32
48

6 Questions

Q1.
The Epsom Derby is a race.

Correct Answer: horse, big horse

Q2.
In 1913, who was the King of the United Kingdom?

King Charles III
Correct answer: King George V
King Henry VIII

Q3.
A tragedy is...

an extremely happy event or situation.
Correct answer: an extremely sad event or situation.

Q4.
Emily Davison wanted women to have the right to...?

Correct Answer: vote

Q5.
Emily Davison sadly died on the day of the Epsom Derby.

True
Correct answer: False

Q6.
Emily Davison wanted to attach a 'Votes for Women' flag to...?

Correct answer: The King's horse
The King's dog
The King
The race track

To help you plan your 2 history lesson on: Emily Davison and the tragedy at Epsom Racecourse, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...