Marion Grieve

Marion Grieve (born Marion Sellers Neilson)^[1] lived during World War I and was a known Scottish suffragette. She lived in Portobello, Edinburgh. Grieve gave up being a suffragette when the war started to assist on the home front and was an active member and supporter of various charities within Portobello.^[2][3]

She was one of four women who visited Switzerland in 1874 in the company of Mary Taylor; she, along with Grace Hirst and Frances Richardson, climbed Mont Blanc. She illustrated the book ‘Swiss Notes by Five Ladies’ published in 1875 which described the tour. <John Theakstone 'An Encyclopedia of Nineteenth Century Women Travellers' ISBN 978-1-5272-3717-9 [2019]>She was married to John Grieve, a coalmaster, and lived with John at Coillesdene House, Joppa.^[1]

Grieve was an active suffragette who took part in a demonstration at the House of Commons in December 1911. There is a rumour that she used to pick up stones from the local beach in Joppa and place them in her handbag to take to demonstrations.^[2]

It is not known if Grieve took part in the Edinburgh to London Suffragette March which started around 12 October 1912; however it is said that those who disbanded the March stayed at her home, Coillesdene House, Joppa.^[3][4]

Grieve died a widow on 11 October 1938 at her home, Coillesdene House, Joppa at the age 90. Her funeral took place at Portobello Cemetery, Edinburgh on Friday 14 October 1938.^[1] An Executry Notice for Marion's estate appeared in the paper on Saturday 22 October 1938.^[5]

• Suffragette
• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom