Priestman, along with members of hers and the Bright family, were important in the creation of some of the first women's suffrage societies, founded in London, Bristol, and Bath.

[2] Tanner and members of hers and the Bright family, were important in the creation of some of the first women's suffrage societies, founded in London, Bristol, and Bath.

[2] Tanner was a supporter of the Ladies National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts,[3] which was formed in 1870 by Josephine Butler to protest against legislation which undermined the civil rights of those who had been designated prostitutes by the authorities in particular naval and military towns.

[2] All three sisters supported international campaigns against the government's regulation of prostitution, and continued their family's close association with the temperance movement.

Elizabeth's requests included that Helen Priestman Bright should be brought up by her larger family and Margaret remained in contact with her.