Susannah Wright

Susannah Wright (née Godber; 1792 – unknown) was an English woman imprisoned on charges of Blasphemous libel for selling works from the shop of radical publisher Richard Carlile.

[1] When Richard Carlile, his wife Jane, and subsequently his sister Mary-Ann, were imprisoned for selling blasphemous works from his shop, Susannah Wright took over its management.

Despite a lengthy and carefully prepared speech, Wright was ordered to spend (along with her infant child) an initial ten weeks in Newgate jail.

Carlile published a report of Wright's trial from Dorchester Prison, dedicating it:To the Women of the Island of Great Britain; this Specimen of Female Patriotism, Love of Liberty, Bold and Honest Daring, to Tyrants and Hypocrisy, and Virtuous Disinterestedness for All but Virtue, and Human Amelioration; For their example, consideration, approbation, and remuneration, is respectfully inscribed by the advocate of their emancipation from these worst of slaveries, ignorance and idolatry, R.

[1] Wright also "made strong demands for educational rights for women and full participation in the cultural benefits society could offer", writing in the radical newspaper The Republican.