Frances M. Stirling was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and the Conservative and Unionist Women's Franchise Association (CUWFA), who lived at 30 Clarence Square, Cheltenham; she was a signatory of the 1912 book presented to Sir James Agg Gardner, in recognition of his support for women's suffrage (Gloucestershire Archives, catalogue reference D5130/6/6).

On the 1911 census she was listed as married, and her occupation was given as "private means Suffragette WSPU". On the census form is written 'This form is filled in through the magnanimity of a Suffragette. Hoping that a more generous and just Legislation for Women will soon be forthcoming from those in Power in Great Britain.' Her husband was an army officer.