HEROINES From History
As a pioneer of prison reform, Elizabeth Fry was a champion for all
Born on May 21, 1780, to a prominent Quaker family, Elizabeth had a very religious upbringing. As a child she was extremely close to her mother Catherine, who was active in her children’s lives, encouraging Elizabeth and her siblings to spend at least two hours a day in silent worship. Shortly after the birth of her twelfth child, Catherine became gravely ill and passed away, devastating the young Elizabeth. At just twelve years old and as one of the elder children, Elizabeth had to take on a motherly role and was expected to bring up her younger siblings. Luckily for them, Elizabeth’s kind-hearted nature meant they grew up in a loving household despite losing their mother so young.
Elizabeth’s caring nature continued to grow as she did, and in her late teens Elizabeth set up a Sunday School where she taught local children how to read. In her spare time she would visit the sick and collect clothes for the poor. When Elizabeth was 18 she heard the prominent Quaker William
Savery preach. This inspired her greatly and made her question how devout she was in her beliefs.
It was after this event that Elizabeth began to lead a more traditional Quaker life. She no longer attended operas or social events and shunned extravagant dresses, opting for plain clothing instead. Soon after she met her future husband, Joseph Fry, who came from a distinguished Quaker family. He proposed not long after their first meeting but Elizabeth was hesitant to accept. Concerned with how her being married would affect her philanthropic work, she discussed it with her family and friends. They convinced Elizabeth to accept his proposal, and the two were married shortly after on August 19, 1800.
The couple moved to London where they started their family, having 11 children in total. However, life as a wife and mother wasn’t enough for Elizabeth. In between the births of her children, Elizabeth was active in helping those less fortunate, visiting workhouses, schools and becoming a Quaker Minister.
In 1813 Elizabeth’s life changed forever. Her trip to Newgate Prison would be the catalyst for her prison reform campaign. She visited Newgate to provide prisoners with necessities such as clothing and food. However, when she entered the prison, Elizabeth was horrified with what she saw. The women slept on floors in squalid conditions with no form of bedding, were covered in dirt and had little to no clothing. This experience propelled Elizabeth to fight for change.
She began to visit the
In 1813, Elizabeth’s first trip to Newgate Prison changed her life forever