Elizabeth Fry (21st May 1780 - 12th October 1845) |
Elizabeth's brother-in-law, Thomas Foxwell Buxton, became a Member of Parliament in 1818, and took up the cause, inviting Elizabeth to give evidence to the House of Commons Committee. Eventually, prison reforms began with the 1823 Gaols' Act, which included gaolers being paid, instead of taking money from prisoners, and women prisoners being looked after by women warders. These reforms did not include Debtor's Prisons or local town gaols, so Elizabeth published a book about the bad conditions in these, in order to pressure the Government to act. |
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Elizabeth Fry in Newgate Prison (Click on the picture to see an enlarged image in a new window) |
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When on holiday in Brighton in 1824, Elizabeth was upset by the poverty there, and she formed the Brighton District Visiting Society - a team of volunteers who would go to the poorest homes bringing help and comfort. It was a great success, and soon there were District Visiting Societies in towns all over Britain. Elizabeth Fry also campaigned for the reform of the treatment of the mentally ill, and those in workhouses and hospitals. In 1840 she started a training school for nurses in Guy's Hospital. Florence Nightingale was influenced by this, and took a group of Fry nurses with her when she went to look after sick and wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. Queen Victoria met Elizabeth Fry several times and took a close interest in her work. Elizabeth died on 12 th October 1845. Quakers do not have a funeral service, but over a thousand people stood in silence at her burial. Elizabeth Fry is remembered on the anniversary of her death, 12th October. |
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