Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories.
Elizabeth Fry (1780 – 1845)
Prison reformer Elizabeth Fry is probably one of the most famous women Quakers- a pioneering woman and mother of 11 children whose work led to reforms across the world. In 1818, she became the first woman to give evidence to a committee of the House of Commons on London prisons. Her work saw better conditions for prisoners, including men and women segregated, a school for the children of prisoners, and clothes and warm supplies provided. Read the blog to imagine how she felt.
She also led changes for women prisoners travelling to the colonies, supplying them each with a bag for making patchwork quilts which could be sold on arrival to provide an income.
Did you know Elizabeth’s work also included setting up District Visiting Societies, working with the poor, providing libraries for coastguards and a training school for nurses. Her work became very well-known and led to the setting up of Ladies’ Committees in other towns in Britain and Europe, also attracting royal patronage?
Step Into The Story
- Join a Her Story Walkwith Norwich Story Walks (£10, private tours available) to hear about Elizabeth and many other remarkable women with links to Norwich.
- Visit St Gregory’s Green and look at the path dedication.
- Visit Gurney Court off Magdalen Street to see Elizabeth’s Blue Plaque (FREE).
Marking twenty years of championing the city, VisitNorwich presents an ambitious year-long cultural celebration: Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories. Written by local guest authors our stories range from medieval rebels and mystics to pioneering reformers, artists, entrepreneurs and unsung heroes, these are the people who shaped Norwich – and whose legacy can still be discovered across the city today. Read the stories so far.
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