Elizabeth Fry      21/5/1780 – 12/10/1845

Born in Norwich from a prominent Quaker family who owned Gurney Bank.  She married into the Barclay Bank family.  Despite this wealth, Elizabeth made it her life’s work to reform Prisons, Slavery, Deportation and basic human rights for all.

After visiting Newgate Prison and the conditions, she lobbied for male and female prisoners to be separated, with women Wardens to supervise the Females and children.  She also introduced the idea of piecework, so prisoners could actually work and get paid.  Elizabeth demanded basic education for the children within the prison system.  Her Prison Reforms led to interest across Europe, with many countries following suit.  Queen Victoria was a huge advocate and met her on several occasions, along with many other European Royals.

Elizabeth didn’t stop there though.  In her lifetime, she boarded 100’s of ships, where prisoners were being deported.  She made the Captain’s take on extra food for the journey and gave each person a care package of clothing, sewing kits and extra food.

In 1840 she founded the first Nurses hospital at Guys and set up Homeless Shelters.

Elizabeth is commemorated still.

QUAKER, REFORMER, FEMINIST