Elizabeth Fry-
Humanitarian
Family Background-
Elizabeth Fry was born, 21 May, 1780, in Norwich, Norfolk to a prominent Quaker family. Her father was a partner in Gurney bank, and her mother was a relative of the Barclays, who founded Barclays bank. After her mother died when she was 12, she took an active role in bringing up her other siblings. She also became friendly with Amelia Alderson, whose family were active in the movement for universal suffrage. Thus, as a young adult, Fry became acquainted with liberal and reforming ideas, such as the works of Thomas Paine and Mary Wollstonecraft as well as her own Quaker religion. She later died of a stroke in 1845.
Important Facts-
-When she was 18 she was inspired by a speech read by American Quaker, William Savery.
-Elizabeth Fry really wanted to make prison conditions better, she campaigned to change they way prisoners were treated.
-She visited many prisons and was shocked by how dirty and overcrowded they were. In some places prisoners slept on the floors.
Quotes-
-"Oh Lord, may I be directed what to do, and leave undone."
-"It is an honor to appear on the side of the afflicted."
-"Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal."