History's HEROES? 1780 - 1845

Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry - Key facts

• 1780	May 21st - Elizabeth Gurney is born at Gurney Court, Norwich, England.
• 1792	Elizabeth's mother dies and Elizabeth has to help bring up her younger brothers and sisters.
• 1799	She becomes a 'plain Quaker'. She dresses in plain clothes and has a strong faith.
• 1800	August 18th - Elizabeth marries Joseph Fry - a plain Quaker
• 1809	By now, Elizabeth has 5 children. She starts up schools for the local children, and cares for the sick and the needy.
• 1812	Elizabeth has had 3 more children and is preaching as a Quaker minister but she does not feel she is doing enough with her life.
• 1813	Elizabeth visits Newgate Prison with clothing for the children. She is shocked by the terrible conditions.
• 1816	Even though she has been ill, Elizabeth visits Newgate and the women prisoners ask her for a school for their children.
• 1817	Elizabeth gets the authorities to agree to a school. She also sets up a group for other women to also visit the prison and help the prisoners.
• 1818	Elizabeth talks to Parliament - the first woman to do so. She tells them what needs to be done to help prisoners to lead better lives.
• 1821	Elizabeth has been visiting prisons all over Britain. She sets up a society for ladies to help prisoners.
• 1823	The Gaols Act is passed. Many of Elizabeth's ideas are acted on. She keeps on visiting prisons.
• 1824	Elizabeth sets up schools for poor and abandoned children. She becomes ill through working so hard.
• 1827	Elizabeth visits Ireland looking at asylums and prisons. Many improvements are made because of her visit.
	Elizabeth publishes a book calling for prison reform, an end to capital punishment and more opportunities for women.
• 1828-35	Elizabeth continues visiting prisons and speaking to important people, including royalty, to try and persuade them to improve conditions.
• 1835	Parliament passes a law making the life of prisoners even harder. Elizabeth is saddened but goes on visiting prisons in all part of Britain.
• 1839	The French ask Elizabeth to visit all their prisons and write a report.
• 1840	Queen Victoria sends for Elizabeth to talk to her. Later, she travels all over Europe visiting prisons.
	Elizabeth goes to the World Anti-Slavery meeting in Exeter.
• 1841-43	Elizabeth continues to work for reform all over the country. She has some success but gets ill through over work.
• 1844	This is a very sad year. Many of Elizabeth's family die. She is also very ill.
• 1845	Elizabeth Fry dies with her family around her.
• 1890	From this time on, Elizabeth's ideas are again used to improve prisons.

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