Elizabeth Fry

As Elizabeth's work became more well know there was interest, not only across the UK, but from the continent as well. Elizabeth was also concerned about the conditions of prisoners in other countries, as this letter shows:

Plashet House, 8th month 30^th 1821

Mr dear friend,

I understand that there is something likely to be published in Paris respecting our proceedings in Newgate, if this really be the case, it is a subject of no small interest to me, as I think that I may be a means of promoting the prison case amongst a people of so much power and so much ability, who might set an example to surrounding nations by making their prisons and their punishments such as would tend to reform the criminal and consequently diminish the armies and increase the security of society at large.

We have proved that much may be done more than we thought possible, even with the most hardened of sinners, we cannot therefore but ardently desire that similar measures may be adopted in other countries, particularly on filling so important a situation as France. I am very desirous that in any thing written upon this subject that I may not make too prominent a figure; too much has already been attributed to me for soon after my admission to Newgate I was aided by a most valuable committee of ladies, in any respects far more qualified than myself for the important undertakings. I am also deeply sensible that unless a blessing from the Lord had attended our labours we never should have succeeded as we have done. I therefore desire if any praise is given to us who are quite unworthy of it, but only were is due -

My love to our friends at Frances House

Believe me my dear Adele
Thy affection friend
Eliz^th Fry

Description: Letter, Elizabeth Fry (Plashet House) to Adèle du Thou, concerning the publication, in Paris, of a report of her work in Newgate. She hopes this will have an effect on the Continent.
Date: 30/8/1821
Source: Norfolk Record Office. Ref: MC 511/1, 759X3