Elizabeth Fry 1780-1845
Elizabeth Fry was instrumental in initiating many prison reform programs that are still in place today.
Elizabeth Fry (Gurney) was an English woman born into a wealthy family of Quakers in 1780 in England. Her mother's father, the Scottish theologian Robert Barclay, played an important role in defining early Quaker beliefs.
It was fortunate for all concerned that Quakers believed in the equality of women (250 years before they won the vote), otherwise Elizabeth Fry's unusual talents in the area of prison reform might never have been realized.
Her insight, persistence, organizational ability and her willingness to see a "divine light" in every person resulted in striking reforms taking place in the manner in which women and children were treated in London's Newgate Prison. She began visiting women imprisoned in London’s infamous New gate Prison in 1812.
Most of her life was spent in England, although she did visit Ireland and continental Europe. She also offered advice to the Americas, Russia and Australia. She died in 1845 at the age of 66 years.
She was a strong proponent of humane treatment for prisoners and regarded by many as a leading expert in prison reform.