Elizabeth Fry Refuge
THE ELIZABETH FRY REFUGE
1849-1913
To help women in need.
Elizabeth Fry, 1780-1845
Reformer of conditions
for female prisoners.
(195 Mare Street)
Elizabeth Fry’s inauspicious start in life contrasts greatly with her later success as a prison reformer. Her Quaker upbringing instilled a strong sense of morality which was coupled with her commitment to helping the outcasts in her native East Anglia and with greater notice in London.
As a frail and sensitive member of the wealthy Fry family, averse to studies and outdoor activities, Elizabeth’s involvement with prison work exposed her to the appalling conditions which existed at that time. Where the Old Bailey now stands was the former prison where Elizabeth Fry began her reformation work in London. Her quiet acceptance of the prisoners and moving recital of prayers led to her being respected and in turn accepted by them.
Gradually Elizabeth convinced the establishment of the benefits of treating women prisoners with greater humility and the importance of education and the learning of skills for life after prison. Many of her principles were adopted worldwide.
Her sensitive health failed to deter Elizabeth from either her work or from having 11 children. Her domestic arrangements were unconventional for the time; while she travelled, lectured and was a national figure, her husband John managed the household and was supportive of his wife’s work. Elizabeth Fry’s direct association with Hackney took place after her death in 1845.
In honour of her achievements, the Elizabeth Fry Institute Reformation of Women Prisoners was established. The ledgers of the Institute which are available for inspection at Hackney Archives catalogue the crimes and punishments of women residing in the Institute. The punishments then seem especially harsh.
Although the Elizabeth Fry Institute ceased operation in Hackney in 1913, it relocated to Islington that year where it continues today.
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007