Philanthropy

Whilst the landed classes had always accepted it as their duty to apply some assistance to the poor, newspaper articles by such as Henry Mayhew, describing the appalling conditions under which many lived, and the increased availability of newspapers following the end of the newspaper stamp duty, increased awareness of the inequalities of life.

The rise in the middle classes, through the industrial revolution, saw a corresponding increase in the numbers wanting to assist the poorest and the sick.

By the mid 19th Century there were thousands of philanthropic societies, more than 700 in London alone, each seeking to provide relief in a specific manner.

Many industrialists, such as Robert Owen, Cadbury and Rowntree sought to improve the living conditions of their workers, whilst others, such as Octavia Hill, Angela Coutts and Elizabeth Fry worked independently.

Many charitable organisations well known to us today, such Dr Barnado’s, have their roots in the 19th Century.

Amongst the aristocracy the Earl of Shaftsbury stands out as both a political activist and through his own philanthropic work.

7th Earl of Shaftsbury