Ann Jebb facts for kids
Ann Jebb (born Torkington; 1735–1812) was an English writer and a strong supporter of political change. She believed in making society fairer for everyone.
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Ann Jebb's Early Life
Ann was born in 1735 in a place called Ripton-Kings, Huntingdonshire. Her father, James Torkington, was a vicar in the Church of England. Her mother was Dorothy Sherard. Ann likely learned at home.
In 1764, Ann married John Jebb. He was also a reformer who wanted to improve society. Ann fully supported his ideas. When they first married, John taught at Cambridge. Ann became well-known in university groups. Her friend Anne Plumptre was one of her close companions.
A Voice for Change
Ann Jebb often wrote letters to newspapers. She used the pen name "Priscilla." For example, she wrote a series of letters to the London Chronicle between 1772 and 1774. These letters were about a movement to change rules for university students and church leaders.
Fighting for Rights
In 1775, John Jebb left his church job. Ann fully supported his decision. John then studied medicine. The couple later moved to London. There, they became involved in many important causes.
- They wanted to give more people the right to vote. This is called the expansion of the franchise.
- They were against the war with America, known as the American Revolutionary War.
- They supported the French Revolution, which was a big change in France.
- They worked to end slavery, a movement called abolitionism.
- They also wanted to end unfair treatment against Roman Catholics.
Her Written Works
Ann Jebb's writings appeared in several publications. These included the London Chronicle, the Whitehall Evening Post, and the Monthly Repository. She also wrote pamphlets and short essays. People sometimes criticized her for her political views. She was even mentioned by Richard Polwhele in his book The Unsex'd Females.
Later Years and Legacy
Ann Jebb's husband, John, passed away in 1786. Ann stayed in London and continued her political work. She was never very strong, but she kept fighting for her beliefs. Ann died in 1812 and was buried with her husband.
