Elizabeth Jesser Reid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Jesser Reid
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Elizabeth Jesser Sturch
25 December 1789 |
| Died | 1 April 1866 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | sometimes Elisabeth |
| Occupation | philanthropist |
| Known for | founder of Bedford College |
| Spouse(s) | John Reid |
Elizabeth Jesser Reid (born December 25, 1789 – died April 1, 1866) was an English woman who worked to make society better. She was an activist against slavery and a generous person who gave money to good causes. She is best known for starting Bedford College.
Biography
Early Life
Elizabeth Jesser Sturch was born in London in 1789. Her father, William Sturch, was a wealthy ironmonger. An ironmonger is someone who sells iron goods. Her family belonged to a group called Unitarians, who believed in helping others.
In 1821, Elizabeth married Dr. John Reid. Dr. Reid owned land that became very valuable as the city of Glasgow grew. When Dr. Reid passed away in July 1822, Mrs. Reid received her own money. She used this money to support many good causes.
Activism
Elizabeth Reid was very active in groups that wanted to make society fairer. She was a strong supporter of ending slavery. In 1840, she went to the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London. At this meeting, she met Lucretia Mott and other American women who were not allowed to speak because they were women.
Elizabeth also followed the American Civil War closely. She was in touch with important people who were fighting for freedom in other countries. This included leaders of revolutions in France and Germany in 1848, and those working for Italy's independence.
Women's Higher Education
In 1849, Elizabeth Reid started Bedford College. It was located in the Bloomsbury area of London. This college was special because it was only for women. It aimed to give female students a good education that was open to all ideas, not just one religion.
At the time, no other school in the United Kingdom offered this kind of education for women. Bedford College became very important in helping women get higher education. It also helped women take on bigger roles in public life. Elizabeth Reid received letters from famous supporters of women's education, like Harriet Martineau.
Reid also created the Reid Trust. This trust still helps women get an education today by giving them small grants.
Elizabeth Reid passed away in 1866. She left her remaining money to the college in a trust fund. She made sure that women would be part of running the college. Her friend Elizabeth Anne Bostock was one of the three women trustees.
Legacy
There is a green plaque on Elizabeth Reid's house in Bedford Square. A plaque is a special sign that marks a historic place.
Bedford College became part of the University of London in 1900. Later, in 1985, it joined with Royal Holloway College. The new school is now called Royal Holloway and Bedford New College. One of the student dorms on the campus is named "Reid Hall." It is named in memory of Elizabeth Reid, who founded Bedford College.
