Emma Sheppard facts for kids

Emma Sheppard (1813–1871) was an English writer and reformer who worked to improve conditions in workhouses. She lived in Frome, England. Emma became well-known for her book Sunshine in the Workhouse. She also made many efforts, both locally and across the country, to make life better for people living in workhouses.

Emma's Early Life

Emma Brown was born in Bath. In 1834, she married George Wood Sheppard. He was an important person in the local community. They had a daughter named Mary Stuart in 1841.

George Wood Sheppard was a JP, which meant he helped keep law and order. He also led the Board of Guardians, which managed the local workhouse. This was part of the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, a law about helping poor people. Because of her husband's work, Emma had a chance to see the lives of people who were not as lucky as she was.

Before she married, Emma helped build a small school in 1833. This school was for the children of servants and workers from her family's home, Fromefield House.

Helping the Community

Emma became very interested in the workhouse and the people who lived there. She started visiting in 1850. At first, she was shocked by how empty and dull the hospital wards were. She noticed a lack of simple comforts. Soon, she decided to become a workhouse reformer. This meant she wanted to change things for the better.

In 1857, Emma wrote a short book called 'Experiences of a Workhouse Visitor'. It was published anonymously, meaning her name was not on it. The book was sold for a small price. In it, she shared her seven years of visiting workhouses. She suggested small changes that would make a big difference. For example, she wanted inmates to have proper cups instead of tin ones. She also wanted them to have more solid food and be allowed to go outside every day. She believed that workhouses should not feel like prisons. She mentioned Elizabeth Fry, another famous reformer, who also worked to improve conditions.

Sunshine in the Workhouse

Emma's short book became very popular. Because of this, in 1859, she wrote a longer book called Sunshine in the Workhouse. She used her own name, Mrs. George Wood Sheppard, for this book.

In her book, Emma pointed out that there were many workhouses across England and Wales. She said that these places were often "dull and dreary." She noted that workhouses were kept very clean. However, she felt they were "painfully spotless." This extreme cleanliness sometimes bothered sick people. She was upset by the constant cleaning, which could disturb those who were ill or had pain.

Emma also shared stories of how she helped older people avoid going to the workhouse. She would add a small amount of money to what the local parish gave them. This extra money allowed them to stay in their own homes. She believed that a small amount of help could make a big difference. She wanted to see a system where older people could live out their days at home.

She was also very concerned about how children were treated in some workhouse schools. She heard stories of children being hurt. Emma believed that children in workhouses had "no joys." She described their play areas as cold in winter and dry in summer, with no flowers or trees. She felt they had no place for active, playful childhoods.

To learn more, Emma visited workhouses in different parts of the UK. She also wrote letters to people in other cities. She used the ideas of other important people, like Elizabeth Fry, to support her call for more kindness towards workhouse residents. She asked for small changes to the Poor Law to make this happen.

Christmas in the Workhouse

Emma's own children gave her the idea to bring gifts to the children in the workhouse. Local newspapers often wrote about her Christmas visits. In 1866, she and her family brought "timely gifts" and a "bountiful supply of Christmas fare."

In 1867, she asked people in the town to donate "new cheap toys, or old broken ones." She said these would bring "great joys to enliven the dull workhouse life." Even when she was ill, she continued her efforts. In 1870, she wrote to the local newspaper asking for apples, walnuts, oranges, buns, or "sweeties" for the children. Her husband and children continued her tradition, spending hours amusing and comforting the inmates.

Her Christian Message

Emma's writings were deeply shaped by her Christian faith. She believed that people should help those in need. She often visited workhouse residents quietly. She listened to their stories and lent them books like Robinson Crusoe. She sometimes prayed with them or read from the Bible.

Emma also helped people who were begging. Instead of giving them money, she arranged for a local hotel to give them hot drinks and food for a special ticket. She would then pay the hotel herself. Her help was always practical. It came from her faith, but she helped everyone who needed it, no matter their past. She believed that everyone deserved care and kindness.

Emma's Legacy

Emma died in 1871. Her funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church, where she had worshipped for many years. Many people attended, including children from the workhouse.

Years later, in 1882, her writings were used as evidence in a special committee of the House of Lords. This committee was looking into laws about protecting young girls.

Today, a care center for people with dementia in Frome is named the Emma Sheppard Centre. It opened in 2013. This center helps dementia patients and their families. It offers many activities, which fits well with Emma's original wish for better daily life and well-being for workhouse residents.

Images for kids

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  Fromefield House, Bath Road, Frome, where Emma Sheppard lived.