Harriet Bagwell facts for kids

Harriet Bagwell (born Newton, around 1853–1937) was an Irish woman who loved helping people. She was a philanthropist, which means she gave her time and money to help others. She also helped local people start small businesses from their homes. This was called a cottage industry.

Early Life and Family

Harriet Philippa Jocelyn Newton was born around 1853. Her birthplace was Dunleckney Manor in Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Ireland. She was the oldest child of Phillip Jocelyn Newton and his wife Emily.

In 1873, Harriet married Richard Bagwell. They had four children together. Their son was named John Philip. Their three daughters were Emily Georgiana, Margaret, and Lilla Minnie.

For some years, the family lived in a place called Innislonagh. In 1884, they moved to the family's main home. This was Marlfield House, Clonmel, located in County Tipperary.

Helping the Community

After moving to Marlfield, Harriet Bagwell became very active. She worked to help people in her local community. Her mother-in-law, Frances Bagwell, had started a school for embroidery. This might have given Harriet an idea.

Marlfield Embroideries

In 1885, Harriet started her own embroidery project at Marlfield. This was a type of cottage industry. Her goal was to help women earn money while working from their own homes.

Harriet gave these women all the materials they needed. She also provided them with designs to follow. She then organized how they would be paid. She also managed the sale of their beautiful work.

The designs were inspired by art from Egypt and India. The project was a big success. It was called the Marlfield Embroideries. It helped many local families earn a good income.

Exhibiting the Work

The embroidery work from Marlfield was shown at many important events. It was displayed at the Royal Dublin Society's stand. This was part of the 1887 Royal Jubilee Exhibition in Manchester. It was also shown at the 1897 Lancaster Arts and Craft Exhibition.

Harriet's older half-sister, Mrs Anne Vesey, was inspired by Marlfield. In 1889, she started a similar project. It was called the Dunleckney Cottage Embroidery.

Other Community Projects

Harriet Bagwell did even more to help her community. She started a society that offered cheap meals to people in need. She also set up an office to help servants find jobs.

Around 1900, Harriet and her daughters created a cooking school. This school was for girls attending national schools.

In 1895, Harriet founded the Clonmel Cottage Hospital. She also helped promote the District Nursing Association. This group provided nursing care to people in their homes. She was also a member of the executive committee for the Women's National Health Association.

Later Life and Legacy

Harriet's husband, Richard, passed away in 1918. In 1920, she left Marlfield House. She moved to Dangan in Carrickmines, County Dublin.

During this time, she wrote a history of the Bagwell family. It was an informal book about their lives. This history included stories about Marlfield House. The house was burned down in 1923 by republicans.

Harriet Bagwell died on February 12, 1937. She passed away at the home of her youngest daughter, Lilla Minnie. This was in Birdhill, Clonmel.