It was an annual custom for numbers of gipsies to pitch their tents in a green lane near Plashet, for a few days, on their way to Fairlop Fair.  The sickness of a child causing the mother to apply for relief, led Elizabeth Fry to visit the camp; and ever after she was gladly welcomed by the poor wanderers, to whom she gave clothing and medicines, and friendly faithful counsel.  To those who could read she gave Bibles or Testaments, and little books or pictures to the children.  Thus she ever abounded in good works for the benefit of others.  All this she did in intervals snatched from home duties, there being in the house a constant succession of company and employments to occupy her.  For her children she prayed that they might grow in favour with their Heavenly Father, by walking in humility and in the fear of God.

Such was the routine of work and duty at Plashet for several years after she went to live there.  She had interruption from various illnesses in her family, five of her children being ill at one time; at other times overbusied with domestic duties, as many as eighteen, in addition to the family, once sleeping at the house.  At the time of the Yearly Meeting she had to entertain many visitors in London at Mildred’s Court.  There were also occasional visits to Norfolk, during one of which she took active part in founding the Norfolk and Norwich Bible Society.  The meeting at which this was inaugurated in 1811 was a most successful one.  Old Bishop Bathurst spoke with much decision and liberality, and he was supported by many of the clergy, and ministers of all denominations, the Mayor of Norwich presiding.  About L700 was subscribed at the meeting.  Mr. Joseph Hughes, one of the secretaries, who, with his venerable colleague Dr. Steinkopff, arranged the meeting, in an account written of it, speaks of “a devout address by a female minister, Elizabeth Fry, whose manner was impressive, and whose words were so appropriate, that none present can ever forget the incident, or even advert to it without emotions alike powerful and pleasing.  The first emotion was surprise; the second, awe; the third, pious fervour.”  Such was the impression made by the hearty words spoken by Elizabeth Fry.

IX.

First sight of Newgate prison.

It was in 1813 that the attention of Elizabeth Fry was first directed to the condition of female prisoners in Newgate.  At the beginning of that year four members of the Society of Friends had visited some persons about to be executed.  One of the visitors, William Forster, asked Mrs. Fry if nothing could be done to alleviate the sufferings of the women, then living in the most miserable condition.  The state of the prison was at that time disgraceful to a civilised country, even after all John Howard’s labours.  There were about three hundred women, with many children, crowded in four small rooms, badly lighted, badly ventilated,