Elizabeth Fry, 1780-1845 : Penal reformer
"Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal."
"The good principle in the hearts of many abandoned persons may be compared to the few remaining sparks of a nearly extinguished fire. By means of the utmost care and attention united with the most gentle treatment these may yet be fanned into a flame, but under the operation of a rough and violent hand they will presently disappear and be lost forever."
"Elizabeth Fry was a Quaker who became famous for her work to reform the prison system in Britain in the early nineteenth century. By her example she inspired other women to play a fuller role in society: it was unusual for women to have a voice outside the home. It was also unusual for a Quaker to be so prominent, because at that time the Quaker movement was going through a 'quietist' phase, and was very inward looking."
"Early in 1813, Elizabeth Fry visited the women's section of Newgate Prison in London for the first time, and was shocked by the appalling conditions in which the female prisoners and their children were kept. It was not until Christmas 1816, however, before she had the time and energy to devote herself to the welfare of the female prisoners, the beginning of a lifelong involvement."