There is one thing that makes Britain (and Ireland) great, the women that it has grown, nurtured and inspired to change the world. Some did good things whilst others will be remembered simply for their courage and determination. Of course there are those whose actions themselves may not be worthy of praise, yet the repercussions led the way to a better life. Many of these women you might already know of, some may have been previously overlooked. They will however be names that you should never forget. After all, for many of us, our lives would be a lot different had they never lived.

Friday 21 February 2014

Louisa Twining 1820 – 1912

Louisa Twining
Louisa Twining was an English Philanthropist and activist for the English Poor Law.  She was born into the famous ‘Twining’s Tea’ family, and spent her early years as an artist and art historian.
            Louisa started the movement for social reform in 1853.  She then dedicated the rest of her life to working with the Poor Law.
            From 1858-59, she attended Great Ormond Street Hospital on a daily basis.  Her aim was to learn about nursing, unfortunately, she found that she was not able to perform the job.  Also during 1859, she wrote an article to The Times (London) about the poor quality of the standard of nursing in the workhouses.  An area that she was working to improve upon.
            The Workhouse Visiting Society was also established by Louisa Twining in 1858.  Reports were made of the conditions that were found within, so that changes could be made in order to improve the appalling conditions that people were forced to endure.  Being poor was not a crime, yet these people were treated worse than criminals.  Louisa’s work with the Poor Law helped to bring them better health care, as well as improvements to their dietary and sanitation needs.
In 1861, Louisa helped to establish an industrial home for workhouse girls that had been sent out to service.  The following year, she opened a home for aged and incurables.  Both homes were side by side on Great Ormond Street.  She gave comfort, shelter and most importantly, medical help to those who would otherwise have been forgotten and abandoned by the system.  She also opened St Luke’s Home for Epileptic Incurable Women, situated in her own home.
                        Louisa Twining was the Poor Law Guardian for Kensington and for Tunbridge Wells, 1884-90.  One of the first females to be elected for the role.  She was also one of the people, who helped start the Metropolitan and National Association for Nursing.  It was set up to encourage proper training for nurses, in order to improve the standards of nursing care offered to people in the workhouses and homes.

            Louisa finally retired from her life’s work in 1900, and died 1912 in Tunbridge Wells.
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