Elizabeth Fry - An autobiography in role.

I am Elizabeth fry, I was born into a rich family on 21st May 1780. But I soon decided to help people who were less fortunate than myself. Growing up in a large, happy, wealthy family in Norfolk, I was soon aware of the difference between my life and the lives of the villagers.

As soon as I was married, and became Elizabeth Fry, I started a school for poor children in my village and a soup kitchen to ensure that no one in the village, however poor, would ever go hungry. I vaccinated as many people as I could to ensure my area was kept free from small pox, a deadly disease in those days.

I have always tried to be as kind as possible and I was inspired by my strong religious beliefs as a Quaker. Although the rest of my family were more relaxed, and wore fashionable clothes, and enjoyed music and dancing, I became very strict with myself and decided to wear simple, plain clothes and a plain white cap.

In the bitterly cold winter of 1813, I had heard about the terrible conditions of women prisoners in Newgate prison in London. I collected warm clothes and blankets from some of my rich friends and took them to the prison. I was so shocked by the misery I saw that I decided to make it my life's work to change conditions in prisons, not just for women, and not just in Britain, but across Europe for men and women alike.

I believed that if prisoners has useful thngs to do there would be an end to drunkeness and fighting. I wanted to help the prisoners at Newgate become better people, so I organised a school, where the womwne were taught to read, write and sew. They could make things which could be sold to make a little money for them.

The change I brought to Newgate prison was extraordinary. I was glad many people were impressed with my work, including my brother-in-law who was an MP. He persuaded parliament to change the law about prisons and make them better for prisoners.

In 1819, another severe winter, I and some helpers opened a soup kitchen and warehouse for the homeless in London.

I may not have long left but I just pray to god to give me a few more years because there is still so much more to be done.

I have had all this important work to do as well as bringing up 11 children of my own. But even though my life has been hard at times I am proud that I have helped so many people in need.