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Elizabeth Fry
22 February @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
£5
A talk by Jean Hatton.
ABOUT THE TALK
‘I think a place so remarkably void of objects does not suit my active mind’ … So said Elizabeth Fry, prison reformer and one of the most famous people of her generation and of all British history, during a brief stay in Sandgate in July 1843. Unlike her husband Joseph who loved the sleepy seaside town, Elizabeth couldn’t bear to be idle for long. ‘Are you going to reform the whole world’, her cousin Hudson once asked her. The answer it seemed was yes. Although known primarily for her work to transform the inhuman prisons of nineteenth century Britain, Elizabeth also worked to improve the conditions and later lives of female convicts transported to Australia. She also supported her friend William Wilberforce in his campaign against the slave trade, she founded charities aimed to give dignity to the working poor and in an age where women were forbidden to speak out on spiritual matters, she preached to crowds numbered in thousands.
Although her time in our own area of Sandgate and Folkestone was brief, Elizabeth’s influence reached all corners of the British Isles and across Europe as far as Russia. Her powerful message regarding the treatment of female convicts continues to resonate today.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jean Hatton is the author of three books and numerous articles and short stories. Betsy: the dramatic biography of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry was published by Monarch Books, a publishing imprint of LionHudson plc, in 2005. Jean has spoken about the life of Elizabeth Fry both in Britain and Australia and also on BBC television.
She was born and grew up in North London and has lived in Folkestone since 2015.
ABOUT THE VENUE
The Back Hall is located within the Cornerstone Centre, formerly the United Reformed Church, next to Folkestone Central station. It is located on Castle Hill Avenue, near the junction with Cheriton Road. From the main entrance to the church, walk towards Kingsnorth Gardens and take the path behind the church, just before Bus Stop C.
The hall is on the ground floor with no stairs and has a disabled toilet. There is a slight step into the entrance and a couple of 90 degree turns to enter. If you have any accessibility needs, please Contact Us so we can make arrangements for you, including on-site parking.
TRAVEL TO THE VENUE
By Bus:
The venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops.
Stop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73).
Stop B serves buses departing from Folkestone Bus Station towards Broadmead (74), Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76), Dover via Temple Ewell (91A) and Hawkinge (73).
For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app.
By Car:
There is a controlled parking zone around the Cornerstone Centre. Parking can be found on Shorncliffe Road or the dual carriageway part of Castle Hill Avenue. Alternatively, you can pre-book a space at Folkestone Central station via the APCOA website or app.
By Train:
Take the train to Folkestone Central station (one stop on from Folkestone West coming from London/Ashford). When exiting the station, turn right, follow the road to the end, then walk under the bridge on your right. The Cornerstone Centre is the church in front of you.
For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.
BOOKING TICKETS
Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted.
To guarantee your place, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below.
