Women and Religion in Victorian London

Abstract

Abstract New opportunities emerged in churches for women as volunteer district visitors, Sunday school teachers, and for poor women to be trained and employed as Bible and parish women, Bible-nurses, and elementary school teachers which broadened the sphere of women’s activities beyond their homes to their parishes. Some women also formed religious communities, initially relieving poverty, provide nursing care and education for poor children. Growing awareness of wider social issues, particularly in relation to poverty, led some middle- and upper-class women, motivated by faith, to begin to develop activities in a wider sphere, including improving conditions in workhouses and hospitals, and establishing ‘settlements’ and pioneering systematic ‘social work’ methods. Some women also began to undertake public ministries, notably in the Salvation Army, but also leading informal congregations. Women were also generous contributors to religious-based projects. Building on these experiences, religiously motivated women stood for election to public office as London School Board members, guardians of the poor and London County Councillors. Succeeding chapters show that women also played a significant part in faith-motivated philanthropic and educational initiatives.