Category Archives: Lady Henry

Ready for tide to turn on our attitude to Do-Gooders?

Posted on December 18, 2010 by rosblack

Summing up his excellent series on Victorian Do-Gooders, Ian Hislop commented that “their achievements have been underrated, their absurdities accentuated” but posed the question “Are we ready for the tide to turn?” In researching my book, I came across many … Continue reading →

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Meet the pragmatic temperance leader

Posted on December 15, 2010 by rosblack

Lady Henry Somerset’s tenure as President of the British Women’s Temperance Association and Vice-President/President of the World Woman’s Christian temperance Union was frequently mired in controversy. One of the main reasons for this was that she was a pragmatist. She … Continue reading →

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Don’t mock the Victorian Do-Gooders

Posted on December 8, 2010 by rosblack

I’m very much enjoying Ian Hislop’s “Age of the Do-Gooders” on BBC2. You sense Ian is always wanting to mock, but instead is finding himself deeply impressed by the courage and committment of his subjects. Next week he’ll be talking … Continue reading →

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Lady Henry Somerset and WT Stead

Posted on September 26, 2010 by rosblack

Lady Henry Somerset was the subject of a character sketch by the reknowned, some would call notorious, journalist WT Stead, printed in the Review of reviews in June 1893. Stead has been described as “an important contributor to the birth … Continue reading →

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Talk at Reigate Priory Park Pavilion Tuesday 7th Sep 7pm

Posted on August 30, 2010 by rosblack

I am giving an illustrated talk about Lady Henry Somerset at Reigate Priory Park Pavilion on Tuesday 7th September at 7pm. The event is free but due to space constraints, please book your place by emailing PrioryPark@ reigate-banstead.gov.uk Come along … Continue reading →

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Sisters in Humanity

Posted on August 5, 2010 by rosblack

Isabel and Adeline Somers Cocks were daughters of the 3rd Earl Somers and his beautiful and vivacious wife, Virginia. A third daughter, named Virginia after her mother, sadly died in infancy from diptheria. The two girls had a privileged but … Continue reading →

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A Talent for Humanity – the life and work of Lady Henry Somerset

Posted on July 28, 2010 by rosblack

Why has the world forgotten about Lady Henry Somerset? She was an amazing woman, so ahead of her time. An orator, artist, journalist, writer and social pioneer, she led the Temperance Movement in the late 19th century, advocating curbs on … Continue reading →

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