Ellice Hopkins (1836–1904,) born Jane Ellice Hopkins, was a Victorian social reformer, writer, and activist known for advocating moral purity and women’s rights. She co-founded the White Cross Army (1883,) promoting ethical behavior among men, and played a key role in legislative reforms protecting women and children.
Born in Cambridge, England, she was the daughter of William Hopkins, a mathematics tutor at Cambridge University. After her father’s death, she moved to Brighton, dedicating herself to social activism.
Hopkins helped pass the Industrial Schools Amendment Act (1880,) allowing children to be removed from dangerous environments, including brothels. She also lobbied for the Criminal Law Amendment Act (1885,) which raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Her publications include English Idylls (1865,) a poetry collection; Rose Turquand (1874,) a gothic novel; and An Englishwoman’s Work Among Workingmen (1875,) a memoir of her activism. She also wrote True Manliness (1883,) promoting ethical masculinity, and The Power of Womanhood (1899,) exploring mothers’ roles in moral evolution.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Ellice Hopkins
Gift, like genius, I often think only means an infinite capacity for taking pains
—Ellice Hopkins
Topics: Genius
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