Philanthropists and reformers

Cheetham

Miss Rebecca Halley Cheetham was the first warden of the Canning Town Women's Settlement for 25 years from 1892.

Cheetham

Gurney monument -2


  The year is 2002 and the Gurney obelisk still stands amidst the hustle and bustle of Stratford. 

Gurney monument -2

Newham Notables

Many notable people lived in Newham, here is an ouline of twenty of them.

Jabez Legg

 A Forgotten Local Worthy.

Dr Fothergill

Dr. John Fothergill of Upton, physician, botanist and anti-slavery campaigner.<--break-> 

Dr Fothergill

Portway c1902

In this photo, looking east along the Portway is "The Cedars"Territorial Army H.Q. on the left. The house, formerly known as "Upton Lane House" was from 1829 until 1844, the home of Mrs Elizabeth Fry, Quaker minister and prison reformer. Whilst living there, she conducted her campaign for the reform of prison conditions, and was in in 1842 visited by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

Portway c1902

Woodgrange Estate – a 19th century “des res”.

Newham Council used powers under the Town & Country Planning Act, 1971 to designate the Woodgrange Estate a Conservation Area in 1976, with the aim of preserving and enhancing its special character and appearance.

Woodgrange Estate – a 19th century “des res”.

Kamal Chunchie & Coloured Men's Institute


Kamal Athon Chunchie (1886 -1953) - Methodist pastor and founder of the Coloured Men's Institute, Canning Town.

Kamal Chunchie & Coloured Men's Institute

Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry (Gurney) who married Joseph Fry (Quaker) in 1800. The Fry family home was Plashet House in East Ham where Elizabeth lived until 1829. Philanthropist Elizabeth Fry, was a tireless campaigner for prison reform, and human rights. Both Fry and her brother-in-law Thomas Fowell Buxton, are commemorated on the back of the English five pound note.

Elizabeth Fry

Daisy Parsons, MBE

By Robert Rogers


Daisy Parsons was the first female Mayor of West Ham.

Daisy Parsons, MBE
  • 1
  • 2
  • next ›
  • last »
Syndicate content