The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

April 21, 2014

April 21, 1814

Angela Burdett-Coutts (April 21, 1814 to December 30, 1906) inherited two fortunes and was a major benefactor for Victorian philanthropies. She consulted Charles Dickens to make sure her money was wisely distributed in her attempts to help prostitutes change their lives. She supported scientific endeavors. The picture below, showing her wearing a crown that originally belonged to French queen Marie-Antoinette, was supplied in a Royal Society blog post discussing her support for science.



Of course she was involved in projects to improve the lives of poor children. And in 1870 she was made president of the newly formed RSPCA's Ladies Committee. But her life was not all earnest do-gooding. She married for the first time at the age of 66 -- her librarian. He was much younger and after her death he continued to support  her charitable interests.
at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)