Felicia Skene: Oxford writer, prison reformer and friend to the poor
Felicia Skene was considered by many in Victorian Oxford to be a “local saint”. She devoted herself improving the lives of the poor, particularly in St Thomas’s, one of the most deprived areas of the city. Skene rescued tramps and vagrants from their “eminently unsatisfactory existence” and girls from prostitution. The first woman in England to be officially appointed as a prison visitor, she was a tireless advocate for prison reform, both in the practical help she gave to inmates in Oxford’s gaols, and through her prodigious writing.
“Our members were fascinated by Felicia Skene’s life and work on prison reform and amongst the poor of Oxford. Your talk was very absorbing.” Rosemary Russell, Buttercross Ladies Probus Club, Witney, March 2024
“What a wonderful talk about a wonderful woman! I think we were all stunned by the incredible amount that Felicia managed to cram into her life. Thank you so much for enlightening us with such a fascinating and detailed biography.” Angus Bentall, Charlbury Society, December 2023
Contact me on 01865 242760 or liz@lizwoolley.co.uk to book this talk.