Elizabeth Fry Elizabeth Fry is one of the most famous women in British history. All her life she worked to help the poor, especially poor people who were in prison. You can see her picture on the British £5 note. Her early life Elizabeth was born on 21lst May 1780 into a family with 11 other children. Sadly, her mother died when Elizabeth was 12 years old and she had to look after her brothers and sisters. Elizabeth married Joseph Fry, a wealthy banker, in 1800 and they went to live in London, Her prison work When she was in London, Elizabeth visited Newgate Prison. There she met children who were living in prison because they had no home. The prison was dirty and terrible. She was so shocked by her visit that she went back with food and clothes for the children. She started a school and taught their mothers to read. Famous Elizabeth's work made her famous. In 1818 she became the first woman to talk to the British parliament. Queen Victoria gave her money. In 1840 she started a school for nurses which helped change the profession of nursing.