The Distressed Gentlefolks' Aid Association

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1730 EARLIEST DAILY Newspapers to be Had - Rare LONDON England w/ Advertisements
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ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER WINE GOBLET. GILDED INSIDE. W. HUTTON LONDON 1898 278GMS
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Arthur H. Beavan continued his look at philanthropy in Imperial London, first published in 1901, with this discussion of the Distressed Gentlefolks' Aid Association:

Among the whole British population there are none more deserving of pity and help than ladies of birth and education, who, through no fault of their own, have fallen into extremely narrow circumstances.

As a rule, they are incapable of performing any remunerative work, and their slender resources barely suffice to keep body and soul together.

A movement originated a few years ago for establishing homes to alleviate the hardships of these unhappy gentlefolk, and these asylums have been much appreciated by the inmates, who seldom leave them when once admitted.

The methods by which this development of practical philanthropy achieves its objects may be gathered from the annual report of the Home at Higher Broughton, which since its foundation has sweetened the declining years of forty-two ladies, who otherwise might have suffered continual hardship and anxiety.

Besides their food and lodging, the inmates are provided in as large a measure as possible with the comfort and refinement to which they were used before misfortune wrecked their lives.

In return, they subscribe among them more than half the expenses of housekeeping, and would willingly give more were it in their power.

No discrimination is made on religious grounds; ladyhood and impecuniosity being proved, the applicant's name is placed on the list for admission in turn.

It is called the "Distressed Gentlefolks' Aid Association," and is now more than four years old.

It has a good council, at the head of which is her Royal Highness the Princess Christian, and comprises Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Bishop of Worcester, and Lord Raglan.

Next: Philanthropic London in 1900: Feeding the Poor