Studio portrait of Josephine,
c. 1865. |
Josephine Butler - A Woman
on a Mission
Josephine Butler was at the heart of the struggle for women’s rights in the nineteenth century. She campaigned for the vote, opportunities for higher education and employment for women, and the right of married women to own their own property. She is best known, however, as the charismatic leader of the fight to repeal the Contagious Diseases Acts, a campaign which began in 1869.
Josephine Elizabeth Grey was born at Milfield Hill, Glendale, the fourth daughter of land agent John Grey, an agricultural reformer, anti-slavery supporter, and cousin of Earl Grey of Howick. Religion was at the heart of family life, developing her belief in social compassion and a love of justice.
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