Winchester Women and the Girls’ Friendly Society
Winchester Heritage Open Days Talk
In the late 19th century Winchester was a centre of philanthropic activity. The home of the Mothers' Union, Winchester was also the cradle of its precursor, The Girl's Friendly Society (GFS). Founded in 1875, the GFS was the first women's organisation adopted by the Anglican Church. Its founder Mary Townsend drew the support of powerful women including novelist Charlotte Young, Mothers' Union founder Mary Sumner, and the imperialist and pioneer of women's emigration the Hon Ellen Joyce.
Drawing on traditions of philanthropy the GFS aimed to protect the morals of young working women and girls. The middle and upper class organisers of GFS branches provided club rooms, holiday homes, employment training and educational opportunities for their members. With the motto 'bear ye one another's burdens' the GFS encouraged unmarried working class women and girls, categories traditionally positioned as recipients of patronage, to identify themselves as active agents in the well being of others and their country