Duchess Harriet: Social Reform & Charity

Description:A number of letters written to Duchess Harriet reflect her interest in campaigns to abolish slavery. A letter from W. C. Dowding, featured above reads: ‘Madam, I did myself the honor – some months ago – to forward to your Grace...some papers having reference to a...college at Bermuda.’

Duchess Harriet used her prominent position in society to increase awareness of charities and campaigns for reform. The value of her sponsorship is evident in Dowding’s letter. Describing the committee established to fund the college on Bermuda he notes that ‘amongst our kindest adherents’ was ‘Lord Carlisle (as our “President”)’. Dowding concludes his letter noting ‘it has been felt from the first, - by the Bishop of Oxford and others – that your Grace’s name and influence would be very valuable to our cause’.