The Fothergills are an ancient family from Normandy with their name listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. In 1668 Alexander and Ann Fothergill bought property at Semer-Water in Wensleydale, Yorkshire, and built Carr End (called Scar Foot in Fothergill’s 1881 novel Kith and Kin). From thence would come a long line of distinguished scientists, doctors, lawyers and writers. They were Quakers who shared the conviction that Christians are called to be politically active and involved in making the world a better place. The most eminent relative was John Fothergill (1712-1780), a medical doctor, biologist, philanthropist and writer. Besides concocting effective drugs and treatments for numerous ailments, he implemented reform in several prisons, insane asylums, education, and sewage and road systems in London. He also introduced to many plants from around the world now common...
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Citation: Ayres, Brenda. "Jessie Fothergill". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 19 July 2010 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=12806, accessed 09 June 2026.]
