Priscilla Wakefield

Rosy Aindow (University of Nottingham); Revised By: Janine McVeagh (Independent Scholar - Asia-Pacific)
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Priscilla Wakefield (1751-1832) was the best-selling author of 18 books for children, young women and adults published under her own name, as well as several others published under a pseudonym or anonymously. She was the founder of three savings banks, one of which became the Post Office Savings Bank and was a philanthropist, abolitionist and activist in several other fields, particularly education for girls.

Priscilla Bell was born in Stamford Bridge, near London, to Quaker parents Daniel and Catherine Bell (nee Barclay), on January 31st, 1751. Daniel Bell was a coal merchant and the family was comfortably off. Catherine Bell’s father was the banker David Barclay, and her grandfather the Quaker apologist Robert Barclay (1648- 1690). Priscilla was the eldest of ten children, eight girls

1796 words

Citation: Aindow, Rosy, Janine McVeagh. "Priscilla Wakefield". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 April 2006; last revised 23 October 2015. [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=4573, accessed 19 March 2024.]

4573 Priscilla Wakefield 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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