Sophia De Morgan 1809 – 1892
Spiritualist, social reformist.
10 November 1809 – 5 January 1892
Education
Taught philosophy and Hebrew by her father.
Some Key Achievements and Interests
1828 Started tutoring Ada Lovelace, Lady Byron’s daughter.
1835 On the committee of the Children’s Friend Society introduced by Lady Byron.
1849 Involved in the setting up of Ladies’ College acting as secretary to early meetings of the group.
1837 Campaigner for prison and workhouse reform when moved to St Pancras area. Heard accounts from the poor of the parish which disturbed her and propelled her to apply to visit the local workhouse. Refused visiting rights because a woman.
1854 Gained permission to visit the workhouse and set up committees of ladies to visit the wards and suggest improvements.
Active in anti-slavery and women’s suffrage.
Heavily involved in spiritualism as a healer and writer.
Connection to Bloomsbury
1831 Lived at 36 Tavistock Square before marriage.
1837-1844 Lived at 69 Gower Street with husband Augustus where they had their two sons.
Female Networks including
Elizabeth Fry, Elizabeth Jesser Reid, Lady Noel Byron.
Publications
1863 From Matter to Spirit: the result of ten years’ experience in spirit manifestations
1882 Augustus De Morgan (memoir of her husband)
1895 Threescore Years and Ten: Reminiscences of the late Sophia Elizabeth De Morgan, edited by Mary De Morgan.
Further reading:
Papers of Mrs De Morgan concerning the foundation of Bedford College. Papers of Mrs De Morgan | The National Archives
Women, the Workhouse and Victorian Philanthropy | University of London