Elizabeth Fry was born in 1780. When she grew up, she married a rich London merchant and could have led the life of a rich young lady about town.

However, this sort of life did not appeal to Elizabeth. As a Christian, she was more concerned about other people, especially people whom others hated. Elizabeth started by visiting Newgate prison in London. At that time, prisons were filthy places, full of crime and disease. This was not a place for a respectable, rich lady.

On her first visit to Newgate, she was shown to the women's cell. She entered the cell alone as the guard was too scared to go in with her. Elizabeth was shocked by what she saw. Women and children in filthy rags huddled in a dark, stinking room. Picking up a child, Elizabeth quietly began to speak to the prisoners. Amazingly, they began to listen. Elizabeth told them of her idea to start a school in the prison. Then she told them a Bible story and said a prayer.

On her next visit, the prisoners agreed to starting a school. Elizabeth and some prisoners who could read and sew were the teachers. Classes were held every day and began with prayers and a reading from the Bible.

After a while, the guards noticed how many of the prisoners had changed for the better. The prison governor asked Elizabeth if she had any other ideas to help improve the prison. Elizabeth wrote down her ideas. Soon, not only Newgate, but most prisons in Great Britain, France and other countries, were using Elizabeth's ideas. In these prisons, the prisoners were treated properly.

Today many Christians visit prisons to tell the prisoners about Jesus' love for them and to help them to change their lives.