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 …
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Citation: Aindow, Rosy, Janine McVeagh. "Priscilla Wakefield". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 April 2006; last revised 23 October 2015. [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=4573, accessed 21 November 2024.]