Octavia Hill

Octavia Hill (Wisbech, 1838 - 1912) was an English social reformer, particularly concerned with the welfare of the inhabitants of cities, specifically London, in the second half of the 19th century. She worked closely with her sister Miranda Hill (1836-1910), who founded the Kyrle Society. They were both daughters of Mr James Hill and granddaughters of Dr Thomas Southwood Smith, the pioneer of sanitary reform.

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Hill was a moving force behind the development of social housing, including Council housing, and she also campaigned for the availability of open spaces for poor people, which resulted in the establishment of the National Trust. Both sisters worked for the preservation of open spaces.

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She knew a great many notable Victorian artists and writers. To give but one example; at a party at George MacDonald's house John Ruskin formally started off a large dance with Octavia Hill as his dancing partner. It was Ruskin who funded her first ventures in housing reform.

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She was influenced very much by the important theologian, anglican priest and social reformer Frederick Denison Maurice. His son Colonel Edmund Maurice edited her letters, which give a rather good insight into her life.

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A monument to Octavia Hill is to be found at a Surrey beauty spot, on the summit of a hill called Hydon Ball (now owned by the National Trust). Shortly after her death, the family erected a stone seat there, from which walkers can enjoy fine views over the Surrey countryside.

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In 1995, to mark the centenary of the National Trust, a rose was named in her honour.

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There is an Octavia Hill Society.

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Wisbech: Wisbech (pronounced wiz'-beach) is a town with a population of about 19,000 in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire. The River Nene runs through the centre of the town. The name means mouth of the (River) Ouse....

1838: 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar)....

1912: 1912 was a leap year starting on Monday....

Octavia Hill related Images and Photos (experimental)

Hill Oak	Hill Tree	Hill Tree	Hill Side I
Faith Hill: Fireflies	Faith Hill: Fireflies	Damon Hill	Grant Hill
Benny Hill	Benny Hill	Button Hill	Silent Hill