The Poor Child’s Friend

One of the 19th-century pioneers of education for the working class is emerging from neglect.

Pen Vogler | Published in 10 Feb 2015

Still remembered: Joseph Lancaster in an illustration from Our World’s Greatest Benefactors, 1888.

Joseph Lancaster, a man of modest background and education, was responsible for transforming education for the poor in the early 19th century. His ebullience, generosity and vision helped change the lives of millions of children and, ultimately, ruin his own.  

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