From Shropshire to the World: Eglantyne Jebb’s Extraordinary Legacy
Discover how Eglantyne Jebb, born in Ellesmere, Shropshire, transformed global children’s rights and founded Save the Children.
Eglantyne Jebb was a British social reformer who founded the Save the Children organisation at the end of World War I to relieve the effects of famine in Austria-Hungary and Germany. Born in Ellesmere, Shropshire, in 1876, she sought to improve the lives of children facing starvation and hardship. Her impactful work led to the drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, adopted by the League of Nations in 1924. Jebb’s legacy continues today through the global efforts of Save the Children, making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.
A Visionary from Shropshire
Eglantyne Jebb’s story begins in the picturesque town of Ellesmere, Shropshire, where she was born on 25 August 1876. Growing up at “The Lyth”, her family’s nearby estate, Jebb was surrounded by a family with a strong social conscience and commitment to public service. This upbringing would shape her future endeavours and instil in her a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the world.
Education and Early Career
Jebb’s pursuit of knowledge led her to Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she read history from 1895 to 1898. Initially intending to become a school teacher, she taught for a year at St. Peter’s School, Marlborough. However, this experience convinced her that teaching was not her true calling. Undeterred, Jebb moved to Cambridge to care for her ailing mother, a decision that would ultimately set her on the path to becoming one of the most influential social reformers of her time.
Cambridge: The Crucible of Change
In Cambridge, Jebb’s passion for social reform began to take shape. Encouraged by Mary Marshall and Florence Keynes, she became involved with the Charity Organisation Society, which aimed to bring a modern scientific approach to charity work. This experience led her to conduct extensive research on urban conditions, culminating in the publication of “Cambridge, a Study in Social Questions” in 1906.
Jebb’s involvement in local politics and social initiatives grew rapidly. She was appointed to the Education Committee of Cambridge Borough Council in 1907 and played a crucial role in establishing employment registries for boys and girls. Her dedication to improving the lives of others was evident in every endeavour she undertook.
The Turning Point: World War I
As the First World War loomed, Jebb’s focus shifted to the international stage. Influenced by Charles Roden Buxton, she undertook a journey to Macedonia on behalf of the Macedonian Relief Fund in 1913. This experience opened her eyes to the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly children.
The Birth of Save the Children
The end of World War I brought new challenges, as the economies of Germany and Austria-Hungary teetered on the brink of collapse. Jebb and her sister Dorothy recognised the urgent need to help children suffering from the effects of war and the ongoing Allied blockade. In 1919, they established the “Fight the Famine Council” to pressure the British government to end the blockade.
Jebb’s unwavering commitment to this cause led to her arrest for distributing leaflets in Trafalgar Square. Undeterred, she paid the fine and continued her mission. On 15 April 1919, the Save the Children Fund was born, with the goal of raising money to support children in war-torn Europe.
A Global Movement Takes Shape
The success of the Save the Children Fund exceeded all expectations. Launched at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 19 May 1919, the organisation quickly raised substantial funds from the British public. This overwhelming support inspired Jebb and her sister to expand their vision, leading to the creation of the International Save the Children Union in Geneva in 1920.
Jebb’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the organisation’s professional approach. She recruited Lewis Golden as manager, who implemented innovative fundraising strategies, including full-page advertisements in national newspapers. This bold approach proved highly effective, generating significant income for the Fund’s vital work.
Responding to Global Crises
As the immediate needs in central Europe began to subside, Save the Children turned its attention to new crises. The organisation played a crucial role in addressing the refugee crisis in Greece and the surrounding areas, a consequence of ongoing conflicts in the region. In 1921, an even greater challenge emerged: the Russian famine. Save the Children responded swiftly, delivering 600 tons of food and medical supplies to the affected areas.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child
Perhaps Jebb’s most enduring legacy is the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, also known as the Declaration of Geneva. In 1923, as the Russian relief effort was winding down, Jebb turned her attention to the broader issue of children’s rights. She drafted a concise yet powerful document that asserted the rights of children and the duty of the international community to prioritise their well-being.
The Declaration was adopted by the League of Nations in 1924, marking a significant milestone in the global recognition of children’s rights. This groundbreaking document would later serve as a foundation for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989.
A Life of Purpose and Passion
Throughout her life, Jebb remained dedicated to her cause, despite facing personal challenges. She struggled with ill health due to a thyroid problem, undergoing three operations for goitre. Despite these setbacks, she continued to work tirelessly for the betterment of children’s lives.
Jebb’s personal life was marked by a deep and loving relationship with Margaret Keynes, sister of the renowned economist Maynard Keynes. Their extensive correspondence reveals a desire to build a life together, though their relationship ended with Margaret’s marriage in 1913.
The Final Chapter
Eglantyne Jebb passed away on 17 December 1928 in a nursing home in Geneva. She was initially buried in Saint George’s cemetery, with an epitaph featuring a quote from Matthew 25:40: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
In a tribute to her enduring impact, on 7 February 2024, the government of Geneva had her remains reburied at the Cimetière des Rois, considered the Genevan Panthéon, to honour her memory and her invaluable contributions to children’s rights.
A Legacy That Endures
Today, Save the Children remains a powerful force for good, continuing the work that Jebb began over a century ago. The organisation operates in more than 100 countries, providing essential services and support to millions of children in need. From emergency response to long-term development programmes, Save the Children embodies Jebb’s vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to survive, learn, and be protected.
Jebb’s influence extends far beyond the organisation she founded. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which she drafted, laid the groundwork for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989. This landmark treaty has been ratified by almost every country in the world, enshrining children’s rights in international law.
Remembering Eglantyne Jebb
Eglantyne Jebb’s contributions to social reform and children’s rights have not gone unrecognised. The Church of England commemorates her life and service annually on 17 December. In her hometown of Marlborough, a blue plaque honours her memory and her role in founding Save the Children.
For the people of Shropshire, Jebb’s story is a source of immense pride. Her journey from the quiet countryside of Ellesmere to the international stage of Geneva serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in the world. Jebb’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children, her innovative approach to charity work, and her visionary leadership continue to resonate with people around the globe.
As we reflect on Eglantyne Jebb’s remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of compassion, determination, and vision. Her work laid the foundation for a global movement that continues to transform the lives of millions of children. From the fields of Shropshire to the halls of the United Nations, Eglantyne Jebb’s impact is felt to this day, a lasting symbol of the enduring power of one person’s dedication to making the world a better place for all.
Bob Lynn / 14-Sep-2024
