Sarah Martin

Who was Sarah Martin?

Sarah Martin was a British philanthropist. She was born at Great Yarmouth; and lived in nearby Caister. She earned her living by dressmaking, and devoted much of her time amongst criminals in the Tollhouse Gaol in Great Yarmouth.

She took an interest in the prisoners' welfare and began visiting the gaol in 1818 to hold Sunday services to inspire the inmates to improve their lives. Martin offered practical help alongside spiritual advice and taught them how to read and write as well as make items like spoons and books, which they sold. The prisoners were able to develop a sense of purpose and pride, using their earnings to buy clothes.

After becoming very ill Sarah Martin died on 15 October 1843. Sarah Martin's monument can be found at the Parish church of St. Nicholas in Great Yarmouth.

A collection of her poems entitled Selections from the Poetical Remains of Miss S. Martin was published in 1845.

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Wood, James, ed.. "". The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.