Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon

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BLSB 's literary work emerged from her convictions as a feminist. Her accounts of women's political, legal, and educational disabilities (in lectures, pamphlets, and an important periodical) played a crucial role in mid-Victorian legal reform and the campaigns for improved employment and educational opportunities for women. She also published a travel diary.
Black and white photograph of Barbara Bodichon in profile, looking towards the right. Her hair is pulled back in a bun, with some part in a single plait. She is wearing a white blouse with a ruffled neckline, and a black jacket with buttons.

Milestones

8 April 1827

Barbara Leigh Smith , later BLSB , was born out of wedlock at Watlington in Sussex, the eldest child of five.
Herstein, Sheila R. A Mid-Victorian Feminist: Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon. Yale University Press.
1, 15

1854

Barbara Leigh Smith (later BLSB ) anonymously published a pamphlet entitled A Brief Summary in Plain Language of the Most Important Laws Concerning Women.
Bodichon, Barbara Leigh Smith. A Brief Summary in Plain Language of the Most Important Laws Concerning Women. John Chapman.
title page

1872

BLSB published Reasons for and Against the Enfranchisement of Women, an enlarged and revised version of her earlier essay.
Herstein, Sheila R. A Mid-Victorian Feminist: Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon. Yale University Press.
166

11 June 1891

BLSB died, following a third major stroke.
Herstein, Sheila R. A Mid-Victorian Feminist: Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon. Yale University Press.
189

Biography

Birth and Family

8 April 1827

Barbara Leigh Smith , later BLSB , was born out of wedlock at Watlington in Sussex, the eldest child of five.
Herstein, Sheila R. A Mid-Victorian Feminist: Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon. Yale University Press.
1, 15

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