Papers of Isobel Denby

The archive consists of entitled 'Unconventional Talks with a Modern DD' this typescript collated letters and reflections spanning 1905-1911 and was published in 1912. Addressed to a friend who was a clergyman (DD = Doctor of Divinity) the letters are critical of the Church's teaching with regard to women: in addition to suggesting revision of the Marriage Service they recommended reconsideration of women's place in the economic system and role within the Church Ministry. The letters show that after a woman friend had been deputized to cool the relationship, Isobel said farewell to her 'mentor' in Feb 1911.

Isobel Denby (fl. 1905-1912) was an author active at the end of the nineteenth century. She appears to have undertaken a correspondence with a clergyman from 1905 to 1911. From this emerges a woman who is critical of the contemporary teaching of the Church of England on women. She specifically suggests revisions to the marriage service and advances thoughts on the role of women in the economic system of the time and in the ministry. The intense intellectual relationship between the author and the clergyman seems to have been ended in 1911 through the intervention of a female friend and the correspondence was published the following year as 'Unconventional Talks with a Modern DD Letters Sent and Unsent'.

This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.

Unknown. Deposited c.1980 which is when the original list appears to date from. [Fawcett Library Accession Registers to be checked]

Fonds Description (1 folder only)