| Description | This collection contains papers of Edith Ramsay concerning her assistance to individuals and families around immigrant and housing issues in Stepney and Whitechapel area. The archive is an important source about Black presence in Tower Hamlets. There are case files on migrants (particularly seamen) from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia. Papers also cover other communities including Jewish, Irish and Scottish.
There are also records on adult education and local history, with articles, newspaper cuttings and her involvement with the media. The papers also provide rich material on contemporary concerns about vice in Stepney, especially prostitution, drug taking and cafes and clubs.
Some files contain personal information which relates to individuals who may be living. Identifiable personal information in title and description in this catalogue has therefore been redacted.
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| AdminHistory | Edith Ramsay was born in Highgate in 1895, where her father was the first minister of the local Presbyterian Church. After attending the North London Collegiate School and then the University of London she moved to Stepney to teach at the Old Castle Street Day Continuation School.
At the same time she stayed at local women's hostels to better understand some of the conditions found in the East End. She was appointed Head of Stepney Women's Evening Institute in 1931 and held the post until her retirement in 1960. In the 1950s she was very active in the campaign against vice (particularly prostitution) in the Metropolitan Borough of Stepney. During her time in Stepney she undertook voluntary social work, helping children, alcoholics and immigrants. She was concerned with the conditions of colonial seamen and served on a Colonial Office Advisory Committee. She was awarded MBE in 1947.
Edith Ramsay was elected to Stepney Borough Council as a Labour member, 1945-48, as an independent, 1959-62, and as a Liberal member, 1962-65. A devoted Christian, popular and greatly trusted, she was welcomed at churches of all denominations, synagogues and mosques.
In 1977 Ramsay lived at 2 Gwynne House, Turner Street, Whitechapel.
For further background see her own recollections in 'Life in Stepney' and 'Christmas Letters' (references: P/RAM/5/9-10).
Also see 'Edith and Stepney: The Life of Edith Ramsay'' by Bertha Sokoloff, library reference L8517, 100 SOK |
| CustodialHistory | These records were donated by Edith Ramsay. Papers formerly referenced STE/660 were donated in November 1978 and May 1979. Photographs were donated in 1978 and June 1980. |