"He
did more good in his time than almost any other of his contemporaries" |
The
Times
24 April 1911 |
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From
a humble home in a little Cornish village he became a City journalist,
MP for Salisbury, Editor of a leading London newspaper, life-long
champion of the working classes and is remembered as being a Benefactor
Extraordinary ( R S Best 1981)
|
In
just 14 years over 70 major buildings were established as a direct
result of bequests from John Passmore Edwards as well as many
other gifts and donations to further their good work. Hospitals,
Libraries, Schools, Convalescent Homes and Art galleries were
provided, many of which continue to serve the community to which
they were given. |
In
his "English Philanthropy 1660-1960" the social
historian David Owen says "Amongst
the late Victorian philanthropists, Passmore Edwards will survive
critical examination better than most. Not only were his motives
beyond reproach.. but his benefactions expressed deeply held and
intelligent convictions about conditions of progress in his society". |
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