Born: October 9, 1848 (Woolaston, Gloucestershire)
Biography:
Laura Ormiston Chant was an English social reformer, women’s rights activist, and writer. She was born on October 9, 1848, in Woolaston, Gloucestershire, to Francis William Dibbin, a civil engineer, and Sophia Ormiston, who managed a girls institution. Growing up in a family that valued education, Chant was encouraged to pursue her passions and develop her intellect. However, her chosen profession as a nurse would lead to her estrangement from her father, who did not approve.
In 1871, Chant became a governess but soon realized that her true calling was in nursing. Despite her father’s disapproval, she pursued a career in this field and worked as a nursing sister in the Sophia Wards of the London Hospital. This role allowed her to directly care for and support those in need. Her dedication to her patients and her desire to improve healthcare practices became evident during her time at the London Hospital.
On September 13, 1877, Chant married Thomas Chant, a medical professional. Together, they had four children named Thomas, Emmeline, Olive, and Ethel. Despite her familial responsibilities, Chant continued her activism and advocacy for social change. She was a prolific writer and lecturer, addressing topics such as social purity, temperance, and women’s rights.
Chant’s published works included pamphlets, hymns, a novel, and a book of poetry. Her writings reflected the tensions that characterized feminism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. She eloquently articulated the challenges faced by women during that time and advocated for their rights and autonomy.
One of Chant’s most notable reform efforts was her protest against music halls as hubs of vice and immorality. In 1894, she openly criticized the Empire Theatre of Varieties in Leicester Square, London, for its immoral content and the presence of prostitution. Chant attended a licensing meeting of the London County Council, where she passionately expressed her grievances with the theater’s practices.
Beyond her work as a nurse and writer, Chant also engaged in social reform efforts beyond the borders of England. In 1897, she and six other English nurses traveled to Crete to provide aid and supplies during the Greco-Turkish War. Their selfless efforts earned Chant the Red Cross of Greece from the Royal Family of Greece as a recognition of her humanitarian work.
Chant also journeyed to Bulgaria to offer assistance to Armenian refugees who had survived the 1894-1896 Hamidian massacres. Her dedication to providing aid and support in times of crisis showcased her strong moral compass and compassion for those suffering.
Laura Ormiston Chant’s life was characterized by her tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable society. She dedicated herself to nursing, social reform, and writing, using her voice and influence to advocate for women’s rights and address issues of morality and social justice. Her commitment to fighting for what she believed in left a lasting impact and cemented her reputation as a helper of many. Chant’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women to this day.
Awards:
– Red Cross of Greece (1897)