Maria Hackett

Maria Hackett (14 November 1783 – 5 November 1874) was an English philanthropist. She took an interest in the welfare of choristers starting at those at St Paul's Cathedral. When she died she was recognised as "The Chorister's Friend".

Early life Hackett was born in Birmingham in 1783. Her parents were Grace and Joseph Hackett, but her father died when she was four and her stepfather was Samuel Capper. He too died in 1790 and her mother moved her and her half brothers to London. There they were taken in by her stepfather's brother, George Capper. There was still no action so she decided to take the matter to court. Hackett and George Capper realised that the cost of the court case was too large and she had to withdraw.

In 1835-36, a campaign was launched to save the ancient hall of Crosby Hall in London, which had begun to show signs of decay. A Committee chaired by Alderman W. T. Copeland, M.P., then Lord Mayor of London raised a small sum. However, the majority of the funds needed were provided by Hackett, who took over the lease at her expense. Hackett assumed all liabilities, oversaw the laying of stones for an adjoining council chamber, and funded the removal of the inserted floor.

Death and legacy Hackett died, aged 90, where she was living in Hackney on 5 November 1874 and was buried in Highgate Cemetery. She was known as "The Chorister's Friend" St Paul's Cathedral celebrated the 150th anniversary of her death in November 2024 with a dramatisation of her campaign for choristers' rights.