Matilda Sharpe

Matilda Sharpe (4 April 1830 – 30 April 1916) was a British writer, teacher, educational reformer and painter. She founded what is now Channing School.

Life

She was the daughter of Sarah Sharpe, an artist, and Samuel Sharpe who was a banker and an Egyptologist. Her parents were Unitarian, rich and cousins.

In Highgate in north London, she founded Channing House School (after Robert Spears' idea) and a Unitarian Chapel in Despard Road. She devoted most of her energy and her money to the school. She believed in education for all and taxing the rich to pay for it. She was keen on homilies and published books of these and a book of poetry.

Selected publications Old favourites from the elder poets, with a few newer friends. A selection by M. Sharpe. Williams and Norgate, London, 1881. Second revised edition, Methuen, 1912. An anthology of nine women poets, particularly Anna Laetitia Barbauld. Never forget: A collection of precepts. Griffith & Farran, London, 1890. The journey to paradise, or, flight of the soul to its maker. A heavenly day dream set down by Matilda Sharpe. Christian Life Office, London, 1899.