Trailblazer 6️⃣: Faith Gray
Listen to Faith Gray's Story
About The Sculpture
Find me at: Grays Court Hotel
W3W: ///mixed.erase.dices
Nominated by: York St John
Designed by: Martha Beaumont
Faith Gray (1751-1826), born in York in, dedicated her life to improving the conditions of girls and women in York. Her legacy of compassion and social progress endured beyond her death, paving the way for future generations of women reformers.
Married to William Gray, a philanthropist and founder of Grays Solicitors, Faith was deeply committed to social reform. She established spinning and knitting schools to provide education, training, food, and clothing for young girls, enabling them to earn a small income. She also founded the York Female Friendly Society, offering mutual support during illness for working women.
Faith was instrumental in reforming Girls education in York, ensuring it provided proper schooling and vocational training. Active in the anti-slavery movement, she collaborated with notable figures like William Wilberforce and supported Hannah More’s social and educational activism.
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Explore all 17 York Trailblazers, discover how they influenced York's history, and learn about the artists who brought their stories to life.
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Get to know the talented artists behind the sculptures and see how they artfully integrated the trailblazers' lives onto the Tansy Beetle.
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What is the York Trailblazers Trail? How long will the trail take to complete? What will happen to the sculptures? And more FAQs!
CRESCENGO - The Jewels of York ▸
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Metalwork Creations ▸
Learn more about Tom Springett of Metalwork Creations, the production company behind the beetles, who bring a rich background of metalwork that has seen an international audience.
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Women and Diversity in Ancient and Tudor York ▸
An extra trail for those wanting to discover more inspiring women of York and the learn about the diversity of the city.
Discover the York Trailblazers: A Deep Dive into Their Stories ▸
This blog offers a deep dive into York Trailblazers sculpture trail, exploring the rich histories of Trailblazers like Anne Lister and W. H. Auden, and their lasting impact.