The Armitt Sisters

The Armitt Sisters, who were Sophia, Annie Marie and Mary Louisa, were born and raised in Manchester. However, in 1886 they moved to the Lakes, first to Hawkshead and then to Rydal. These sisters devoted themselves to serving the local community, writing, teaching, lecturing and encouraging students. Their writing and interests covered a wide range of literary, artistic and scientific subjects.

The sisters were friendly with John Ruskin, Charlotte Mason, Frances Arnold, Cannon Hardwicke Rawnsley, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter. Mary Louisa, in her will, bequeathed resources to start a reference library and museum. This was the start of The Armitt Museum in Ambleside.

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