| Administrative History | The Girls' Friendly Society is a charity founded by a group of Anglicans in 1875, led by Mary Elizabeth Townsend. The initial focus of the organisation was on young, unmarried mothers, especially working-class girls. However, it grew into a support network with a much broader remit. Originally, membership was restricted to girls aged twelve or over, but from 1882 those from the age of 8 could become "candidates", preparing for membership. As at 2016, the Society had 33 branches in the United Kingdom, working to "encourage friendship and understanding between females of different generations and cultural ethnicities". |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited in Derbyshire Record Office in August 1996. |