Lady Burdett-Coutts

Lady Burdett-Coutts, from the portrait by J. R. Swixton, at the Cancer Hospital, Brompton, 1871. 'This beneficent lady, so rich in good works, because her good will and spirit of mercy are equal to her large command of money, and are freely exercised for mankind, has long been known, and has long been greatly beloved in London as Miss Burdett-Coutts. The Queen, however, has lately persuaded her to accept the title of a Baroness, in order to allow the Crown an opportunity of testifying its approval of deeds like hers...Her portrait has now been engraved for this Journal, by special permission, after the one painted by Mr. James R. Swinton, which was presented by herself to the Cancer Hospital at Brompton, as a token of regard for that charitable institution...Miss Burdett-Coutts...has devoted herself to the foundation and furtherance of works of charity, benevolence, and philanthropy...She has built and endowed a handsome church and schools in Westminster...She has also been one of the most constant and most generous supporters of the metropolitan hospitals, and of other benevolent institutions; and she has founded schools, reformatories, penitentiaries, model lodging-houses for the working classes, and various special charities'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)