Samuel Barnett (reformer)

Samuel Augustus Barnett ( born February 8, 1844 in Bristol, † June 17, 1913 ) was a British social reformer and Anglican clergyman. He is considered a pioneer of community work.

After his ordination Barnett went with his wife Henrietta in London's East End, prevailed in the terrible housing conditions. There he founded in 1884, the University branch Toynbee Hall. This came from the educated upper classes in direct contact with the poor. Barnett followed the basic idea that the causes of poverty and social injustice can only be fought with the persons concerned. Toynbee Hall was the starting point of the international settlement movement. The American social reformer Jane Addams took over soon after this concept and initiated the Hull House in Chicago.

After priest stations at Oxford and Cambridge Barnett in 1906 canon of Westminster Abbey.

Writings (selection )

• Practicable Socialism: Essays on Social Reform, 1888 ( with Henrietta Barnett )
• Towards Social Reform, 1909 ( with Henrietta Barnett ).