Edward Rudolf
1852 11th April Edward Rudolf was born in Lambeth, London. His younger years were not easy, but they revealed the determination and ability that served him well in later years, as the head of The Children's Society.Due to his father's failing eyesight, he became the family's main wage earner in his early teens, working as an office boy in a Blackfriars business. Unable to continue his schooling, he spent his spare time and money on teaching himself French, German, natural philosophy and mechanics.
1871 he passed the Civil Service's first open examinations and obtained a post in the Office of Works. He went on to become official private secretary to the First Commissioner, G J Shaw-Lefevre (later Lord Eversley), and to his successor, Lord Rosebery.
1881 Edward Rudolf founded The Children's Society and worked unceasingly to ensure its success. He was the prime mover in all its activities, arranging and attending fundraising events, encouraging supporters and setting up new children's homes. Despite doing all this, he visited the homes regularly and was very involved in planning for the children's care and monitoring their progress. Remarkably, he combined this activity with his Civil Service work until 1890.
1884 - 1893 His work for children was not confined to his own organisation.Over these nine years he was involved with Benjamin Waugh in the establishment and early work of the NSPCC. He also became an important campaigner for the welfare of children in political and social circles, giving evidence to numerous parliamentary committees, including Lord Shaftesbury's enquiry in 1885 into the plight of children employed by circuses, and contributing to press and conference debates on children's issues.
1890 Rudolf decided to concentrate solely on The Children's Society and become its first paid director.
1898 In later life, Rudolf became a clergyman. Rudolf was ordained as a deacon
1907 he was ordained as a priest.
1911 he was made a prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral.
1919 Rudolf remained at the heart of The Children's Society's affairs until 1919, when he retired because of poor health. He continued to serve on several committees for many years after.
1931 he received a formal accolade for his work when he was made a CBE. Later in the same year, the University of Oxford awarded him an honorary degree.
1933 Edward Rudolf died at the age of 81.
His life work stands as testimony to someone dedicated to helping children and young people.
