Elizabeth Rayner Belloc (née Parkes; 16 June 1829 – 23 March 1925)[2] was one of the most prominent English feminists and campaigners for women's rights in Victorian times and also a poet, essayist and journalist.

Unusually for girls of her background, Bessie was sent to a progressive Unitarian boarding school at age 11, a period of her life which she enjoyed.

Parkes' passion for writing stemmed from the cultured life she was exposed to as a child, as her parents were avid consumers of the arts.

[5] Parkes became gradually aware of the unjust, contradictory, and even absurd situation of women in Great Britain, though there were many differences according to the social class they belonged to.

"Ladies", that is to say middle-class women, lost social status if they earned money, the only acceptable exceptions being writing, painting, or teaching, which for the most part meant governessing.

Due in part to her efforts, by the close of the century, it became acceptable for a middle-class woman to acquire a proper education and train to do paid work.

[9] Parkes and her activist friends interacted with women in other countries of Europe and in the United States, adding a very considerable international dimension to their efforts.

Her most fruitful friendship was with Barbara Leigh Smith-Bodichon and Anna Mary Howitt, for out of their joint efforts grew the first organized women's movement in Britain.

[5] Parkes became the principal editor of the first feminist British periodical – the English Woman's Journal – published monthly in London between 1858 and 1864.

The press also printed The Transactions of the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science and other publications that were in line with the views of Parkes, Smith and their all female staff.

Comparing her earlier poetry to her later works, there are many Biblical references appearing while she was still a Unitarian, which only became more prominent as Parkes reached older age.

In 1902, Hilaire, married and the father of three children, applied for naturalisation in Britain; he gave as his residence 104 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London and his occupation as a staff Lecturer of the University of Oxford extension scheme.

[16] Bessie Rayner Parkes published fourteen books: poetry, essays, biography, memoirs, travel, and literature for children and adolescents, as well as a very effective booklet on women's rights and dozens of articles.