The desire to help others and get involved in society ran in the family. Katherine Lyttelton’s mother, Jane Stuart-Wortley was involved in numerous ventures to help others. One of these projects was the East London Nursing Society (ELNS).
The ELNS was established to provide trained nurses to care for the Sick Poor in their own homes in East London.
Following the death of Jane Stuart-Wortley many letters of condolence were sent to her daughter Katherine. One of these letters, sent by Percy Wigram on 5th February 1900, remembers Jane Stuart-Wortley’s part in founding the ELNS in 1868 and her role within it.
Wigram writes that the ELNS began when three individuals, which included Jane, came together over the issue of cholera. They agreed that nursing in general needed to be systemised and united to form the ELNS. Jane acted as treasurer for the society and Wigram suggests that her influence was invaluable; saying it no doubt encouraged Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein to become the society’s president. He also mentions that he believes her influence persuaded the Duke of Westminster to chair the meeting of the ELNS, which led to the formation of the Metropolitan and National Nursing Association.
Another letter was sent from Arthur W. Lacey, Secretary of the ELNS, to Katherine Lyttelton on 8th February 1900. This letter reports that the society unanimously remembered and was in debt to Jane Stuart-Wortley as one of those who laid the foundations of the society.