Bertha Ronge

Life & Legacy

Bertha Ronge (born Meyer; 25 April 1818 – 18 April 1863) was a German education activist. She was involved in the causes of childhood education, women's education and religious freedom. She established the kindergarten movement in England, where she founded the first three kindergartens in London (1851, with the assistance of her sister Margarethe Schurz), Manchester (1859) and Leeds (1860). She followed the precepts of Friedrich Fröbel, who advocated the use of structured play activities to promote learning. Bertha Ronge was largely responsible for Fröbel's kindergarten concept gaining a foothold in England.