In 1817, Elizabeth Fry founded the Association for the Improvement of the Female Prisoners in Newgate, a women's prison in Newgate, England. The group was formed to improve the lives of female prisoners. In 1818, Fry testified on prison conditions before the House of Commons. Her words and work influenced others to form similar organizations throughout England and Ireland. A stone cottage was later named in recognition of her service to improve women's lives; it was constructed in 1922 and served as one of six classrooms and dormitories that housed students of Ellis College.