Hill, Octavia
Hill, Octavia, ok TAY vee uh (1838-1912), was a British housing reformer. She believed that housing conditions could be improved only if those living in poorer homes were helped to appreciate finer things. She served on the Central Council of the Charity Organisation Society and the Royal Commission on the Poor Laws. Hill emphasized personal relationships, businesslike practices, and self-help. A believer in beauty and recreation, she did much to establish and preserve London's "green belt" of parks and playgrounds.