The Journal was established in 1858 by Barbara Bodichon, Matilda Mary Hays and Bessie Rayner Parkes,[2][3] with others, Bodichon being the major shareholder[4] and Samuel Courtauld also held shares.[5] Parkes was the chief editor with Hays.[1] Emily Davies (1830–1921) was editor of the Journal in 1863.[6]