Gladys Aylward, English missionary and humanitarian (b. 1902)

Gladys May Aylward: A Legacy of Faith and Courage in China

Gladys May Aylward (24 February 1902 – 3 January 1970) was an extraordinary British-born evangelical Christian missionary whose unwavering faith and remarkable resilience left an indelible mark on 20th-century China. Her inspiring life story, marked by profound dedication to others, transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, earning her international recognition.

Aylward's journey to China was anything but conventional. Despite humble beginnings and a lack of formal qualifications that initially led to her rejection by the esteemed China Inland Mission, her deep conviction compelled her to self-fund her passage in 1932, embarking on an arduous overland train journey across Siberia. Her destination was Yangcheng, in China's remote Shanxi Province, a region then grappling with significant social and political upheaval.

Her Pioneering Work: The Inn of Eight Happinesses and Beyond

Upon arrival, Aylward, with the help of an experienced missionary named Jeannie Lawson, established "The Inn of Eight Happinesses." This was not merely a place for weary travelers; it served as a unique base for evangelism. By offering food and shelter, Aylward was able to share biblical stories with muleteers who frequently passed through, spreading her message along ancient trade routes. Her practical approach to ministry extended beyond the inn. She became a naturalized Chinese citizen and was appointed by the local mandarin as a "foot inspector," tasked with enforcing the new government ban on foot-binding, a deeply ingrained traditional practice that caused immense suffering to women. This role allowed her unparalleled access to remote villages and provided a unique platform for her ministry and social work. Additionally, she became a fervent advocate for orphaned and abandoned children, transforming the inn into a refuge and actively adopting several children herself, demonstrating her profound compassion.

The Epic Journey: Leading the "Hundred Children" to Safety

Perhaps the most defining chapter of Gladys Aylward's life unfolded during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). As the conflict intensified, placing civilians, especially children, in grave danger, Aylward undertook a perilous mission. In 1938, demonstrating immense bravery and resourcefulness, she led over one hundred orphaned children on an arduous journey across treacherous mountains, often under the cover of darkness and evading Japanese patrols, to a safer area behind Chinese Nationalist lines. This heroic 27-day trek, fraught with starvation, exhaustion, and constant peril, cemented her legend as "the small woman" with a mighty spirit. Her determination ensured the survival and safety of countless young lives, embodying her selfless commitment to those in her care.

From Biography to Silver Screen: The Small Woman and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

Aylward's compelling narrative garnered widespread attention, notably through the acclaimed 1957 biography, The Small Woman, penned by British author Alan Burgess. This book vividly recounted her extraordinary experiences and brought her remarkable story to a global audience. The book's success quickly led to its adaptation into the highly popular 1958 Hollywood film, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.

Starring the iconic Swedish-American actress Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Aylward and directed by Mark Robson, the film achieved significant commercial success and further popularized Aylward's story. Produced by Twentieth Century Fox, the movie garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. However, it is a well-documented fact that the film, while inspiring, took creative liberties with Aylward's life, including introducing a fictional romantic subplot and portraying Aylward as a more conventionally glamorous figure than she was in reality. Perhaps the most notable creative decision for cinematic purposes was the filming location: despite the story being set in China, the entire movie was shot in various scenic locations across North Wales and England, primarily in Snowdonia National Park, due to the logistical challenges and political climate of filming in China at the time.

Gladys Aylward's Enduring Legacy

After decades of dedicated service in China, Gladys Aylward eventually returned to Britain in 1949 due to ill health. However, her missionary spirit remained undimmed. She later moved to Hong Kong and then to Taiwan in 1958, where she established the Gladys Aylward Children's Home, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for orphaned children. Her life serves as a testament to courage, perseverance, and profound faith, inspiring generations to commit to humanitarian and missionary work across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gladys Aylward

Who was Gladys Aylward?

Gladys May Aylward (1902–1970) was a British evangelical Christian missionary who gained international fame for her dedicated work in China during the early to mid-20th century, particularly for her efforts in evangelism, anti-foot-binding advocacy, and the rescue of over a hundred orphaned children during wartime.

What was The Small Woman about?

The Small Woman is a biographical book written by Alan Burgess, published in 1957, that details the incredible life and adventures of Gladys Aylward, from her humble beginnings in London to her challenging and impactful missionary work in China, culminating in her heroic journey with the "hundred children."

What was The Inn of the Sixth Happiness about?

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is a 1958 Hollywood film starring Ingrid Bergman, based on Alan Burgess's book The Small Woman. It dramatically portrays Gladys Aylward's missionary work in China, her management of an inn for muleteers, her efforts to stop foot-binding, and her courageous leadership of orphaned children to safety during the Sino-Japanese War.

Was the film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness accurate?

While The Inn of the Sixth Happiness captures the essence of Gladys Aylward's spirit and her main accomplishments, it takes significant creative liberties for dramatic effect. Key inaccuracies include a fictional romantic storyline, a more glamorized portrayal of Aylward, and the fact that the entire film was shot in North Wales and England, not China.

Where was The Inn of the Sixth Happiness filmed?

Despite being set in China, the film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness was entirely filmed in various locations across North Wales and England, including areas within Snowdonia National Park, to simulate the rugged Chinese landscape. This decision was largely due to the political and logistical challenges of filming in China at the time.