Cambridge, Alice (1762–1829), preacher, was born 1 January 1762 in Bandon, Co. Cork, of a presbyterian mother and anglican father, of whom no further details are known. She was brought up in the established church. Though she completed her formal education at an early age, she read widely in subsequent years. After the death of her mother (1780), she underwent an emotional crisis which resulted in her attending methodist services in Bandon. After her conversion she broke off her engagement with her fiancé, and started praying and preaching locally. In time she received invitations to speak in Kinsale and Youghal, Co. Cork, and Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Opposition to her work grew within the ranks of the methodist movement, and she wrote to John Wesley (qv) for guidance. In his reply, dated 31 January 1791, he endorsed her role as a preacher, while advising her not to preach at the same time as her male counterparts in case she would ‘draw away’ their congregations. Significantly he also added that she should ‘avoid the first appearance of pride or magnifying herself’ (Memorable women, 196). In the summer of 1798 she addressed soldiers and their families at Charles Fort, Kinsale, where she was said to have moved many to tears.

https://www.dib.ie/biography/cambridge-alice-a1403