Person    | Male  Born 24/8/1759  Died 29/7/1833

William Wilberforce (abolitionist)

Politician, philanthropist and slavery abolitionist. Born in High Street, Hull. Entered parliament in 1780 and became a close ally of William Pitt the Younger. He converted to evangelical Christianity and campaigned against indecency and immorality, founding the 'Society for the Suppression of Vice' in 1802. A cartoon of the time shows him using his top hat to cover the genitals of the naked statue of Achilles in Hyde Park.  His son, also William, was in the dairy business but was so unsuccessful that William senior had to sell even his own home to repay his son's business debts.  A leading figure in the Clapham Sect, his fame rests on his campaign to abolish slavery in the British West Indies, which was achieved in 1807. He went on to try to secure a total abolition, that resulted in the Slavery Abolition Act, which was passed one month after his death at 44 Cadogan Place, Chelsea. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
William Wilberforce (abolitionist)

Commemorated ati

Buxton Memorial Fountain

Due to strong shadows it was only on our fourth visit that we managed to take...

Read More

Gilt of Cain - Slave trade

This sculpture, 'Gilt of Cain', was unveiled by Bishop Tutu in commemoration ...

Read More

Holy Trinity Clapham - Clapham Sect

The damage on this plaque is the result of WW2 bombs.

Read More

Holy Trinity Clapham - Wilberforce

William Wilberforce and 'the Clapham Sect' worshipped in this church. Their ...

Read More

Show all 8

Other Subjects

Marguerite Nabers "Wita" Harbert

Marguerite Nabers "Wita" Harbert

Marguerite Nabers Jones was born on 24 May 1923 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, USA, the younger child of Raymond McAdoo Jones (1889-1955) and Marguerite Jones née Nabers (1894-1987). Her...

Person, Benefactor, Philanthropy, USA

1 memorial
Sir Albert Levy

Sir Albert Levy

Founder of the Ardath Tobacco Company.  Honorary Treasurer at the Royal Free Hospital in 1926. See Lord Riddell.  Also helped fund the 1928 new extension for which the maternity section was named t...

Person, Commerce, Philanthropy, Germany

1 memorial
Samuel Morley

Samuel Morley

Born Well Street Hackney into a Nottingham family of wool/hosiery manufacturers and merchants. His father John, had come to London to set up an outlet for their products. Samuel went into the famil...

Person, Philanthropy, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Religion

3 memorials
Charles Booth

Charles Booth

Philanthropist and shipowner. Born 27 Bedford North Street, Liverpool. On his father's death he took control of the family shipping business and extended it to include steamships. Following his inv...

Person, Philanthropy, Social Welfare

2 memorials
Lee Rigby Foundation

Lee Rigby Foundation

A charity which was founded by Lyn and Ian Rigby after the murder of their son Fusilier Lee Rigby. It comprises a lodge where people can get away from the pressures of the outside world, and begin ...

Group, Philanthropy

1 memorial