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

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

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Buxton Memorial Fountain

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

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Gilt of Cain - Slave trade

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

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Holy Trinity Clapham - Clapham Sect

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

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Holy Trinity Clapham - Wilberforce

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

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