10 fun and interesting William Wilberforce facts

1. Passionate Social Reformer

William Wilberforce, a prominent British politician, underwent a dramatic transformation in 1785 when he converted to evangelical Christianity. This momentous decision had a profound impact on his life and career, as he became a passionate advocate for social reform and the abolition of slavery. His newfound faith inspired him to dedicate his life to the service of others, and he soon became a leader in the anti-slavery movement. His tireless efforts eventually led to the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, which abolished slavery in the British Empire.

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2. The man who abolished the Slave Trade

For an incredible 26 years, William Wilberforce was at the forefront of the campaign to abolish the Slave Trade of 1807. His tireless efforts and dedication to the cause saw him become a symbol of the anti-slavery movement, and his legacy lives on to this day. His work was finally rewarded in 1807 when the Slave Trade Act was passed, finally bringing an end to the abhorrent practice of slavery.

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3. The Movie That Inspired Millions to Fight Slavery

The 2006 film "Amazing Grace" tells the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, the British politician who fought tirelessly against the slave trade in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wilberforce's efforts, which spanned over two decades, eventually led to the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire. The film, which stars Ioan Gruffudd as Wilberforce, follows his journey from a young Member of Parliament to a leader of the abolitionist movement. It is a powerful reminder of the courage and determination of one man to make a difference in the world.

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4. The life of William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce's legacy was so great that his two sons, Robert Isaac Wilberforce and Samuel Wilberforce, felt compelled to document his life in a five-volume biography published in 1838. This comprehensive work detailed his life from his birth in 1759 to his death in 1833, and included his many accomplishments, such as his successful campaign to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. The biography was a testament to Wilberforce's lasting impact on the world and his sons' admiration for their father.

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5. British Politician & Philanthropist Dies

William Wilberforce, the British politician and philanthropist, passed away only days after he had heard the news of the passing of the abolition of slavery. His death was a bittersweet moment for the anti-slavery movement, as Wilberforce had been a tireless advocate for the cause for over forty years. His efforts had finally paid off, but he was not able to witness the fruits of his labor. Wilberforce's legacy lives on, however, as he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the fight against slavery.

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6. MP at 21!

At the tender age of 21, William Wilberforce was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull, a city in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. This was a remarkable achievement for someone so young, and it marked the beginning of a long and successful political career for Wilberforce. He would go on to become a prominent figure in the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire, and his legacy lives on to this day.

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7. Denied Ministerial Role by Eye Problems?

William Wilberforce, the renowned British politician and abolitionist, suffered from chronic eye problems throughout his life, which may have been the reason he was not offered a ministerial position by his friend William Pitt the Younger, who became Prime Minister in 1783. Wilberforce's eye problems were so severe that he was often unable to read or write for long periods of time, and he was forced to rely on his friends and family to help him with his work. Despite this, Wilberforce was still able to make a significant impact on British politics, and his efforts to abolish the slave trade were instrumental in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

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8. A Legend in British Politics

William Wilberforce was a prominent figure in British politics, and his legacy lives on today. He was instrumental in bringing two bills forward that were passed - the first reducing the sentence for women convicted of treason, and the second permitting the dissection of dead rapists, arsonists and thieves. This was a major step forward in the fight for justice and equality, and Wilberforce's efforts have had a lasting impact on the criminal justice system in the UK.

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9. The Passionate Advocate for Animal Rights

William Wilberforce was a passionate advocate for animal rights, and was a key figure in the founding of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). He was a driving force behind the passing of the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, which was the first legislation in the world to regulate the use and treatment of animals. Wilberforce's efforts to protect animals from abuse and neglect were instrumental in changing the way animals were viewed and treated in the 19th century.

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10. Abolition Hero

William Wilberforce was born into a wealthy family, but his fortune was greatly increased after the passing of his uncle and grandfather in 1776 and 1777. This inheritance allowed him to become one of the wealthiest men in England, and enabled him to pursue his lifelong passion of fighting for the abolition of the slave trade.