C. P. Scott

Date of Birth: October 26, 1846

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 1, 1932

Biography

Charles Prestwich Scott, commonly known as C. P. Scott, was an influential British journalist, publisher, and politician. Born on October 26, 1846, in Bath, Somerset, England, Scott became renowned for his long association with The Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian), which he edited for nearly 57 years. He was a staunch advocate of liberal causes and championed the values of social justice and freedom of the press. Scott attended Hove House and Clapham Grammar School before going on to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he studied classics. After graduating in 1869, he joined The Manchester Guardian in 1871, initially as a reporter. By 1872, he had become the editor. Under his stewardship, the newspaper gained a reputation for its rigorous journalism and commitment to truth. In addition to his journalistic career, Scott was also involved in politics. He served as a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Leigh from 1895 to 1906. Scott was deeply influenced by his Unitarian faith, which shaped his worldview and ethical stance on many issues. C. P. Scott continued to influence The Manchester Guardian even after stepping down as editor in 1929, with his family maintaining ownership and his legacy enduring within the organization. He passed away on January 1, 1932, leaving behind a lasting imprint on British journalism and the liberal political landscape.

5 Interesting Facts about C. P. Scott

1. C. P. Scott edited The Manchester Guardian for nearly 57 years, making him one of the longest-serving editors in British journalism history.

2. Under Scott’s leadership, The Manchester Guardian became known for its integrity, independence, and commitment to progressive causes.

3. Scott’s famous editorial in 1921, marking the centenary of The Manchester Guardian, included the maxim, “Comment is free, but facts are sacred.”

4. He was a Liberal Member of Parliament for Leigh from 1895 to 1906.

5. Scott was instrumental in securing the financial independence of The Manchester Guardian by purchasing the newspaper in 1907.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from C. P. Scott

1. “Comment is free, but facts are sacred.”

2. “The voice of opponents no less than that of friends has a right to be heard.”

3. “A newspaper’s primary office is the gathering of news. At the peril of its soul it must see that the supply is not tainted.”

4. “Nothing but good can come from the free expression of opinion.”

5. “The newspaper is not an organ of government. On the contrary, it is what in modern parlance is called an oppositionist in politics.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Specific net worth figures for C. P. Scott are not well-documented, but he was financially secure enough to purchase The Manchester Guardian in 1907, ensuring its independence.

Children

C. P. Scott had five children. His son, Edward Taylor Scott, succeeded him as editor of The Manchester Guardian. His other children were Lawrence Scott, Madeline Scott, John Scott, and Catherina Scott.