John Bright

Date of Birth: November 16, 1811

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 27, 1889

Biography

John Bright was a prominent British politician and one of the most influential figures of the 19th century. He was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, and became known for his powerful oratory and strong commitment to social reform. Bright was a leading advocate for free trade, co-founding the Anti-Corn Law League with Richard Cobden, which successfully campaigned for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. He was also a staunch opponent of the Crimean War and a supporter of the American Union during the Civil War. Bright served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies during his career, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Birmingham Central. His efforts in advocating for parliamentary reform, free trade, and peace earned him a lasting legacy as a champion of liberal values and social progress.

5 Interesting Facts about John Bright

1. John Bright was a Quaker, which influenced his strong stance on social justice and peace.

2. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Reform Act of 1867, which significantly expanded the electorate.

3. Bright was an ardent supporter of education reform and played a part in the establishment of the University of Birmingham.

4. He refused several offers of knighthood and peerage, preferring to remain a commoner.

5. Bright’s speeches were widely published and read, making him one of the most well-known orators of his time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Bright

1. “Force is not a remedy.”

2. “The angel of death has been abroad throughout the land; you may almost hear the beating of his wings.”

3. “I am for ‘peace, retrenchment, and reform,’ the watchword of the great Liberal Party thirty years ago.”

4. “Popular education is the only guarantee, the only foundation, which can make the machinery of representative government work safely and work beneficially.”

5. “I have always felt that the true grandeur of nations is in the moral and intellectual development of their people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no specific record of John Bright’s net worth. As a politician committed to social reform, he was not known for accumulating significant personal wealth.

Children

John Bright had seven children with his first wife, Elizabeth Priestman Bright. Their children included: 1. William Leatham Bright, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Member of Parliament. 2. John Albert Bright, who also pursued a career in politics and served as an MP. 3. Helen Bright Clark, who was active in women’s rights and social reform movements.