William Cobbett

Date of Birth: March 9, 1763

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 18, 1835

Biography

William Cobbett was an influential English pamphleteer, farmer, journalist, and Member of Parliament who was born on March 9, 1763, in Farnham, Surrey, England. He is best known for his efforts to reform the political system in England and for his passionate advocacy for the rights of the rural poor. Cobbett’s early life was marked by hard work on his father’s farm, but he left home at the age of 21 to join the British Army. His experiences in the military, particularly in Canada, sparked his interest in politics and reform. Upon returning to England, Cobbett became a prolific writer and began publishing “Cobbett’s Weekly Political Register,” which became one of the most influential newspapers of the time. His writings were often critical of the government and the economic policies that he believed were harming the working class. Cobbett’s calls for reform were instrumental in the eventual passage of the Reform Act of 1832, which expanded the electorate and made the British parliamentary system more representative. Cobbett’s political career saw him serving as a Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 until his death in 1835. He continued to write and advocate for social and political reform throughout his life, leaving a legacy as one of the most important voices for change in early 19th-century England.

5 Interesting Facts about William Cobbett

1. William Cobbett was originally a farmer’s son and worked on his family’s farm before joining the British Army.

2. He fled to France to avoid prosecution for criticizing the British government but had to return due to the French Revolution.

3. Cobbett was jailed for two years in 1810 for libel after criticizing the government’s treatment of French prisoners of war.

4. He was a strong advocate for parliamentary reform, which contributed to the passage of the Reform Act of 1832.

5. Cobbett’s book “Rural Rides” is considered a classic of English literature, providing a vivid account of rural life in early 19th-century England.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Cobbett

1. “The power of taxing people and their property is essential to the very existence of government.”

2. “To be poor and independent is very nearly an impossibility.”

3. “It is by attempting to reach the top at a single leap that so much misery is caused in the world.”

4. “When the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.”

5. “Recollection is the only paradise from which we cannot be turned out.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Cobbett did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was primarily known for his influence and contributions to political reform rather than personal financial success.

Children

William Cobbett and his wife Anne Reid had seven children: William, John, James Paul, Anne, Eleanor, Susan, and Sophia. His children were involved in various capacities in his publishing and political activities.