Date of Birth: July 5, 1849
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: April 15, 1912
Biography
William Thomas Stead was a pioneering British journalist and editor born on July 5, 1849, in Embleton, Northumberland, England. He is often credited with revolutionizing the field of investigative journalism and is considered one of the most significant figures in the development of the modern British press. Stead began his career in journalism at a young age, working for the *Northern Echo* in Darlington. By 1871, he became the editor of the newspaper, where he gained recognition for his progressive views and investigative reporting. In 1880, he moved to London to join the *Pall Mall Gazette*, where he became the editor in 1883. Stead was known for his sensationalist and crusading journalism, often focusing on social justice issues. One of his most famous campaigns was the “Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon,” a series of articles published in 1885 that exposed child prostitution in London. This series led to the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, raising the age of consent from 13 to 16. Stead’s career was marked by both acclaim and controversy. He advocated for the use of journalism as a tool for social reform and was also involved in the early peace movement. His life was tragically cut short when he perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, while en route to the United States for a peace conference.
5 Interesting Facts about William Thomas Stead
1. William Thomas Stead is credited with pioneering investigative journalism and was one of the first to use sensationalist reporting to drive social change.
2. He was instrumental in the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which raised the age of consent in the UK from 13 to 16.
3. Stead was a spiritualist and believed in communication with the dead, often participating in séances.
4. He was an early advocate for world peace and was traveling to the United States to attend a peace conference when he died on the RMS Titanic.
5. Stead founded the Review of Reviews, a monthly publication that summarized content from various other periodicals, in 1890.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Thomas Stead
1. “The press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours.”
2. “If the United Kingdom were to disappear tomorrow, the only trace of her existence would be found in the newspapers.”
3. “It is impossible to overestimate the power for good or evil of the press.”
4. “The way to make the world better is not to keep it as it is, but to change it.”
5. “A newspaper is a weapon in the hands of an able man.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
William Thomas Stead’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to journalism were priceless.
Children
William Thomas Stead had three children: Estelle Stead, a notable writer and spiritualist; William George Stead; and Henry Stead.
Relevant Links
1. [William Thomas Stead – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Thomas_Stead
2. [William Thomas Stead – Spartacus Educational](http://spartacus-educational.com/Jstead.htm
4. [The W.T. Stead Resource Site](http://www.attackingthedevil.co.uk/
