William Wilberforce the Man: From university to politics
University Days
In 1776, aged 17, William Wilberforce entered St John's College at Cambridge University. He was a popular and lively student but didn't work hard. At least at first! Wilberforce said he was introduced to "as licentious a set of men as can well be conceived. They drank hard, and their conversation was even worse than their lives. I lived among them for some time, though I never relished their society."
William often went to the theatre, was a keen dancer and had a good singing voice. His university friends included William Cookson, who was William Wordsworth's uncle. And Edward Christian, whose brother, Fletcher Christian, led the mutiny on the Bounty!
At university, Wilberforce also met his lifelong friend and future Prime Minister, William Pitt. Their friendship grew when they began attending the House of Commons to watch politicians debate.
A career in politics
When Wilberforce graduated, he was keen to develop a career in politics. In 1780, at just 21, he became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hull. Later, in 1784, he became MP for Yorkshire – one of the largest constituencies in Britain.
The 1807 Yorkshire election was a bitter fight between Lascelles, Wilberforce and Milton. Nineteenth-century political life was lively, and many cartoon pamphlets ridiculed their characters.
Wilberforce held office in Parliament for over 40 years and held office as MP for Hull with Lord Manners. James Boswell, the writer, saw Wilberforce speak in York during a political debate. Boswell called Wilberforce a "shrimp" due to his small size. But when he spoke, Boswell said, "It was as if the shrimp had become a whale."
Wilberforce was known for his pleasant speaking voice in Parliament. A voice that earned him the nickname the Nightingale of the Commons.
William Wilberforce c.1790
A social campaigner
Wilberforce became involved in many social campaigns during his career. In 1796, he was a founding member of The Society for The Bettering the Condition and Increasing the Comfort of the Poor. Wilberforce also helped set up the Bible Society. And in 1824, he attended the first meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known as the RSPCA).
However, Wilberforce is best remembered for two key campaigns. The first was the reformation of manners to stamp out drunkenness and licentiousness. The second was his involvement in the abolition of slavery