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Top 10 Surprising Facts about William Wilberforce

He was born on the 24^th of August 1759 in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.  Later in life, he married Barbara. Together they had four children.

Wilberforce studied at Hull Grammar school, St. John’s College, and Pocklington School.

William Wilberforce was a politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

He began his political career in 1780. These were his grandfather’s footsteps for he was a mayor.

To abolish the slave trade, he presented the bill in the House of Commons. He gave a three-hour speech against slavery in the parliament. He lead the campaigns for 26.

Other than slavery, he also presented other two bills. He suggested that sentences for women convicted of treason be reduced.

On the other hand, he requested permitting the dissection of dead rapists, arsonists, and thieves. All the bills passed.

His biography was compiled by different authors including his sons. The sons, Robert and Samuel wrote a five-volume biography about their father.

In addition, they helped in editing the other authors’ biography about him.

Unfortunately, he died on the 29^th of July, 1833 in Cadogan Place, London, United Kingdom.

1. Wilberforce was Against Slavery

He converted to evangelical Christianity where he met his spiritual counselor, and pastor, John Newton.

Before becoming a pastor, John Newton was a slave trader. This influenced Wilberforce to begin an anti-slave motions.

One of the powerful speeches in the house of common against slave trade was pushed by him. His motion had support from William Pitt and Charles Fox, who was Pitt’s rival.

2. Had Interest in Christianity Inspired by his Relatives

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After his father died, he was transferred to live with his aunt’s family. This was the period when England was witnessing a great religious revival.

However, he decided to start his spiritual journey from the aunt’s family were all believers.

He read The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul by Philip Doddridge. The content of the book affected him.

Later, he repented of his prior hedonistic lifestyle and resolved to devote the rest of his life to God’s service, becoming an Evangelical Christian.

3. He headed Campaigns against Slavery for 26 Years

He supported the campaign for the complete abolition of slavery. In addition, he headed it as well.

Even after resigning from the parliament, he continued with the involvement despite his failing health.

Moreover, he helped to found a society for the reformation manners namely the Proclamation Society.

It was meant for suppressing the publication of obscenity. He as well chaired the foundation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade. It was commonly referred to as the Anti-Slavery Society.

4. Amazing Grace is a Movie about Wilberforce

The movie was directed by Michael Apted. The screenplay was Steven Knight’s. It was produced by several producers as well as several production companies.

It has been awarded the Christopher Awards for Feature Films. 

In this movie, William Wilberforce is brought out as an ambitious member of the parliament who fights against the British slave trade.

More importantly, he always came up with new ideas that lead to a great victory for social justice.

5. Wilberforce’s Biography was Compiled by his sons

The life of William Wilberforce is a biography book written by his sons, Robert Isaac Wilberforce and Samuel Wilberforce. They compiled their father’s biography into five volumes.

Moreover,  they edited several pieces of their father’s biography done by other authors.

This was supported by the fact that they had a close relationship with their father thus knowing him better than outsiders.

6. Elected as a Member of Parliament at 21 Years

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He began his political career in 1780 eventually becoming an independent Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull.

By this time, he was only 21 years old. In addition, he was still a student.

More importantly, he followed customs of the days, spending over $8000. This was to ensure the candidate receives the necessary votes.

7. William had a Chronic Eye Problem

The eye problem is diagnosed to be a situation of having a dry eye. This is commonly caused by tear deficiency or excessive evaporation.

A chronic condition affects the tear film. The lack of moisture in the eye causes damage to the ocular surface.

Wilberforce had this particular problem.

It caused him a lot as it is suspected to be the reason behind the denial of ministerial position by his friend, who initially became the prime minister.

8. The Advocacy for Two Bills was a Great Success

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He is mainly remembered for his prominence in the struggle to abolish the slave trade. This was not only from the British and globally. Slave trade mad him very unhappy.

Other than this, Wilberforce brought other two bills forward. The bills were passed without much advocacy.

These other bills were the reduction of the sentence for a woman convicted of treason and permitting the dissection of dead rapists, arsonists, and thieves.

9. His Grandfather was a Mayor

He was the only son of Robert Wilberforce and his wife Elizabeth Bird. The two were wealthy as Robert was a merchant. William was named after his grandfather, who was elected mayor of Hull twice.

He was also the one who made the family fortune into maritime trade.

William Wilberforce ending a politician reflected the role of his grandfather. It is as if the name came with its characters.

10. The slave Trade was Abolished through his Influence

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Therefore, the abolishing of the slave trade became a major issue in the general elections in the United Kingdom in 1806.

Meanwhile, he wrote and published a 400 pages letter titled ‘A Letter on the Abolition of the Slave Trade’.

The letter was the last phase of the campaign. After the election, many members of the parliament entered the House of Commons.

The bill was first introduced in the House of Lords by Prime Minister William Grenville for he was supporting it too.

The above are surprising facts about William Wilberforce. He was not only a politician but also a leader who fought for people’s rights.

Additionally, he led the campaign against the slave trade and the release of the existing trades in Britain.

He was elected a member of parliament at the age of 21 while still in school. His sons wrote a five-volume biography about their father.

It can be said that, Wilberforce was ranked as a good influence. It is suspected that his chronic eye problem denied him a ministerial position.