William Wilberforce

Nationality:

Biography: Following a conversion experience and becoming an evangelical Christian he became one of the leading English abolitionists.

Wilberforce headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for 26 years until the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

Born: August 24, 1759
Birthplace: Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: July 29, 1833 (aged 73)
Cause of Death: Influenza

Articles and Photos

Britain Abolishes the Slave Trade
'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' emblem used by some abolitionists determined to end the slave trade in the British Empire
March 25, 1807
William Wilberforce’s Fight Against Slavery
William Wilberforce, who died on this day, was a leading figure in the fight against slavery, especially the horrific transportation of people from Africa.
July 29, 1833

Married Life

1797-05-30 Abolitionist William Wilberforce (37) weds Barbara Spooner (25) at St Swithins Church in Walcot, Bath

Historical Events

1789-05-12 William Wilberforce makes his first major speech on abolition in the UK House of Commons, reasoning the slave trade morally reprehensible and an issue of natural justice

Famous Abolitionists

Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Harriet Beecher Stowe
John Brown
Lucretia Mott
Sojourner Truth
Thomas Elkins

Britain Abolishes the Slave Trade

William Wilberforce’s Fight Against Slavery