John Bright

John Bright (1811-1889) was an English statesman, son of a Lancashire cotton spinner, born near Rochdale. He was of Quaker birth and profession. He was engaged in manufacture. He took an early interest in political reform. In 1839, he joined the Anti-Corn-Law League on its formation, and soon was associated with Cobden in its great agitation. Entering Parliament in 1843, he was a strong opponent of protection, the game laws, and later of the Crimean war. He advocated financial reform and the reform of Indian administration. On the outbreak of the American Civil War supported the North, though his business interests suffered severely. He was closely associated with the 1867 Reform Act, Irish Church Disestablishment 1869, and the 1870 Irish Land Act. His Ministerial career began in 1868, but was interrupted by illness. In 1873, and again in 1881, he was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He seceded from Gladstone's Government on the Egyptian policy in 1882, and strenuously opposed Home Rule in 1886. In 1880, he was Lord Rector of Glasgow University. He was a man of lofty and unblemished character, an animated and eloquent orator. At his death Mr. Gladstone pronounced one of the noblest eulogiums one public man has ever paid to another.

Nearby pages
John Britton, John Brown, John Brown the Scottish physician, John Brown founder of the Brunonian system, John Brown the Scotch divine