Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury

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Shield of arms of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, KG

Anthony Ashley-Cooper (H Hering NPG Ax39880)

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Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury by George Frederic Watts

7th Earl of Shaftesbury

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Memorandum to Protestant Monarchs of Europe for the restoration of the Jews to Palestine, Colonial Times 1841

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Anthony-Ashley-Cooper-bust

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (28 April 1801 – 1 October 1885) was a British politician, philanthropist, and social reformer. He was a leading figure in the movement for social reform in 19th-century Britain, particularly in the areas of child labor, education, and mental health.

Early Life and Education

Anthony Ashley-Cooper was born on 28 April 1801 in 24 Grosvenor Square, London. He was the eldest son of Cropley Ashley-Cooper, 6th Earl of Shaftesbury and Anne Spencer. He was educated at Harrow School and later at Christ Church, Oxford.

Political Career

Ashley-Cooper entered politics as a member of the House of Commons in 1826, representing the constituency of Woodstock. He later represented Dorchester and Bath. In 1851, he succeeded his father as the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury and took his seat in the House of Lords.

Social Reform

Shaftesbury is best known for his work in social reform. He was a key figure in the passage of several important pieces of legislation aimed at improving the conditions of the working class, including the Factory Act 1833, which limited the working hours of children, and the Mines and Collieries Act 1842, which prohibited the employment of women and children underground.

Child Labor

Shaftesbury was a passionate advocate for the rights of children. He chaired the Children's Employment Commission and was instrumental in the passage of the Ten Hours Act 1847, which limited the working hours of women and children in factories to ten hours a day.

Education

Shaftesbury was also a strong supporter of education reform. He was involved in the establishment of ragged schools, which provided free education to poor children. He served as the president of the Ragged School Union and worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for the underprivileged.

Mental Health

Shaftesbury was a pioneer in the field of mental health reform. He chaired the Lunacy Commission and was instrumental in the passage of the Lunacy Act 1845, which aimed to improve the treatment and care of the mentally ill. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Royal Commission on the Care and Control of the Feeble-Minded.

Personal Life

In 1830, Shaftesbury married Emily Caroline Catherine Frances Cowper, the daughter of Peter Clavering-Cowper, 5th Earl Cowper. They had ten children together. Shaftesbury was a devout Christian and his faith played a significant role in his philanthropic work.

Death and Legacy

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, died on 1 October 1885. He is remembered as one of the greatest social reformers of the 19th century. His work had a profound impact on the lives of the working class and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Related Pages

• Factory Act 1833
• Mines and Collieries Act 1842
• Ten Hours Act 1847
• Ragged school
• Lunacy Act 1845
• House of Lords
• House of Commons