William Wilberforce

Many of you I am sure, have seen the movie on the life of William Wilberforce “Amazing Grace.” It linked his story with that of John Newton, the converted slave trader. When I first watched it, I was choking back tears the whole time. It was such an inspiration.

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was a British politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. He was also a devout Christian and a prominent figure in the Evangelical movement in Britain during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

William Wilberforce was afflicted with a condition that caused him to have a hunched back. He suffered from a severe spinal deformity, likely scoliosis, which resulted in his hunched posture. Despite his physical limitations, Wilberforce was able to accomplish significant achievements in the realms of politics, charity, and social reform, particularly in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. His determination and perseverance in the face of his physical challenges have inspired many throughout history.

William Wilberforce was married to Barbara Spooner. He married Barbara on May 30, 1797. Barbara was a social reformer and humanitarian in her own right, and she supported her husband’s work against the slave trade and other social causes. The couple had six children together. Barbara Wilberforce played a supportive role in her husband’s campaigns and was known for her kindness and dedication to charitable activities.

The RSPCA was founded by a group of 22 reformers, led by Richard Martin and Reverend Arthur Broome, in England in 1824. They were inspired by the ideas and writings of William Wilberforce, who was a prominent advocate for social reform and animal welfare during his time. While Wilberforce was not directly involved in the founding of the RSPCA, his influence and advocacy for compassion towards animals contributed to the broader social movement that led to the establishment of the organization. The same could be said for the foundation of the British and Foreign Bible society started in 1804.

William Wilberforce campaigned against the slave trade for several decades. He became a Member of Parliament in 1780 and started his anti-slavery efforts in earnest in the late 1780s. Wilberforce, along with other abolitionists, worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the inhumane conditions of the transatlantic slave trade and to lobby for its abolition.

The culmination of his efforts came in 1807 when the Slave Trade Act was passed in the British Parliament, which abolished the transatlantic slave trade in the British Empire. However, Wilberforce and his fellow abolitionists continued their campaign to abolish slavery itself. In 1833, a few days before his death, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed, which led to the abolition of slavery in most of the British Empire. Wilberforce’s dedicated campaign against the slave trade spanned over several decades and was a significant factor in its eventual abolition. Wilberforce’s achievements were significant and had a lasting impact on society.

In addition to his political achievements, Wilberforce was deeply committed to his Christian faith. He underwent a profound spiritual conversion and, as a result, dedicated much of his life and resources to philanthropy and social reform. He supported various charitable causes, advocated for animal welfare, and was involved in the creation of several organizations promoting education and moral improvement.

Wilberforce’s spiritual life and achievements are an example of how faith can inspire positive social change. His legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated, both for his political victories and his unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs.