Anthony Ashley Cooper was born on April 28, 1801. When 7, he was put in boarding school; and when 10 years old became Lord Ashley. As Lord Ashley, his speeches in the House of Commons were reported as being inaudible. When 50, upon his dad’s death, he became the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. He died in October 1, 1885.
His childhood was bleak and unhappy. His father was severe and the schooldays grueling. It made him into a melancholy person, very tense and rigid and instilled a longing for love and admiration. The following is a list of his endeavors and accomplishments.
- The Bible Societies were his primary focus throughout his life.
- He was known for recommending to committees that they spend their time praying as the most effective course of action.
- He was the cofounder and member of the YMCA.
- From 1831 onward he was the leader of the working man’s causes in the House of Commons.
- He fought long and hard for orphans and strays, setting up “Ragged Schools” and was the chairman of them for 39 years.
- He fought against drugs, especially opium.
- He provided care for the insane.
- He fought for the rights of female and children workers: having their work days restricted; the kinds of work they were assigned limited; and their hours limited.
- He fought so hard for reforms and changes that he was known for having the knack of making enemies from all parties.
- President of the Bible Aid Society
- President of several Christian and Church organizations
- He opposed Unitarian beliefs and ritualistic practices.
He was a diligent and energetic individual that fought hard for spiritual, social, political and moral reforms. He made a lot of enemies because he wanted righteousness established, and sought to limit the powers of the industrial revolution to those powers that were beneficial and helpful and not deadly and harmful. His childhood did much to shape him into a character that could stand up to everyone and proclaim righteousness, even if unpopular. We owe much to his reforms in our own country.
Sources
Sparticus Educationa: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/IRashley.htm
also included photos from this page.
Internet site: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/mbloy/peel/shaftes.htm
Christian History Institute site: http://www.gospelcom.net/chi/BIRTHDYF/other_bday.php
Paul Lagass and Columbia University, The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. (New York; Detroit: Columbia University Press; Sold and distributed by Gale Group, 2000).
