Place Name
William Wilberforce (August 24, 1759 – July 29, 1833) was an MP, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. As an evangelical Christian he made numerous calls for reform including taking a stance against the slave trade in Parliament. After a 20 year campaign he saw the Slave Trade Act of 1807 passed, prohibiting the buying and selling of slaves across the British Empire. The passing of the 1807 law did not stop him campaigning against all aspects of slavery, although the trade was now outlawed he wanted to see the practice brought to a complete end. He continued to fight for the abolition of slavery in a campaign that ultimately brought about the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. However, the connection to Wilberforce here is his support as an eminent philanthropist for the Refuge for the Destitute at Hackney Road. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
