William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce was born to Robert and Elizabeth Wilberforce in Hull, a bustling port town in Yorkshire, England.

William begins his formal education at Hull Grammar School, laying the foundation for his future academic and political career.

William Wilberforce enrolls at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he meets and befriends William Pitt the Younger, a future British Prime Minister.

At the age of 21, Wilberforce is elected as a Member of Parliament for Hull, beginning his long and influential political career.

Wilberforce is elected as the Member of Parliament for Yorkshire, a more prominent and influential constituency than his previous position.

Wilberforce undergoes a profound spiritual awakening, converting to Evangelical Christianity, which deeply influences his moral and political views.

Wilberforce becomes a key member of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, committing himself to the cause of ending the transatlantic slave trade.

Wilberforce delivers his first major speech in Parliament, passionately arguing for the abolition of the slave trade, marking the beginning of his long campaign.

Wilberforce introduces his first bill to abolish the slave trade, but it is defeated in Parliament. He remains undeterred and continues his efforts.

Wilberforce marries Barbara Ann Spooner, a devoted and supportive wife who shares his values and helps him in his abolitionist work.

After years of relentless campaigning, Wilberforce's efforts culminate in the passage of the Slave Trade Act, which abolishes the slave trade throughout the British Empire.

Wilberforce and his family move to Clapham Common, where he becomes part of the Clapham Sect, a group of influential Evangelical reformers.

Wilberforce, now in his sixties, retires from active politics, though he continues to support the cause of abolition and other social reforms.

Wilberforce publishes a significant pamphlet, 'A Letter on the Abolition of Slavery,' urging the complete abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

Just days before his death, the Slavery Abolition Act is passed, finally abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire, a triumph of Wilberforce's lifelong struggle.

William Wilberforce dies at his home in London, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential abolitionists in British history.