Earl of Shaftesbury, Anthony Ashley Cooper (Lord Ashley) (1801-1885) was born in London and educated at Oxford. He entered Parliament in 1826 as a member of the conservative party. A devout Christian he used his status to undertake a series of social reforms and pushed through laws designed to protect those with mental illness, provide improved housing conditions for the poor, and eliminate the exploitation of children in factories and as chimney sweeps. He developed and oversaw a number of ministry organizations including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Pastoral Aid Society, and the London City Mission. He was largely responsible for the passage of many laws that protected the most vulnerable members of English society and his example inspired many Christian social activists and humanitarians in America.
