Born in London, I was educated at Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford. I became a Tory MP in 1826, and almost immediately became a leader of the movement for factory reform. I was largely responsible for the Factory Acts of 1847 and 1853, as well as the Coal Mines Act of 1842 and the Lunacy Act of 1845. One of my chief interests is the welfare of children, and I am chairman of the Ragged Schools Union and a keen supporter of Florence Nightingale.

I married Lady Emily Caroline Catherine Frances Cowper (d. October 15, 1872), daughter of Peter Cowper, 5th Earl Cowper, on 10 June 1830. We have three children.

I was assassinated at 6:01 p.m. the next day, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Friends inside the motel room heard the shots and ran to the balcony to find me shot in the throat. I was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital at 7:05 p.m.

I enjoy tennis, badminton, walking my two collies and internet.

I've posted 40 comments, I've not posted in the live-chat yet, and I've been spotted 200 times.