Archibald Fletcher (reformer) facts for kids

Archibald Fletcher (1746–1828) was an important Scottish reformer. He worked to make things fairer for ordinary people. He was known for his strong beliefs and for always standing up for what was right.

Early Life and Learning

Archibald Fletcher was born in 1746 in a place called Pooble in Glen Lyon, Scotland. His family belonged to the Fletcher clan. When he was young, he went to school in Kenmore and then to the high school in Perth.

After school, he moved to Edinburgh. He trained to become a lawyer, working for a "writer to the signet." This was like an apprentice for a legal professional. He became a trusted assistant to Sir James Montgomery, a top lawyer. Later, he became a partner with another lawyer, Mr. Wilson.

Fletcher was very dedicated to learning. He would wake up early, at 4 AM, to study Greek. He also joined a debating society and took university classes. He studied moral philosophy and became good friends with a famous philosopher named Dugald Stewart.

In 1778, Fletcher used his knowledge of Scottish Gaelic to help solve a problem. Some Highlanders refused to go to America for military service. Fletcher was able to talk to them and help resolve the situation.

Fighting for Fairness

Archibald Fletcher believed strongly in fairness and change. When the Faculty of Advocates (a group of senior lawyers) tried to stop older people from joining their group, Fletcher wrote a pamphlet against it. His writing was so good that the rule was dropped. This made him friends with Henry Erskine, another important lawyer.

He also wrote about "Church Patronage." This was about who got to choose ministers for churches. Fletcher supported the idea that local people should have more say.

Leading Burgh Reform

Fletcher became known as the "father of burgh reform." Burghs were like towns or cities in Scotland. In 1784, people started pushing for changes to how these towns were run. Fletcher became the secretary of a group in Edinburgh that wanted these changes. He helped write the main ideas for a new law to be sent to Parliament.

He worked very hard to direct this movement. In 1787, he went to London as a representative for the Scottish burghs. There, he met important leaders like Charles James Fox, who also supported his cause. It wasn't until 1790 that Fletcher officially became a member of the Scottish bar, which meant he could argue cases in court.

Strong Political Views

Archibald Fletcher had very strong political opinions. At first, these opinions made it harder for him to succeed as a lawyer. But over time, he became very busy with his legal work.

• He supported the American War of Independence, where America fought for freedom from Britain.
• He was a strong abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery.
• He also supported the French Revolution. He even celebrated the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille every year, which was a big event in the French Revolution.

In 1793, he defended political reformers who were accused of sedition (trying to stir up rebellion). He did this without charging them any money. In 1796, he was one of the few who spoke out against removing Henry Erskine from his position as dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1816, Archibald Fletcher retired from being a lawyer because his health was not good. He moved to Parkhill in Stirlingshire.

He continued to be interested in issues affecting the Scottish burghs. In 1825, he published a book about how the Convention of Royal Burghs claimed the right to change the rules of individual burghs.

Archibald Fletcher passed away on December 20, 1828, at Auchindinny House near Edinburgh. Lord Brougham, another important figure, described Fletcher as "one of the most upright men" and someone with "stern and resolute firmness in public principle." He was remembered for his strong character and for being a kind person in his private life.