George Stringer Bull facts for kids

George Stringer Bull (1799–1865) was an important English church leader and social reformer. He worked to improve the lives of people, especially in the Bradford area. He is remembered for helping to change factory working conditions.

George Bull's Early Years

George Bull was born in 1799 in a place called Stanway in Essex. He was one of many sons of John Bull, who was also a church leader.

When he was young, George served in the Royal Navy. Later, in 1818, he went to Sierra Leone in Africa to work as a teacher for the Church Missionary Society. He became the head of their Christian Institution, which was like a college, near Freetown. He taught about 20 African students there.

In 1820, George Bull returned to England because he was not well. To prepare to become a church leader, he studied with his father and other teachers. In 1823, he became a deacon in the Church of England, working in Hessle. The next year, he became a priest. In 1826, he started working at Bierley Chapel, which was then just outside Bradford.

Working for Change in Bradford

George Bull was a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He also campaigned for the Temperance movement, which encouraged people to drink less alcohol.

Fighting for Factory Workers

In the 1830s, George Bull became very involved in the movement to improve conditions in factories. He worked with people like John Wood and Richard Oastler. He became known as the "Ten Hours Parson" because he fought for a law that would limit the workday to ten hours, especially for children.

In 1833, George Bull contacted Lord Ashley, a Member of Parliament. Bull wanted Lord Ashley to propose a bill to limit factory working hours. Lord Ashley tried, but his bill did not pass right away. It took another 14 years for the Ten Hours Act to become law.

Helping the Poor and Building Schools

George Bull also strongly disagreed with the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834. This law changed how poor people were helped, and Bull felt it was too harsh. He believed in helping those in need.

At Bierley Chapel, Bull helped get a new house built for the church. He also started two local schools, one in Bowling and one in Sticken Lane. He made the chapel bigger so more people could attend.

Later, George Bull moved to the Birmingham area. In 1847, he became the rector of St Thomas' Church, Birmingham, which was in a very busy area.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1864, because of poor health, George Bull moved to Almeley in Herefordshire. He passed away there on August 20, 1865.

Writings by George Bull

• A Respectful and Faithful Appeal to the Inhabitants of the Parish of Bradford on behalf of the Factory Children (1832)
• The Church her Own Enemy (1834)
• "Home," and how to make it happy: a lecture (1854)
• Richard Oastler: A Sermon preached in St. James Church, Bradford (1861)