John Cleave facts for kids

John Cleave (born around 1790) was an important British leader in a movement called Chartism. He was also a printer and published newspapers in London.

Early Life and Work

John Cleave was born in 1790. His family had roots in Ireland. When he was young, he worked at sea.

By 1828, Cleave was living in London. He started working with Henry Hetherington. They were part of a group called the Civil & Religious Association.

Running a Printing Business

In 1831, Cleave became a printer. He had his own business in London. First, it was at Snow Hill, then at Shoe Lane. At Shoe Lane, he also ran a bookshop and a coffee house.

Cleave worked with other important people. These included Henry Hetherington and James Watson. They all helped to produce a newspaper called The Poor Man's Guardian.

Starting His Own Newspaper

In 1834, John Cleave decided to start his own newspaper. He called it Cleave's Weekly Police Gazette. This newspaper was very popular. It reported on recent crimes. But it also included strong political ideas. It pushed for reforms and changes in society.

This mix of news and politics was a big success. By 1836, over 40,000 copies were sold every week.

Fighting for a Free Press

At this time, the government charged a special tax on newspapers. This was called "stamp duty." John Cleave and other publishers refused to pay this tax. They believed in a free press. They thought newspapers should be affordable for everyone. They felt that a free press was key to making society better.

Because they refused to pay, the government tried to fine them. They even wanted to put these publishers in prison. But the publishers kept fighting. Eventually, the law changed. The fourpenny tax on newspapers was lowered to one penny. Taxes on pamphlets were removed completely.

John Cleave and Chartism

In 1836, Cleave joined William Lovett and Henry Hetherington. They formed a new group called the London Working Men's Association. This group was very important for the Chartist movement.

Cleave soon became deeply involved in the National Charter Association. He was even its first Treasurer.

Spreading the Chartist Message

In 1837, Cleave traveled with Henry Vincent. Vincent was a younger, talented speaker. They went on a speaking tour across northern England. They helped set up Working Men's Associations in many cities. These included Leeds, Kingston upon Hull, Bradford, Halifax, and Huddersfield.

Cleave and Vincent became good friends during this time. Later, in 1841, Henry Vincent married Cleave's daughter, Lucy.

Later Years

In the 1840s, the National Charter Association faced some disagreements. Its leaders also went in different directions. John Cleave chose to side with the moderate Chartists. These were people who believed in peaceful change. He worked alongside William Lovett.

Cleave continued to fight for universal suffrage. This meant everyone having the right to vote. He also worked to remove all stamp duty from newspapers. He kept working for these causes until he passed away in 1847.