John Walter (editor, born 1776) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Walter
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| Born | 23 February 1776 |
| Died | 28 June 1847 (aged 71) London, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Merchant Taylors' School |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Oxford |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Smythe |
| Children | John Walter |
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John Walter (born February 23, 1776 – died July 28, 1847) was an important English newspaper editor and politician. He was the son of John Walter, who started the famous newspaper The Times. John Walter followed in his father's footsteps, becoming the second editor of the newspaper.
Contents
Life and Work of John Walter
Early Life and Education
John Walter went to Merchant Taylors' School. He also studied at Trinity College, Oxford. These schools helped him prepare for his future career.
Leading The Times Newspaper
Around 1798, John Walter started working with his older brother. They helped manage their father's newspaper business. By 1803, John Walter took full control. He became both the manager and the editor of The Times.
John Walter was very independent. He did not agree with the government led by William Pitt the Younger. Because of this, the government stopped placing advertisements in his newspaper. He also lost his job as a printer for the Customs office. Government officials were not happy with him.
Once, the King of Portugal sent him a gift of gold plates. John Walter politely sent the gift back. This showed how important his independence was to him.
Managing the Newspaper Team
John Walter believed that the people who wrote for the newspaper should remain anonymous. This meant their names were not published. From about 1810, he started letting others help with editing. He first had Sir John Stoddart help. Then Thomas Barnes took over. Later, in 1841, John Thadeus Delane became an editor. Even with others helping, John Walter always made the final decisions about the newspaper's direction.
Life as a Politician
In 1830, John Walter bought a large property called Bearwood. It was located in Sindlesham, Berkshire. He built a house there, which his son later rebuilt. In the same year, he was given the important role of High Sheriff of Berkshire.
Two years later, in 1832, he was elected to Parliament. He represented the county of Berkshire. He was a member of the Whigs political party. He kept his seat in Parliament until 1837.
In 1841, he was elected to Parliament again, this time for Nottingham. However, he lost his seat the next year after a special review.
Family and Legacy
John Walter was married twice. With his second wife, Mary Smythe, he had a family. His oldest son, also named John, later worked for The Times newspaper too.
John Walter passed away in London on July 28, 1847. To remember him, his son built the Walter Fountain in Nottingham in 1866.
