Tories facts for kids

The Tories were an important political group in Britain a long time ago. They were one of the two main political parties from the 1600s to the early 1800s. Their main rivals were the Whigs, who were often in charge of the government.

During this time, Britain's name changed a few times. It was first the Kingdom of England, then the Kingdom of Great Britain, and later the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Who Were the Early Tories?

The Tories first appeared around 1678. They supported the kings, especially those who were Catholic, like Charles I and James II. They believed the king should have more power than the UK Parliament. They also wanted more freedom for Catholics in the country. This early period lasted until about 1770.

The New Tory Party Emerges

Later, from about 1780 to 1830, the Tories changed. They became known as the New Tory Party. During this time, they became very successful and often led the government.

Key Leaders of the New Tories

Some of the most famous leaders of the New Tory Party included:

• William Pitt the Younger: A very influential Prime Minister.
• Robert Peel: An important figure who helped shape the party.

After the New Tory Party, a famous politician named Benjamin Disraeli helped create the modern Conservative Party. This party grew from the ideas and members of the old New Tory Party.

Images for kids

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  Royalist supporters, like the Cavaliers, were sometimes called Tories.

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  Loyalist refugees moving to Canada during the American Revolution. These Loyalists helped form the basis for groups in Canada also called Tories.

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  Stephen Harper, a former Prime Minister of Canada. The Conservative Party of Canada is often called the Tories.

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  Lord Belasyse was an early Tory leader in Great Britain.