William Gregson (barrister) facts for kids
William Gregson (1790–1863) was an important British lawyer who helped create new laws. He assisted in writing many laws in the 1820s and 1830s, including the very important Great Reform Act of 1832. He was also a private secretary to Robert Peel, a well-known politician. For three months in 1835, he served as an assistant secretary for the Home Department.
Early Life and Education
William Gregson was born in Liverpool in 1790. He was a very bright student. He studied classic subjects like ancient Greek and Roman history at Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university. In 1810, he graduated with top honors. His teachers said his work was the best they had ever seen!
After university, he became a lawyer. He was officially allowed to practice law at Lincoln's Inn in 1815. This is a historic place in London where many lawyers train.
Working with Robert Peel
Early in his career, William Gregson started working closely with Robert Peel. Peel was a leading politician, first with the Tory party and later with the Conservative Party. Gregson was Peel's private secretary, meaning he helped Peel with his daily work and important papers.
From 1826 to 1833, Gregson also worked as a legal advisor for different Home Secretaries. These were the government ministers in charge of law and order. He helped them draft new laws, including many of Peel's important law reforms. He also played a key role in writing the 1832 Great Reform Act. This act changed how people voted in Britain, making the system fairer.
Government Role
William Gregson served as an assistant secretary for the Home Department from January 3 to April 18, 1835. This was during Robert Peel's first time as Prime Minister. It was quite unusual because Gregson was not a member of Parliament at the time. He was one of only two people since 1801 who held that position without being in Parliament.
Interests and Later Life
William Gregson cared a lot about making things better for people. He was a strong supporter of prison reform. This meant he wanted to improve conditions in prisons and make the justice system fairer. He often visited prisons himself to see what they were like.
He also promoted "ragged schools." These were special schools that offered free education to very poor children. Gregson helped start Marlborough College, a well-known school, and supported the Liverpool Collegiate Institution.
Throughout his life, Gregson collected autographs of important people. His sister helped him organize this collection. One document he especially valued had signatures from important figures like Governor Warren Hastings from India.
Around 1853, William Gregson retired from his work. He moved back to his hometown of Liverpool. He passed away in February 1863.
