William Tooke (1777–1863) facts for kids

William Tooke (1777–1863) was an important English lawyer and politician. He was also the president of the Society of Arts, a group that helps promote arts, manufacturing, and commerce. Tooke was known for helping to start many important organizations and for his work in law and government.

Early Life and Legal Career

William Tooke was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on November 22, 1777. His father was also named William Tooke, and he was a historian. William Jr. came to England in 1792.

He became a lawyer, starting his training with William Devon in Gray's Inn. They became business partners in 1798. Later, Tooke was involved in the creation of the St. Katharine's Docks in London in 1825. He also worked as a London agent for the London and Birmingham Railway, which was a big project at the time.

Helping Important Organizations

Tooke was very active in helping to set up and run many important groups.

University College London

He played a big part in starting University College London. He was one of its first council members in 1823 and served as treasurer until 1841. This shows his dedication to education.

Royal Society of Literature

He also helped the Royal Society of Literature get its special charter (official permission to operate) without charging any fees for his legal work. This is called working pro bono. He was an active member of this society's council.

Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge

In 1826, Tooke helped create the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. This group aimed to share information and education with more people. He worked with famous people like Lord Brougham and George Grote on this project.

Other Important Roles

Tooke was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1818. This is a very respected group for scientists. He also helped the Law Institution get its royal charter in 1832, which made it an official organization.

He was a leading member of the Society of Arts for a long time. In 1814, he was the chairman of a committee and edited the society's publications. In 1862, he became the president of the society, which was a great honor. He was also made an honorary member of the Institution of Civil Engineers for his help.

In Politics

William Tooke also had a career in politics.

Member of Parliament

In 1830, he tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Truro but didn't win. However, after the Reform Act of 1832, which changed how elections worked, he was elected as the MP for Truro on December 15, 1832. He served in Parliament until July 1837.

Political Views

During his time in Parliament, Tooke supported reforms. He voted for laws that promoted education and for the abolition of slavery, which means ending slavery completely. Later in his life, his political views became more traditional.

Later Life and Works

William Tooke passed away in London on September 20, 1863. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.

Published Works

Tooke also published several books. In 1804, he published the Poetical Works of Charles Churchill. He later republished them under his own name in 1844. In 1855, he wrote The Monarchy of France, its Rise, Progress, and Fall, which was a two-volume history book.

He also privately printed some poems written by himself and his friends in a book called Verses edited by M.M.M. in 1860. The initials stood for his family motto, Militia Mea Multiplex. He also wrote a pamphlet about the University of London's charter. Tooke contributed articles to several magazines, including the New Monthly Magazine and the Gentleman's Magazine.

Family

In 1807, William Tooke married Amelia Shaen. She passed away in 1848. They had one son, Arthur William Tooke, and two daughters.