Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury
Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury (1801- 85). British politician and social reformer. An MP from 1826 until he succeeded to the peerage in 1851, he was responsible for much social and industrial legislation. The Mines Act (1842) halted the employment of women and children in mines, the Lunacy Act (1845) improved conditions for the mentally handicapped, and the Ten Hours Act (1847) limited working hours in factories. As president of the Ragged Schools Union he secured free education for many poor children.
