Statue of William Wilberforce, Kingston Upon Hull
This Commemorative statue of William Wilberforce stands in the garden of Wilberforce House in the High Street. It was put up in 1883, probably on the 50th anniversary of his death. It was designed by WD Keyworth and made from ashlar. Wilberforce was born on 24 August 1759 in Hull, the son of a wealthy merchant. In 1780 he became Member of Parliament for Hull. His Christian faith caused him to become interested in social reform, particularly the improvement of factory conditions in Britain. He was persuaded to lobby for the abolition of the slave trade and for 18 years he regularly introduced anti-slavery motions in parliament.
