John Wilkes

John Wilkes (17 October 1727 – 26 December 1797) was an English radical, journalist and politician.

Early life

Wilkes was born in London, the second son of the distiller Israel Wilkes, who had six children. John had three children. He was educated at the Leiden, at a school in Hertford, and also privately. He had a rather ugly squint but his passion for political change outweighed his appearance. In 1747 he married Mary Meade and so came into possession of an estate and income in Buckinghamshire. He soon gained the reputation as something of a rake and was a member of the Knights of St. Francis of Wycombe, also known as The Hellfire Club, and instigator of a prank that may have hastened its dissolution.

Related Topics:
London - Leiden - Hertford - 1747 - Buckinghamshire - The Hellfire Club

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He stood for election to Parliament in 1754 in Berwick-upon-Tweed but lost despite considerable efforts, including bribery for votes, which was not uncommon among politicians. He became MP for Aylesbury in 1757 when, it was claimed, he spent over £6,000 during the campaign. On Wilkes's fourth election, 13 April, the Parliament changed their tactics when Wilkes had received 1,143 votes and his opponent Colonel Henry Lawes Luttrell received 296 votes. The House of Commons ruled that Luttrell should have been returned, giving the second place winner the seat. Wilkes only became more popular with his supporters, who chanted "Wilkes and Liberty." Many of his supporters were members of the Whig Party.

Related Topics:
1754 - Berwick-upon-Tweed - MP - Aylesbury - 1757 - 13 April - Whig Party

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