The Diaries of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury: Vol. 2, Part Two

1850-55

Lord Ashley (later the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury) is perhaps best known to social historians as the ‘Poor Man’s Earl’, the aristocratic philanthropist whose concern for suffering and the oppressed victims of Victorian ‘progress’ saw him champion a range of social, industrial, educational, and health reforms.

Lord Ashley (later the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury) is perhaps best known to social historians as the ‘Poor Man’s Earl’, the aristocratic philanthropist whose concern for suffering and the oppressed victims of Victorian ‘progress’ saw him champion a range of social, industrial, educational, and health reforms. The diaries contain detailed accounts of his labours, religious and philosophical reflections, self analysis, and descriptions and criticisms of contemporaries, and offer thereby a fascinating insight into Victorian politics and social change.

In 1851 Ashley was raised to the peerage as the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury and Vol. 2, Part Two contains his reflections on the nature of aristocratic government in the face of the challenges posed by the rise of democracy. From the House of Lords Shaftesbury remained committed to those questions of social improvement and reform, adapting his work and approach to the expectations and demands of his altered parliamentary position. Concerns about slavery, especially in the US, also feature prominently in these years. The earldom brought Shaftesbury new estate responsibilities and the challenge of becoming a substantial landlord is fully represented here. Alongside the public career, Shaftesbury’s private life is fully documented, particularly the fates and fortunes of his children, none more so that the future eighth Earl whose uneasy transition from schoolboy to navy sailor is mapped out, including his involvement in the Crimean War.

Contributor: David Brown (Volume editor)

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