Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Previous section
William Wilberforce: Biographical Overview

Childhood and Education

William Wilberforce was born on 24 August, 1759, at 25 High Street, Hull (which is now known as Wilberforce House) to Robert and Elizabeth Wilberforce. He had three sisters, Elizabeth, Ann and Sarah (known as Sally). Of the four children, only William and Sally survived to adulthood.

The Wilberforce family were successful merchants, who traded in imported goods, like wood and cloth, from northern Europe and the Baltic states. The family home reflected the family's wealth and was decorated with fashionable architecture of the day. 

A large brick building with chimneys at either end.
Wilberforce House, Hull


William was a small, sickly child with poor eyesight, but this did not stop him from attending Hull Grammar School or taking part in musical activities or sports. William was known to have a beautiful singing voice and had a reputation for telling funny stories and playing practical jokes. 

Wooden desks are arranged in rows with a blackboard on an easel at the front and an abacus on a pole.
William Wilberforce´s former school room, Hull Grammar School


When William was only eight years old, his father died. William's mother then became ill and so she sent him to live with his aunt and uncle, Hannah and William Wilberforce, in London. They sent him to study at a small boarding school in Putney, which he disliked, complaining about the food. Hannah and William were Evangelical Methodists and they took William to church regularly, where he enjoyed listening to bible stories and sermons by prominent figures within the Methodist movement.

Holy Trinity Church, Hull - .  It has three large, arch shaped stained glass windows at the front with many small turrets.
Holy Trinity Church, Hull


William's mother worried about his exposure to such a strong religious influence and arranged for him to come home to Hull. William was sent to board at Pocklington Grammar School, where he studied hard and did well at Latin, English and History. Aged 17 he went to Cambridge University, where he met William Pitt the Younger, who became a lifelong friend. Wilberforce took full advantage of the social life on offer at university, and was well known for attending dinners, gambling, and playing cards. Despite his busy social life, Wilberforce managed to graduate from Cambridge in 1781, determined to have a career as a Member of Parliament. 

 

Glossary

 
Evangelical - a type of Christian who believes strongly in the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Exposure - coming into contact with something
Imported - bringing something into the country from overseas
Merchants - people who buy and sell goods
Prominent - well-known
Sermons - a talk on a religious subject given in religious services