British Politician. He spent most of his 18th century Parliamentary career at odds with the British Monarchy and the Government. In his periodical "North Briton," he launched a vicious attack on George III, which led to him having to flee to Paris to escape criminal charges. In his absence he was convicted of sedition and libel, and upon his return to Britain he spent some time in prison for these offences. Not dissuaded from pursuing a Parliamentary career, Wilkes succeeded in being voted as an Member of Parliament on further occasions but the King's party refused to let him take his seat, a situation which proved unpopular as it seemed that royal prerogative was being abused. In 1774 he became Lord Mayor of London and was finally allowed to take his seat in Parliament, where he continued to declare his outspoken ideas about liberty for the Americas and freedom of speech. He was Lord Chamberlain at the time of the Gordon Riots, which he opposed. He was buried in the Mayfair parish of Saint George Hanover Street, in the vaults under the Grosvenor Chapel. A large memorial can be seen in the Chapel's north gallery.
British Politician. He spent most of his 18th century Parliamentary career at odds with the British Monarchy and the Government. In his periodical "North Briton," he launched a vicious attack on George III, which led to him having to flee to Paris to escape criminal charges. In his absence he was convicted of sedition and libel, and upon his return to Britain he spent some time in prison for these offences. Not dissuaded from pursuing a Parliamentary career, Wilkes succeeded in being voted as an Member of Parliament on further occasions but the King's party refused to let him take his seat, a situation which proved unpopular as it seemed that royal prerogative was being abused. In 1774 he became Lord Mayor of London and was finally allowed to take his seat in Parliament, where he continued to declare his outspoken ideas about liberty for the Americas and freedom of speech. He was Lord Chamberlain at the time of the Gordon Riots, which he opposed. He was buried in the Mayfair parish of Saint George Hanover Street, in the vaults under the Grosvenor Chapel. A large memorial can be seen in the Chapel's north gallery.
Bio by: Mark McManus
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