John Bright Biography and Timeline

Birth of John Bright

Birth of John Bright

Manchester Reformers Organize Anti Corn Campaign

Manchester activists developed the local organization that became the center of the nationwide campaign against the Corn Laws.

Anti-Corn Law

Helps found the Anti-Corn Law League

Bright Joins Organized Repeal Movement

John Bright became a leading campaigner in the organized free trade movement that opposed the Corn Laws.

League Builds Constituency Registration Campaign

The League encouraged supporters to register as voters and mobilize political pressure for free trade candidates.

Bright Enters Commons As Repealer

John Bright won election for Durham and became a powerful parliamentary advocate of Corn Law repeal.

League Distributes Free Trade Literature

Campaigners circulated pamphlets and newspapers to challenge claims that repeal would ruin British farming.

Bright Campaigns Against Protectionist Resistance

Bright continued to press for repeal as Peel faced opposition from many members of his own party.

Board of Trade

Appointed President of the Board of Trade

Role range: 1868-1874 – 1868-1870

President of Board of Trade

Appointed President of the Board of Trade

Role range: 1868-1874 – 1868-1870

Chancellor of the Exchequer

Appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1st term

Role range: 1868-1874 – 1873-1874

Chancellor of the Exchequer

Appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 2nd term

Role range: 1880-1885 – 1880-1882

Resignation of John Bright

Resigns over British intervention in Egypt

Role range: 1880-1885 – 1880-1882

Death of John Bright

Death of John Bright