Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury 1801 – 1885

Biography

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury was born on April 28, 1801, in London, into one of England’s most prominent aristocratic families. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to public service as a British politician, earning respect for his dedication to matters of national importance during a transformative period in the nation’s history.

The Earl lived a long and purposeful life, witnessing tremendous change across the nineteenth century. His position and influence allowed him to engage with the significant political and social developments of the Victorian era, contributing to the governance and character of his time.

On October 1, 1885, in Folkestone, the Earl passed away after more than eight decades of life. He was laid to rest at the Church of St Giles in Wimborne St Giles, his final resting place reflecting his enduring connection to his ancestral lands and communities. His legacy remained bound to the institutions and traditions he served throughout his remarkable life.