Encyclopedias: Spartacus Educational: Reform of Parliament: Sir Francis Burdett

Description: Abstract: Born in 1770, the son of the Baronet of Foremark. After being educated at Westminster School and Oxford University, he went on a long tour of Europe. In 1797 he became a member of the House of Commons. He opposed the suspension of Habeas Corpus in 1796 and criticised all attempts by the government to suppress individual freedom. He was seen as the leader of the Radicals in the House of Commons. He died in 1884, while sitting as the Tory M.P. for North Wiltshire.