[Born 1779. Still living.]
A name that will be identified for ever with the advances in
civilisation made in this country, during the first half of the present
century. For the great reforms effected in our criminal law, for the
impetus which has been given to education among all classes, we are
chiefly indebted to the influence of Lord Brougham, and to the
indomitable exertion of his strong, practical, energetic, and versatile
mind. He has been Lord High Chancellor of England; but his legal
attainments constitute his very smallest title to respect. He is a great
orator, a man of science worthy of taking rank with scientific men, a
metaphysician, an historian, an essayist. He has addressed himself to
every branch of knowledge, and is distinguished in all. Before he was
elevated to the peerage he was one of the foremost men in England,
honoured for his resolute and fiery opposition to abuses of every kind,
and beloved for his eager anxiety to remove the shackles from the negro,
and every disability from the limbs of his fellow-creatures nearer home.
Social elevation has not added to the popularity of Lord Brougham, for
the ermine has in part withdrawn the idol from the people. All his
magnificent qualities are depressed and dwarfed beneath his coronet. His
eloquence is not so overpowering nor so thrilling, his sympathies for
the classes below him are apparently deadened, his respect for his
“order” proportionately increased. He has ceased to be “the first man”
out of doors, without becoming the first lord within. If he has not
survived his reputation he has manifestly damaged it. Yet for his former
permanent and vital services to his country, his name shall be held by
Englishmen in lasting, grateful, and affectionate remembrance.
[By Deer.]
467A. HENRY, LORD BROUGHAM. _Lawyer, Statesman, Educator._
[An admirable seated portrait statue, by E. G. Papworth, Sen., which
will be found at the South end of the Nave, Presented by the
sculptor.]