Papers of William Lovett

Held at: University of London Library
Reference and contact details: GB 96 MS 167
Title: Papers of William Lovett
Dates of Creation: 1830
Name of Creator: William Lovett (1800-1877)
Extent: 1 volume
Language of Material: English.
Level of Description: fonds

Administrative / Biographical History

After a relatively poor upbringing Lovett became interested in the social conditions of the working classes. Around 1830 he was appointed secretary to the British Association for promoting Co-operative Knowledge and during that time was also connected with agitation against stamp duty on newspapers. In 1831 he went on to join the National Union of the Working Classes. In 1836 he assisted to draft the Benefit Societies Act and to draft other People's Bills and Charters. With his collegue Collins he wrote Chartism: A New Organisation of the People in 1841.

Later in his life he also became interested in educational issues, writing some educational text books. He was also involved in promoting the establishment of free libraries to parliamentarians.

Scope and Content

Paper, 'To the Wealth Producing Classes of England', signed 'One of the People.' Written in support of the Co-operative movement. At the end is the following note, 'This was printed in a Maidstone periodical, The Co-operative Miscellany , in 1830. W. L.'

Access Conditions

Access to the items in the collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the controlled environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room