William Edward Forster
William Edward Forster, who was once a factory owner, was responsible for the 1870 Education Act. He knew that schooling would get working class children 'out of the gutter'. When Sir Titus Salt (founder of Salt's Mill) retired as Bradford's Member of Parliment in 1861, Forster replaced him at Westminster, staying for 25 years without a break. The inscription on his statue reads, 'To his courage and wisdom, England owes the establishment throughout the land of a national system of education'. When church provisions fell short, School Boards would provide elementary schools with supplies they needed out of the rates. "Filling up gaps" said Forster. He has gained alot of respect from the citizens of Bradford and is known as a famous Bradfordian.
Researched by Kirsty Murray, 8A