In 1841, John Bright’s wife died. He was inconsolable until his friend Richard Cobden gave him something to live for: to bring an end to the Corn Laws which were inflicting misery and starvation on millions of British working men. In time, they were successful; many joined their cause, even the Prime Minister, and the legislation was repealed.

Despite the repeal of the Corn Laws, Bright cautioned, there was still much suffering; but at least English working men and their families were no longer condemned to starvation by the law. It also meant that the blessings of a world of good things, hitherto denied to the people of England by their Government, were now thrown open to all.

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