born April 28, 1801, London, Eng.
died Oct. 1, 1885, Folkestone, Kent
English politician and social reformer.
When his father succeeded to the earldom in 1811, Cooper became Lord Ashley. As a member of Parliament (1826–51), he opposed the Reform Bill of 1832 but supported Catholic emancipation and repeal of the Corn Laws . From 1833 he led the factory reform movement in Parliament and effected passage of the Mines Act (1842) and the Ten Hours Act (1847), known as Lord Ashley's Act, which shortened the working day in textile mills. As president of the Ragged Schools Union (1843–83), he promoted the free education of destitute children. Succeeding to his father's title in 1851, he continued his work as one of the most effective social reformers of 19th-century England. He also led the Evangelical movement within the Church of England and financially supported several missionary societies.