John Hobhouse, 1st Baron Broughton
John Cam Hobhouse, 1st Baron Broughton GCB PC FRS (27 June 1786 – 3 June 1869), known as Sir John Hobhouse, Bt, from 1831 to 1851, was a British politician and diarist.
Background and education
Born at Redland near Bristol, Broughton was the eldest son of Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, 1st Baronet, and Charlotte, daughter of Samuel Cam. He was educated at Westminster School and at Trinity College, Cambridge. At Trinity College Hobhouse became friends with Lord Byron, and accompanied him in his journeys in the Peninsula, Greece and Turkey, and acted as his "best man". In 1816 he was with Byron after his separation from his wife, and contributed notes to the fourth canto of Childe Harold, which was dedicated to him.
Political career
On his return he threw himself into politics with great energy as an advanced Radical, and wrote various pamphlets, for one of which he was in 1819 imprisoned in Newgate. Also in that year, he spoke the following words: "I am a man chosen for the people, by the people; and, if elected, I will do no other business than that of the people." In 1820, he entered Parliament, sitting for Westminster.
