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Ebenezer Elliot was born at the New Foundry, Rotherham on 17th March 1781, the son of a small radical iron founder. From the age of 16 to 23, he worked for his keep and a little pocket money. Later he became a partner, but the business failed and he was bankrupt at the age of 38. He moved from Rotherham to Sheffield where he set up as a dealer in iron and was very successful. In the "History of Sheffield" he was recognised as a "Maker of Sheffield". As a mark of respect a large statue of him was erected; it is sited in Weston Park, Sheffield (adjoining Sheffield University). Outside his work, he became involved in politics, the social life and poetry. The Corn Laws were the most important issues of the day. Wars with France and America prevented the importation of cheap grain, the effects being that the price of corn increased at a rapid rate: 1792 (the year before war broke out) Grain was 43 shillings per quarter 1812 (Napoleon at Moscow) The price was 126 shillings per quarter 1815 The Corn Laws were passed with a protection price of 80 shillings per quarter This action had grave effects on the poor, as bread was priced out of their range. Parliament consisted of 90% landowners. Landlord MPs complained that they were mobbed as they went to vote, while at the same time they were attacked verbally by Baring the Banker and the Lord Mayor of London. Elliott supported their stand, he set up an Anti-Corn Law League in Sheffield. He devoted all his poetry to this end. His most famous work was "The Peoples Anthem": When wilt thou save the people When wilt thou save the people? Oh, God of mercy! When? Oh, God of mercy! When? Not kings and lords, but nations! The people Lord the people! Not thrones and crowns, but men! Not thrones and crowns, but men! Flowers of thy heart, of God they are. God save the people! Thine they are, Let them not pass like weeds, away Thy children, as thy angels fair, Their heritage a sunless day! Save them from bondage and despair. God save the people! God save the people!Such words were used nationally and used from thousands of platforms at Anti-Corn Law meetings. It earned Elliott the titles of "The Poet of the Poor", "The Sheffield Worker of Brass and Iron", " A Red Son of the Furnace". His retort to Parliament was: 'It was,"A Palace of Knaves","Tax-Fed Drones","The Lords of the Dear Bread" '. The Corn Laws came at the same time as the Industrial Revolution, when the nation was moving from an agricultural economy to an industrial one. In 1845 Peel and Disraeli clashed in a vigorous debate and the political bias changed in favour of "The Free Traders". The Corn Laws were repealed, and Peel resigned as Prime Minister. Unfortunately Elliott was not able to enjoy the success he had helped to achieve as he had his own problems. His financial position was being undermined, he lost a third of his wealth, but more seriously his health was beginning to fail. He retired to Hargate House, a cottage on the edge of Brierley Common (or Houghton Common). He enjoyed the earth he loved. "Ponies and Gypsy fire smoke daily descended upon him". He died there, 1st December 1849
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