THOMAS COOPER, Chartist, 1805-1892
The Blue Plaque is located at the site of his home, 11 Church Gate.
Perhaps the best known of local Chartists, Thomas Cooper was born in Soar Lane, Leicester, but his family moved to Exeter when he was a few months old. He returned to Leicester in 1840, working first on the Leicestershire Mercury newspaper, and then as editor of the Chartist Midland Counties Illuminator.
Cooper was prominent in the 'physical force' Chartist faction, and spent two years in Stafford Gaol after being convicted of sedition and conspiracy. He took no further active part in the Chartist movement after his release. Cooper also wrote a number of books, including his own autobiography and 'The Purgatory of Suicides', a political epic written while in prison.
The plaque reads:
THOMAS COOPER
Chartist
1805 - 1892
Had a coffee shop at this address in which he organised the movement in Leicester
