John Cam Hobhouse (1786-1869)
Daniele Svezia (University of Florence)
John Cam Hobhouse (1786-1869) was an English politician and writer born in Bristol. Educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, he first gained public attention as a Radical reformer, authoring several political pamphlets that led to his brief imprisonment in Newgate Prison in 1819 (Joyce 1948: 1, 2, 131). Over time, his political stance shifted, and he concluded his career as a respected Whig statesman, receiving the title of Lord Broughton in 1851.
A key figure in Lord Byron’s inner circle, Hobhouse met the poet in 1807, and their friendship deepened during their joint Mediterranean Grand Tour of 1809-11 (Joyce 1948: 6, 21). Byron called him “the most entertaining of companions,” and Hobhouse remained a loyal supporter, notably defending Byron during his separation from Annabella Milbanke (Joyce 1948: 102).
However, Hobhouse distanced himself from The Liberal, the radical periodical founded by Byron and Leigh Hunt. As with other members of Byron’s social circle, he viewed Hunt’s reputation with suspicion and strongly advised Byron against the collaboration, fearing it might compromise his public image (Marshall 1960: 40–41).
Works cited
Joyce, Michael. My Friend H: John Cam Hobhouse, Baron Broughton of Broughton de Gyfford. London: John Murray, 1948.
Marshall W. H., Byron, Shelley, Hunt, and “The Liberal”, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, 1960.
Ultimo aggiornamento
22.01.2026