Elliott, Ebenezer, 1781-1849

The Corn Law Rhymer.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Sheffield, to James Everett, 1829 Apr. 14. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270614043

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Sheffield, to the Reverend William J. Fox, 1836 Jan. 10. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270614046

Epithet: Corn-Law rhymer

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000980.0x00015d

Ebenezer Elliott was born in Rotherham in 1781, the son of an iron founder. Between the ages of 16 and 38, he worked in the family business until it failed, leaving him bankrupt. Elliott moved to Sheffield, where he became a successful iron dealer. During this period, Elliott was very interested in politics, and his poems reflect this. He set up the Anti-Corn Law League in Sheffield, and wrote a series of strongly worded rhymes and poems which were then spoken at the thousands of anti-corn law meetings all across the country. Elliott's work came to the attention of Robert Southey and William Wordsworth, who lifted him out of obscurity and made him well-known nationally. A collection of his work was printed as Corn Law Rhymes (Sheffield Mechanics Anti-Tax Society, 1831). Elliott died in 1849.

From the guide to the Elliott, Ebenezer, 1835, (Senate House Library, University of London)

Ebenezer Elliott, English poet and bar-iron merchant known as "The Corn Law Rhymer.".

From the guide to the Ebenezer Elliott manuscript material : 3 items, 1828-1834, (The New York Public Library. Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle.)

Ebenezer Elliott, English poet and bar-iron merchant known as "The Corn Law Rhymer."

From the description of Ebenezer Elliott manuscript material : 2 items, 1828-1834 (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 183890511

Ebenezer Elliott (1781-1849), 'the corn-law rhymer'. For details of his life and work, see the Dictionary of National Biography

From the guide to the Correspondence and literary manuscripts of Ebenezer Elliott, with related material, ca. 1818-1929, (Leeds University Library)

Ebenezer Elliott was a British poet and businessman. Raised in a working-class family, he received little formal education but was a voracious reader. He was able to open a foundry business with his wife's dowry, and eventually became a success. He began publishing pastoral poetry to mixed reviews, and responded with satiric verses; his best work was generally narrative poetry, often with social themes. Known as the poet of the working-class, his Corn Law Rhymes is a prime example of his efforts to enact social change through poetry.

From the description of Ebenezer Elliott letter to W.H. Prideaux, 1845 Sept. 5. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 57457725