Sir Rowland Hill
- Born:
- 3 December 1795, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England
- Died:
- 27 August 1879, Hampstead, London, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Teacher, Inventor, Social Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Educated primarily by his father, Thomas Wright Hill, who ran a progressive school.
- Began teaching at the age of 12 in his father's school.
- Developed an early interest in social reform and education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established Hazelwood School in 1819, pioneering innovative educational methods.
- Served as Secretary to the South Australian Colonization Commission in the 1830s.
- Championed postal reform, advocating for a uniform and affordable postal system.
- Introduced the Penny Post in 1840, a revolutionary system that dramatically reduced postal rates.
- Served as Secretary to the Postmaster General and later as Secretary to the Post Office.
- Knighted in 1860 for his services to the Post Office.
Notable Works
- Post Office Reform: its Importance and Practicability (1837) - a pamphlet outlining his proposals for postal reform.
Legacy and Impact
Sir Rowland Hill's most significant legacy is the establishment of the modern postal system. His invention of the Penny Post revolutionized communication and commerce, making it affordable and accessible to all. Studying 'sir rowland hill biography samples' shows the long-lasting impact of his innovations on global postal services.