William Thomas Stead
English newspaper editor (1849-1912) · United Kingdom · On the map · Journalists · Died at 62
William Thomas Stead was an English newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a controversial figure of the Victorian era.
William Thomas Stead is read about 141 times a day, in 39 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 11 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 115 days, one point a day.
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Photos 7
Stead as a child
"Nineteenth Precinct, First Ward, Chicago", 1894 - map by Stead presenting 37 brothels, 46 saloons, 11 pawnbrokers
Stead in 1881
Two titles from Stead's Masterpiece Library for Boys and Girls
Stead with his family, 1890s
Memorial plaque in Central Park, New York City (A similar plaque, with a different inscription, is displayed on Victoria Embankment, London.)About this person
Stead published a series of hugely influential campaigns whilst editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, including his 1885 series of articles, The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon. These were written in support of a bill, later dubbed the "Stead Act", that raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.
