Thomas Barnes

Thomas Barnes (1785—1841), British journalist, was born about 1785. Educated at Christs Hospital and Pembroke College, Cambridge, he came to London and soon joined the famous literary circle of which Hunt, Lamb and Hazlitt were prominent members. Upon the retirement of Dr Stoddart in 1817 he was appointed editor of The Times, a position which he held until his death, when he was succeeded by Delane. Lord Lyndhurst gave expression to a very widely-held opinion when he described him as “the most powerful man in the country.” He died on the 7th of May 1841.