Whitbread, Samuel (1758–1815)

English politician, a prominent opponent of William Pitt the Younger and supporter of many reform measures.

Whitbread was born at Cardington, Bedfordshire, into the famous London brewing family. He was educated at Eton, Christ Church, Oxford, and St John's College, Cambridge before entering Parliament. He opposed the Regency Bill that made the dissolute George IV Prince Regent in 1811, and championed the cause of the Princess of Wales in the House of Commons.