Arnold Toynbee (historian, born 1852)

Arnold Toynbee (August 23, 1852 – March 9, 1883) was a British economic historian and social reformer, known for his lectures on the Industrial Revolution in England. He is not to be confused with his nephew, Arnold J. Toynbee (1889–1975), a more widely known historian who developed the theory of cyclical patterns in the rise and fall of civilizations.

The elder Arnold Toynbee was born in London and educated at Haileybury College and Balliol College, Oxford. He developed a keen interest in the social problems arising from the rapid industrialization of Britain. He lectured extensively, particularly to working-class audiences, on topics such as the history of the Industrial Revolution, the conditions of the poor, and the need for social reform.

Toynbee advocated for policies aimed at improving the lives of the working class, including better housing, education, and access to opportunities. He believed in the power of education and social institutions to uplift individuals and communities. His work and ideas were instrumental in the development of the settlement house movement.

Although his career was tragically cut short by his early death at the age of 30, Toynbee's influence was significant. His lectures and writings were collected and published posthumously, further spreading his ideas and inspiring social reformers. Toynbee Hall, a settlement house established in London in 1884, was named in his honor and continues to operate today as a center for community development and social action. His legacy lies in his dedication to social justice and his contribution to understanding the social and economic consequences of the Industrial Revolution.