Phillips, R. Sir, 1767-1840

Sir Richard Phillips (13 December 1767 – 2 April 1840) was an English schoolteacher, author, publisher and vegetarianism activist. Phillips was a staunch advocate for freedom of the press in Britain and a proponent of the interrogative system of education. Phillips was widely recognized for his radical politics and enterprising approach to his publishing endeavours. From 1807 to 1808, Phillips served as one of the annually elected Sheriffs of the City of London. Alongside his co-Sheriff, Christopher Smith, Phillips established the Sheriff's Fund and implemented new sanitary measures, such as limewashing, at Newgate Prison. Following his shrievalty, Phillips was honoured with the rank of Knight Bachelor by King George III on 30 March 1808.