Spurgeon, Charles Haddon (1834-1892), was one of the greatest British preachers of his time. He joined the Baptist Church in 1850, and began preaching near Cambridge. He moved to London in 1854. His clear voice, rich command of language, and dramatic abilities attracted crowds. But his strict and narrow religious ideas alienated others. The Metropolitan Tabernacle, with 6,000 seats, was built for his huge audiences. He was born at Kelvedon, Essex, the son of an Independent preacher.
