Wilkes, John (1727-1797), a British politician, fought for freedom of the press. While serving as a member of Parliament, Wilkes criticized the government in his weekly journal, the North Briton. In 1763, Wilkes was arrested for libel against the king and imprisoned in the Tower of London. A court hearing determined that as a member of Parliament, Wilkes could not be charged with libel, and he was freed. In 1764, he was expelled from the House of Commons and banished from England for his continued attacks on King George III and the government. He fled to France, but in 1768, he returned and became member of Parliament for Middlesex. Again, the House of Commons expelled him and sent him to prison. He was released in 1770 and regained his parliamentary seat. He later became lord mayor of London. Wilkes was born in London on Oct. 17, 1727. He died on Dec. 26, 1797.
