William Ewart Gladstone

William Ewart Gladstone (29 December 1809 – 19 May 1898) was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for four non-consecutive terms, totaling 12 years. His parliamentary career spanned over 60 years, during which he held various significant positions, including Chancellor of the Exchequer four times and Leader of the House of Commons.

Born in Liverpool, Gladstone was the fourth son of Sir John Gladstone, a Scottish merchant, slave owner, planter, and Tory politician. His mother was Anne MacKenzie Robertson. The family name was officially changed from Gladstones to Gladstone by royal licence in 1835. Although born in Liverpool, Gladstone was of Scottish ancestry; his grandfather, Thomas Gladstones, was a merchant from Leith, and his maternal grandfather, Andrew Robertson, served as Provost of Dingwall.

His early childhood included visits to Scotland and London. Gladstone was educated at a preparatory school near his family’s residence, Seaforth House, from 1816 to 1821. In 1821, he attended Eton College, and later, in 1828, matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford, where he read Classics and Mathematics and achieved a double first-class degree by December 1831. At Oxford, he served as President of the Oxford Union, gaining a reputation as an orator.

Gladstone’s political career began in 1832 when he entered the House of Commons as a Conservative MP representing Newark, a seat controlled by the Duke of Newcastle. His early political stance was high Tory, and he served as a minister in both of Sir Robert Peel’s governments. In 1846, he joined the breakaway Peelites faction, which eventually merged into the Liberal Party in 1859.

Throughout his career, Gladstone served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Ministers Lord Aberdeen (1852–1855), Lord Palmerston (1859–1865), and Lord Russell (1865–1866). His political doctrine, known as Gladstonian liberalism, emphasized equality of opportunity and opposition to trade protectionism. His popularity earned him the nickname "The People's William."

His first term as Prime Minister began in 1868. During this period, several reforms were enacted, including the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland and the introduction of secret voting. After losing the 1874 election, Gladstone resigned as the Liberal leader but returned to power in 1880, forming his second ministry. This government passed the Third Reform Act, addressing electoral boundaries and voting rights, and dealt with issues involving Egypt and Ireland. His government passed repressive measures in Ireland but also improved tenant farmers' legal rights.

In 1886, Gladstone again became Prime Minister and proposed home rule for Ireland. However, his proposal was defeated in the House of Commons, leading to a split within the Liberal Party. This division contributed to the Liberals’ absence from office for the following 20 years, with brief interruptions.

Gladstone’s last government was formed in 1892 at the age of 82. The Government of Ireland Bill 1893, which proposed Irish home rule, passed through the Commons but was defeated in the House of Lords, leading to a decline in Irish home rule as a political priority for his party. He left office in March 1894, at the age of 84, becoming the oldest British Prime Minister and the only individual to serve four non-consecutive terms.

William Gladstone retired from Parliament in 1895 and died three years later in 1898. His supporters referred to him as "The People's William" and the "Grand Old Man." Historians generally rank him among the greatest Prime Ministers in British history.

Family and Early Life:

William Ewart Gladstone was born on 29 December 1809 at 62 Rodney Street, Liverpool. His father, Sir John Gladstone, was a wealthy Scottish merchant and politician, and his mother was Anne MacKenzie Robertson. His family had Scottish roots, with his grandfather Thomas Gladstones and maternal grandfather Andrew Robertson holding prominent positions.

Education:

Gladstone was educated at a preparatory school near Seaforth House from 1816 to 1821, then attended Eton College from 1821. In 1828, he matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford, earning a double first in Classics and Mathematics in 1831. He was active in debating and became President of the Oxford Union.

Career:

He initially trained at Lincoln’s Inn with the intention of becoming a barrister but did not complete legal training. His political debut was in 1832 when he was elected MP for Newark. Early in his career, he was a high Tory and served in government positions under Sir Robert Peel. His opposition to the opium trade and the Opium Wars was notable; he fervently criticized Britain’s involvement in the First Opium War.

Personal Details:

In September 1842, Gladstone lost the forefinger of his left hand in an accident while reloading a gun, thereafter wearing a glove or finger sheath. His political career continued through multiple governments and significant legislative reforms, culminating in his tenure as Prime Minister during critical periods of British social and political change.