William Gladstone

Liberal leader who was prime minister four times and denounced the Opium War in Parliament.

Life

Son of a wealthy merchant

Gladstone came from a wealthy Liverpool merchant family and entered Parliament in 1832. At first a Conservative, he later became leader of the Liberal Party. In 1840 he spoke in the House of Commons, fiercely condemning the Opium War against China as an "unjust war."

Four-time prime minister

He was prime minister four times (1868–1874, 1880–1885, 1886, 1892–1894), introducing competitive civil service examinations, the Elementary Education Act, the secret ballot, and the Third Reform Act; his 1879 "Midlothian campaign" pioneered the politician's speaking tour.

Irish Home Rule

In his later years he devoted himself to Irish Home Rule, but both of his Home Rule bills failed. He retired in 1894 at age 84 and died in 1898.

Legacy

Gladstone was the leading figure of 19th-century British liberalism, known as the "Grand Old Man."

Did you know? He enjoyed chopping down trees as exercise and felled a great many in his lifetime.

Key dates

• 1832Enters Parliament
• 1840Condemns the Opium War
• 1868Becomes Prime Minister for the first time
• 1879Midlothian campaign
• 1886First Irish Home Rule Bill
• 1894Retires
• 1898Died