Gladstone, William Ewart

Gladstone, William Ewart (1809-98), statesman, b. Liverpool, England.

William Ewart Gladstone was the first statesman to become Prime Minister of Britain four times.

He was a Liberal and held the post in 1868-74, 1880-85, 1886 and 1892-94.

For many of these years, his chief rival was the famous Tory leader, Benjamin Disraeli.

Gladstone is remembered as a great statesman for the work he did in government. He was also a very good speaker.

At public meetings thousands of people turned out to hear him speak, and people liked to read about his arguments in Parliament with Disraeli.

Gladstone went on working as prime minister up to the age of eighty-four.

After he retired, people still went to his home at Hawarden, Flintshire to catch a glimpse of him.

He is buried in Westminster Abbey and there is a statue of him in the Strand, London.

See David W. Bebbington William Ewart Gladstone