Herbert Asquith
Herbert Henry Asquith, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith KG PC KC (12 September 1852 – 15 February 1928) served as the Liberal Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 to 1916.[1] Until 5 January 1988, he had been the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in the 20th century.[2] He was not, however, in favour of the right of women to vote.
The Earl of Oxford and Asquith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | |
| In office 5 April 1908 – 5 December 1916 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman |
| Succeeded by | David Lloyd George |
| Chancellor of the Exchequer | |
| In office 10 December 1905 – 12 April 1908 | |
| Preceded by | Austen Chamberlain |
| Succeeded by | David Lloyd George |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 September 1852 Morley, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 15 February 1928 (aged 75) Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, England |
| Political party | Liberal |
As Prime Minister, he led the Liberal Party to a series of domestic reforms, including social insurance and the reduction of the power of the House of Lords. He led the nation into the First World War, but a series of military and political crises led to his replacement in late 1916 by David Lloyd George. His falling out with Lloyd George played a major part in the downfall of the Liberal Party.
His ministry was significant for the Old Age Pension (1908), National Insurance Act (1911) and the Parliamentary Act (1911), which restricted the power of the House of Lords.
Asquith's descendants include: ambassador Dominic Asquith (great-grandson), actress Helena Bonham Carter (great-granddaughter) and actress Anna Chancellor (great-great-granddaughter).
References
change- ↑ "HH Asquith (1852–1928)". BBC. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
- ↑ 5 January 1988 was the day on which his record was surpassed by Margaret Thatcher. Winston Churchill served longer, however, in two non-consecutive terms in office