David Lloyd George (1863-1945), invariably considered the quintessential Welshman - was in fact born in Manchester on 17 January 1863, the son of a schoolmaster. After his father died a year following David's birth, his mother took her two children to live with her brother, Richard, in Llanystumdwy, Caernarvonshire ( a local shoemaker and sectarian lay preacher in North Wales. ) An intelligent child, Lloyd George performed well at school, leaving to train as a solicitor, and was articled by the Law Society in January 1879. Upon completion of his training Lloyd George established his own practice in 1884 in Criccieth, developing a reputation as a lawyer who was willing to defend people against authority ( As a poacher’s lawyer, or a lawyer willing to defend those that broke harsh poaching laws, Lloyd-George acquired a loyal following among north Wales tenant farmers and quarrymen ) Lloyd George married in 1888, to Margaret Owen, the daughter of a wealthy farmer. A non-conformist, he worshipped at the Disciples of Christ Chapel in Criccieth, where he honed his skills as an orator. In 1890 he was elected to Parliament. Lloyd George became a very active social reformer and used annual government budget to construct policy as well as raise money. At first reluctant to approve Great Britain's involvement into World War I, Lloyd George soon advocated a knockout blow against Germany, demanding vigor and efficiency from the government. As munitions Minister in 1915-1916, he made sure of the steady flow of guns and shells that reached the Western Front. This made him a hero to the press but made many political enemies. He became Minister of War shortly before he joined with the conservative leaders. Lloyd George then became Prime Minister and the dominant figure in the New 5-member coalition cabinet. The last four year of Lloyd George's office were uneventful. He was the key British negotiator at the Paris Peace Conference but his "conference diplomacy" failed to break postwar tensions. After the coalition fell in Oct-1922 Lloyd George was united again with the Asquithian liberals and later succeeded Asquith as a Liberal party leader. With the decline of liberalism he never held office again. He was awarded an earldom shortly before his death on 26 Mar 1945. http://www.worldwar1.com/bioedlg.htm http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=4966
Thought you might find this site interesting !! David Lloyd George Born - 17 January 1863 in Chortlon-upon-Medlock, Manchester ( my Granddad was born there !! ) First entered Parliament - 10 April 1890 Age he became PM - 53 years, 325 days Maiden Speech - 13 June 1890 in favour of temperance reform Total time as PM - Five years, 317 days Died - 26 March 1945 at Ty Newydd, Llanystumdwy, Wales http://www.number10.gov.uk/history-and-tour/prime-ministers-in-history/david-lloyd-george
