Without you the new government would be ridiculous. With you it is only impossible.
- Sir William Harcourt, Letter, August 1892.

Additional Information on
Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847-1929)
Liberal Prime Minister 1894-1895

It has been said that Primrose never really wanted to be involved in politics because he was too concerned with breeding racehorses and gambling. He won the Derby three times and left Oxford University without taking his degree because he would not part with his horse - undergraduates were forbidden to own racehorses. He was also a successful author and commended orator.

Rosebery took his seat in the Lords in 1868, succeeding his grandfather, joining Gladstone's Liberal cause. In 1881 he became Undersecretary at the Home Office, but resigned after two years in order to travel to Australia - enhancing his imperialism. In a famous speech there Rosebery created the term 'Commonwealth of Nations'.

On his return, Rosebery became Lord Privy Seal, and then in Gladstone's third ministry - Foreign Secretary. In 1881 he was made Chairman of London County Council (a new body). In 1890, Rosebery's wife died suddenly of typhoid, and being distraught with grief he vanished into personal solitude.

When Gladstone returned as Prime Minister for the fourth time he tried to persuade Rosebery to be Foreign Secretary again but he refused until persuaded by the Queen and Prince of Wales. The role was dutifully but reluctantly accepted.

On Gladstone's death in 1894 Queen Victoria summoned Rosebery as his successor - he had no choice but to accept the role. His task was difficult because his Cabinet were divided in their outlook and the Lords were hostile to all Liberal suggestions for legislation. He achieved little of note. In June Rosebery handed in his resignation after fifteen months as Prime Minister. He died in 1929.

QUOTATIONS

He is a one-eyed fellow in blinkers
- David Lloyd George.