British Prime Ministers, Part Two Quiz

Answer: The Earl of Derby

Derby began his political career as a Whig. He then switched to the Tory party under Peel. When he became PM for the first time the Tories would not support him so he had to use inexperienced Conservatives in his cabinet.

Answer: Viscount Palmerston

Palmerston was 71 years old when he first became PM, and almost 76 when he started his second term. His position as a member of parliament did nothing to stop his 'liaisons' with women, which earned him the nickname 'Lord Cupid'. He died in office and his last words are quoted as 'Die, my dear Doctor, that is the last thing I shall do'.

Answer: William Gladstone

The final time Gladstone became PM he was in his 83rd year. In 1840, whilst in opposition, he started his rescue work of London prostitutes, often walking the streets trying to persuade them to change their lives. He died, aged 90, in Wales.

Answer: Beaconsfield

Disraeli died in 1881 from bronchitis and was buried at Hughendon. Protocol prohibited Victoria from attending his funeral, but she did visit his grave and had a monument erected in the churchyard.

Answer: Minister for The Civil Service

The First Lord of The Admiralty is the title given to the person who was president of the Board of The Admiralty. President of The Council of Ministers is used in Italy and several other European countries. First Minister of The Crown does not, as far as I know, exist.

Answer: Marquess of Salisbury

Salisbury, like many of his predecessors, was educated at Eton and Christchurch College, Oxford. A quote of his, which many will think is still applicable, was "English policy is to float lazily downstream, occasionally putting out a diplomatic boathook to avoid collisions."
Rosebury was a late 19th century PM, but Salisbury came both before, and, after him. The Earl of Chester is a title associated with the Heir Apparent, and Granby was an 18th century soldier.

Answer: Henry Campbell-Bannerman

One of the few notable facts about Bannerman's leadership was his denouncement of Kitchener's handling of the Boer War. Balfour was his predecessor, and both Ramsay McDonald and Bonar Law came much later.

Answer: True

Although he was born in Manchester, Lloyd George is, up to 2007, the only Welshman to be prime minister. He was brought up by his Uncle, a cobbler, in Caernarvonshire. The 'song' in question is sung to the same tune as 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The only words are: 'Lloyd George knew my father, father knew Lloyd George'. They are repeated ad infinitum.

Answer: Andrew Bonar Law

Bonar Law was born in New Brunswick, Canada, but was Scottish by birth and descent. He was popular as an MP, but as PM his tenure was very short. He is 'known' as 'The Unknown Prime Minister'.

Answer: James Ramsay MacDonald

Ramsey McDonald was brought up in Lossiemouth, on the north coast of Scotland. He worked as a teacher at the same school he attended before moving to Bristol. He served as member for Leicester for 12 years before losing his seat, but returned later as MP for a Welsh constituency. He had two periods as PM totaling just short of seven years.