William Ewart Gladstone was a British Liberal Party statesman and four times Prime Minister (1868–74, 1880–85, 1886 and 1892–94). He was a champion of the Home Rule Bill which would have established self-government in Ireland.

Gladstone is also famous for his intense rivalry with the Conservative Party Leader Benjamin Disraeli. The rivalry was not only political, but also personal. When Disraeli died, Gladstone proposed a state funeral, but Disraeli's will asked for him to be buried next to his wife, to which Gladstone replied, "As Disraeli lived, so he died — all display, without reality or genuineness."

The British statesman was famously at odds with Queen Victoria for much of his career. She once complained, "He always addresses me as if I were a public meeting". Gladstone was known affectionately by his supporters as the "GOM", for "Grand Old Man" (or according to Disraeli actually stood for 'God's Only Mistake'), or "The People's William". He is still regarded as one of the greatest British prime ministers, with Winston Churchill and others citing Gladstone as their inspiration.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... _Gladstone View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Statesmen • 1860s • 1870s • 1880s • 1890s • Capricorn • December 29 • Government • Great Britain • Industrial Revolution • Politicians • Politics • Rulers • 19th Century • People