‘A Very English Gentleman’ The Honourable Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes MP (1880–1915)

The death of Captain the Honourable Thomas Charles Reginald Agar- Robartes MP, at Loos during the First World War, robbed Great Britain of a talented, charismatic and hard-working politician. Paul Holden, House and Collections Manager at House in (the Agar-Robartes family estate), assesses the life and career of this backbench Liberal MP who served in the great reforming Liberal governments between 1906 and 1915 – ‘a very English gentleman’.1

8 Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 ‘A Very English Gentleman’ The Honourable Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes MP (1880–1915)

o his Cornish constituents of the evolving Liberal Party in understandably suffered, his exas- Agar-Robartes’ popular- Cornwall brought him a peer- perated tutor writing to Viscount ity was based as much on age. His only son Thomas Charles Clifden in 1902, saying: ‘I have his colourful character as (1844–1930) took the Liberal seat done my utmost for him’.5 on his impartial mind and of East Cornwall in 1880, a seat he After an unsuccessful attempt Tindependent stance. Amongst his held for two years before succeed- to join the army Tommy ventured peers he was a much admired and ing his father as Baron Robartes into politics. In 1903 the West- gregarious talent whose serious- in1882. ern Daily Mercury enthusiastically ness and moderation sometimes Tommy was one of ten chil- reported on his speech for the gave way before an erratic – and dren born into the high-Angli- Liberal Executive at : ‘He often misplaced – wit that drew can family of Thomas Charles spoke with ease and confidence attention to his youth.2 Agar-Robartes (later 6th Viscount and his remarks were salted with Nine generations prior to Clifden), and Mary Dickinson wit … he gives promise of achiev- Tommy’s birth, Richard Robar- (1853–1921) of Kingweston in ing real distinction as a speaker.’6 tes (c.1580–1634), regarded as the Somerset (Fig.3). He was edu- Highlighting the Unionist gov- ‘wealthiest in the west’, purchased cated at Mortimer Vicarage ernment’s failures, as published in the Cornish estate of Lanhydrock School in Berkshire, Eton Col- the Boer War Commission Report, near and, controver- lege and Christ Church, Oxford. Tommy declared: sially, paid £10,000 to the Duke As a young man he developed of Buckingham for a peerage an ardour for equestrian sports, It was the most disgraceful (Fig.2).3 His eldest son, the staunch becoming Master of the Drag thing he had ever read … a Parliamentarian John (1606–85), Hunt and earning a dubious more disgraceful piece of crim- was created 1st Earl Radnor in reputation as ‘the most reckless inal carelessness and neglect it 1679 after a successful career in horseman in Cornwall’.4 Uni- would be impossible to find. the Restoration parliaments of versity brought out his outgoing Might it sink into their minds Charles II. By 1757 the Radnor and flamboyant personality. Like as hot iron into wax, and might title had became extinct and the his father he became an active it ever remain there like a Cornish estates passed, first, to member of the prestigious din- brand on a Dartmoor pony.7 George Hunt (1720–98), long- ing club, the Bullingdon Society, standing MP for Bodmin, and and in 1901 alone his personal Perhaps mindful of his political second, to his niece Anna Maria bills for wines/spirits and ciga- inexperience, he wisely avoided Hunt (1771–1861), Tommy’s rettes /cigars totalled £91 5s 8d speaking on the principles of the great-grandmother. Her mar- (£5,200 in 2010 prices) and £44 Fig. 1: The Hon war, preferring instead to vent his riage to Charles Agar (1769–1811), 12s 6d respectively (£2,500). With T.C.R. Agar- disapproval at the pitiful organisa- youngest son of the Viscount close friends like James de Roth- Robartes. Oil tion and inadequate armaments of Clifden, produced one surviv- schild and Neil Primrose, second on canvas the troops. He continued: ing son, Thomas James Agar- son of Lord Rosebery, Tommy by Richard Robartes (1808–82) who served as was a regular at country house Jack, 1906/7. It was something akin to mur- a Liberal MP from 1847 until 1869 parties, and with his passion for Lanhydrock der to send out men to fight our when his tireless organisation the turf his academic studies collections. battles on horses unfit to ride

Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 9 ‘a very english gentleman’

… As to the reserve of 200,000 rifles, it was discovered that the sighting was incorrect and that the rifle shot eight inches to the right at a distance of 500 yards.

Like his political mentor Lord Rosebery, Tommy’s passion and belief in empire was enduring. At Liskeard he said that he did not wish to see the British Empire lose ‘one grain of its greatness’; in his 1906 election pledges he wrote that: ‘the present condition of affairs in South Africa [is] deplor- able to the last degree’; and in 1910 he applauded self-government in South Africa, which he consid- ered had ‘brought a valiant peo- ple within the circle of the British Empire’.8 In 1905, as President of the Wimpole Liberal Association in Cambridgeshire (the local organi- sation to the family’s Wimpole Hall home), Tommy attacked the Tory government’s stance on tariff reform. He concluded his speech with the cry:

Out with the present Govern- ment … Mr Balfour … has clung to office like a drowning man clutching a straw … they have broken … the eleventh commandment, ‘Be thou not found out’.9

Tommy’s political future, however, was to be rooted nearer his Cor- nish home. Edwardian Cornwall had suffered severe social and eco- nomic instability as a consequence of continued agricultural and industrial decline. Consequently Nonconformist religion and Lib- eralism both grew between 1885 and 1910. With his good looks, sharp mind and fervent personal- ity, Tommy was ‘enthusiastically adopted’ as Liberal candidate for South-East Cornwall, a seat that had been held by the Liberal Unionists at the two previous elections with majorities of 543 (1895) and 1,302 (1900). Lanhydrock immediately became the centre of industrious political activity, with the guest book recording the names of, amongst others, Herbert Asquith and (Fig. 4). On Saturday 25 November 1905 Tommy’s mentor and fam- ily friend Lord Rosebery visited Bodmin as part of his speaking

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tour of the south-west. His visit Campbell-Bannerman thought 2nd, to help forward those coincided with a period of Liberal him ‘off his head’. Tommy too great social reforms which are division over Home Rule policy realised the seriousness of the situ- urgent and necessary.13 and internal scheming over party ation, writing: leadership. Two days prior to the His wide-ranging pledges were Bodmin rally the Liberal leader I repudiate any suggestion that aimed at the popular Cornish vote. Henry Campbell-Bannerman that it was my desire to oust Free trade he considered ‘essential had given a speech in Stirling in C.B & to obtain suggestion to the welfare of the Empire … which he had outlined his step- that the business was a ‘put up and the happiness of the people’. by-step approach towards Irish job’ as I have heard it described. Opposing the 1902 Education Act, Home Rule. Rosebery’s reaction Lord R as he got into the he supported an amendment to to the press reports was one of motor with me after Bodmin take all schools into public control anger. said ‘I think that is probably and to abolish religious testing Preceding Rosebery on the last speech I shall make for teachers. He viewed the situ- the platform, Tommy set the on a public platform’. He said ation in South Africa as lamenta- evening’s controversial mood. His to me on Monday – ‘I should ble and, in view of the Cornish speech has not survived, although be absolutely miserable if C B mining interests in the Transvaal a draft letter dated 28 November retires (what I meant by ‘I can- gold mines, was opposed to the to the -based author, Cam- not serve under that banner’ impending humanitarian disaster bridge professor and local Liberal was that I could take no further Fig. 2: of the Chinese ‘slaves’. Moreo- President Arthur Quiller-Couch part in his campaign)’. Lanhydrock ver, he championed land reform remains in the collection. Tommy House, Bodmin, (particularly in amending the wrote: Tommy apologised for his mis- Cornwall. Agricultural Holdings Act), bet- judged comments and vowed Completed in ter working-class housing, pro- I am sorry that you should feel in future to adhere to his usual 1644, Lanhydrock tection of trade unions and fairer aggrieved at the position and well-prepared notes. It was later was fully local taxation. He was staunchly attitude I took in Bodmin this remarked that ‘Mr Robartes was refurbished after opposed to an independent parlia- week. I think perhaps that I only voicing, like a parrot, the a fire in 1881. The ment for Ireland – a position based was wrong in using an expres- views of his political mentor’.11 property was largely on Cornwall’s Noncon- sion of Sir H C B’s in the way I Rosebery, true to form, refused bequeathed formist sympathies, its geographi- did, but I thought at the time to express any regret later, saying: to the National cal proximity to Ireland and the that it was most appropriate to ‘to very word, to every syllable Trust in 1953. more practical concern of fish- Chinese labour … Lord R after of the Bodmin speech I abso- ing in Irish waters. On the issue the meeting said to me ‘a sort lutely adhere’.12 Even though he Fig. 3: The of the 1904 Licensing Act Tommy of cold shudder beat through consistently rejected any ideas of Agar-Robartes saw it as detrimental to temper- the meeting after you [Agar- reclaiming party leadership many, children, 1896. ance reform, asking: ‘Why should Robartes] said that the cam- Tommy included, hoped that he (L-R) Gerald the drink traffic be the only trade paign was a game against C.B would assume the mantle once (later 7th allowed to carry on business on his name was never mentioned Balfour was defeated. Tommy Viscount Clifden), the Sabbath?’14 Some years later until his words were read on concluded his letter Mary Vere, he was quoted as saying: Friday morning, then I admit Cecil, Everilda there was much bitterness, for … much as I personally should (Tommy’s twin) I like my beaker of ale in owing I hope to his words hav- like to see Lord R in the posi- with Alexander, the morning as much as any ing been misinterpreted, I felt tion of Leader of the Liberal Tommy, man – judging from the lively that those words had ruined party, I do not believe that Constance, manifestations of joy from the the prospects of the Liberal he would accept the position Victor (later 8th gentlemen opposite, a consid- Party’10 Great as Great as is my affec- Viscount Clifden) erable number of them must be tion for him, I put personal and Violet. financially dependant on the Worse followed when Lord Rose- friendship the Liberal party hop trade.15 bery rose to address the crowd. before my personal friendship. Fig. 4: L-R Sir Denouncing Campbell-Banner- Clifford J. Cory Under the free trade and cheap man’s position on Home Rule, The controversy came during a (Cornwall food slogan, ‘Vote for the Big Loaf Rosebery said: ‘I, then, will add period of tentative Liberal divi- West, St Ives), – Vote for Robartes’, eighty cam- no more on the subject, except sion. In the hope of precipitating the Hon T.C. paign meetings were held across to say emphatically and explic- a lasting Liberal split, Balfour’s Agar-Robartes his prospective rural constituency. itly and once and for all that I government resigned within days (Viscount For the first time in many of these cannot serve under that banner’. of the Bodmin speech. For the Clifden), Rt. Hon. scattered areas the motor car was Many took this to indicate that impending January 1906 election, H.H. Asquith, in evidence; indeed three of the he would never serve in a gov- Tommy – ‘the Farmers and Min- the Hon. T.C.R. Agar-Robartes’ private motor- ernment pledged to Home Rule; ers Friend’ – published his elec- Agar-Robartes cars were requisitioned in addi- certainly the public rift both with tion pledges (Fig. 5), appealing to: (Mid-Cornwall, St tion to over a dozen others. The his party leader and with his fel- Austell), George enterprising Liberal agents also low Liberal Imperialists Asquith, … the Electors of S.E. Cornwall Hay Morgan organised: ‘a cyclist corps who Edward Grey and Richard Hal- ... 1st, To repair as far as possi- (Cornwall, ). darted hither and thither bear- dane, irreversibly widened. So ble the mischief accomplished Lanhydrock, ing electioneering literature, the serious were his comments that by the late Government; and, 1906. handle bars of their machines

Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 11 ‘a very english gentleman’

Fig. 5: Vote Glory, however, soon turned and Work for to despair. In May 1906 the Lost- Robartes: The withiel Guardian reported ‘a sud- Liberal and Free den bolt from the blue’ – Tommy Trade Candidate, had been accused of 108 counts of election leaflet bribery and illegal treating.18 The 1906. election petition for his unseating included such further indigni- ties as excessive expenses, illegal payments and a ‘meat tea’ for the estate workers that was consid- ered ‘a very extraordinary pro- ceeding’ by the presiding judge. Although political inducements at this time were relatively common, the family strenuously denied any wrongdoing. The Cornish Guardian immediately launched and published its own investiga- tion which was later considered as having a potential influence on the trial and thereby implicated in contempt of court.19 The pub- lic trial, held at Bodmin Assizes Court, ended with Tommy being found guilty and disqualified from his seat. In the process his mother and father were humili- ated in the witness box by Judge Lawrence. Tommy later vented his anger:

When I saw my mother stand- ing as a butt to the cheap jibes of a judge (shame) I thought to myself Bodmin will never forgive this (loud and contin- ued cheering), and if it does then it is not the Bodmin that I used to know … You have supporting placards announcing Tory trickery was rife. One seen the [Robartes] name bes- their latest triumphs’. 16 campaign worker claimed meared, a name, which I am Alfred Browning-Lyne, the that Viscount Clifden’s tenants proud to say, has always stood founder of the Cornish Guardian, were forced to vote for his son. for freedom under three gen- proved a loyal supporter, describ- Another, on polling day itself, erations and has thrice fought ing Tommy’s ‘truly democratic’ saw ‘a Tory Sandwich man car- the battles of the people (tre- outlook as having a ‘genuine sym- rying posters made up of Liberal mendous cheering). 20 pathy for the masses of the people colours (blue and gold), but ask- … He was that seeming paradox, ing the electors to vote Tory’. Such emotional oratory was typi- a democratic aristocrat.’ On his The impromptu aphorism ‘Vote cal of Tommy’s style. Needless to opponent’s side, a critical press for Robartes and Resent Trick- say, the press enjoyed the scan- campaign was initiated by the ery’ was adopted and Tommy dal; the Daily Mail mischievously Cornish Times who blamed ‘again Agar-Robartes, aged 26, was reported ‘wry smiles from the and again the manner in which elected as the Liberal MP for Liberals’ and claimed ‘the whole the mine-owners of the Division, south-east Cornwall with a 1,172 Division is laughing today … The through the Shylock qualities of majority over his Liberal Union- appeal to feudalism is regarded their agents, have squeezed the ist opponent Horace Grylls. The as quaint coming from a once life out of the mining industry’. Cornish Guardian reported ‘A Tri- Liberal member.’ 21 Effectively Although this was in part a justi- umphant Victory: South-East considered as bribery, aspects of fied attack on the landed Cornish Cornwall Returns to Liberalism, Tommy’s case were later used as elite the Cornish Guardian leapt to Toryism Vanquished’.17 At the a case study in Schofield’s Election Tommy’s defence: ‘The remarks dissolution of the 1905 Parlia- Agent’s Guide to Electoral Law. set forth are made solely with the ment, of the seven Cornish seats, As one of 220 new Liberal MPs intention of injuring the candida- four were Liberal and three were elected to the House of Commons ture of the Hon. Agar-Robartes Unionist; after the 1906 election during the 1906 election his dis- and are wholly unfounded’. all seven were Liberal. qualification meant that he had

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all too briefly experienced the of organisational skills, remark- isolated him within his own character of the new British par- ing ‘Before he makes another party and shaped his independ- liament. He did however make speech … give a little more time ent and often controversial char- a significant contribution when, to the study of the bill.’24 Further- acter. His criticisms of the 1909 on 9 March 1906, he introduced more, a hasty temper was often in ‘People’s Budget’ (which led him the Land Tenure Bill to the Com- evidence. After the Lords’ rejec- eventually to vote against it) led mons. The bill entitled farmers to tion of temperance legislation, he his constituents to question his full profits from their capital input dashed off a speech which, hope- suitability as their representa- and payments for any improve- fully, remained in draft: tive. As the Cornish Guardian ments they made to the soil; had it reported: passed in its original form the bill What happened then? A large would have benefited many Cor- number of Tory peers, the With all the good feeling pos- nish tenant farmers. The Daily owners of brewery shares, Lit- sible personally towards Mr. News reported ‘young Mr Agar- tle Englanders, pro-brewers, Robartes, I fear his action Robartes, sat on the steps of the the friends of every country has been such that will jus- throne, with the inevitable bunch but their own, narrow minded tify many of us asking, ‘Is he of violets in his coat and watched bigots assembled together a suitable representative for the proceedings … [His] agree- in a compound mansion in us?’ … Many a member of the ably youthful and slightly dandi- Berkeley Square, decided to Government would be glad of fied appearance, demure emphasis throw out this Bill after an being the Liberal candidate for and boyish wit secured him a very hour’s discussion, dashed off the St. Austell division at the friendly, even a charmed audi- in their motors and bought next election …26 ence.’22 As it was, his disqualifica- more brewery shares … from tion deprived of that moment this Bill, was Some weeks later at a public guiding it through its later stages. supported by all the forces of meeting Tommy turned the In recognition of his short period Christianity, was dead’.25 accusations around and made his in office, 15,000 Cornish Liberals audience feel that they were being subscribed to a portrait of Tommy Such impulsive qualities, cou- questioned about their attitude delivering the second reading of pled with his youthful naivety, towards him: the bill (Fig. 1); a commemorative book records the presentation ‘in affectionate recognition of a con- test gallantly won for the Cause of the People’. Tommy’s Liberal colleague, and the joint secretary of the imperialist Liberal League, Free- man Freeman-Thomas, took vic- tory at the by-election on 24 July, with a majority similar in size to Tommy’s. Welcoming the result, Tommy reminded his constitu- ents that he would return to say to Mr Freeman-Thomas: ‘Give me back my constituency!’23 His absence from politics was indeed short. In 1907 William McArthur resigned the safe Lib- eral seat of Mid-Cornwall (St. Austell) and on 5 February 1908 Tommy was elected unopposed. As part of Asquith’s first Liberal administration Tommy supported the government’s initiatives on free trade and temperance reform. As his confidence grew, however, shortfalls in his character became more apparent. One was impetu- osity – a throwback to his Oxford Fig. 6: To the days, when his lecturer regarded Electors of him: ‘very careless – [he] rushes the Mid or St wildly at a paper without think- Austell Division ing of what he is putting down’. of the County During a debate on the Finance of Cornwall, Bill in October 1909 Lloyd election leaflet George highlighted Tommy’s lack 1910.

Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 13 ‘a very english gentleman’

I ask those who call themselves taxes was based on his passion to establishment of a New and Liberals in this constituency, defend agriculture, in particular Impartial Second Chamber, to extend to me the cour- Cornish farmers, who worked in constituted in the future by tesy, which I would certainly what he called ‘the greatest indus- Order of Merit instead of by extend to them, to write to try in this country’. Accident of Birth.31 me first, personally, to ask if I In December 1909 Parliament have any explanation to give was dissolved. On 8 January 1910 The Hon. Gerald Agar-Robartes, as regarding my vote – before Tommy published his election later 7th Viscount Clifden and a they indulge in a tirade against pledges (Fig.6): Liberal minister in the Lords, said me in the public press, which, in support of his brother: ‘The after all, can only have one I appeal to you for your sup- hereditary principle was abso- effect, to sow the seed for any port to retain the victories of lutely indefensible … the will of political opponent to reap. 1906 and 1908, in order that the people should prevail over the (Hear, Hear!) … If I had any of Free Trade may be secure, and privileges of the Peers’.32 my own fish to fry, if I had any that the House of Commons, During the campaign Winston personal motive in this ques- elected by your votes, shall Churchill supported Tommy at a tion, I should have opposed predominate for ever over the rally in . Rather over- not only the undeveloped land unrepresentative House of stating Tommy’s political suc- tax … but the whole of the Lords.29 cesses he said: land clauses … super taxes … death duties (Hear, hear). I Despite the inevitability of his Our chairman is himself should have joined and ranged own peerage he regarded ‘the largely, if not mainly, respon- myself from the first with the principle of Hereditary Legisla- sible for the great deal of leg- Tory party if I had any spe- tion as indefensible and injurious islation that passed through cial interest to serve. (Hear, to the best interests of a demo- Parliament … I predict for him hear). I should have sought cratic community’. On the crisis – if you will return him to the by means of Tariff Reform of the People’s Budget of 1909 he House of Commons, as I am to have thrown the burden of wrote: ‘Who are the rulers, the ‘Although confident you will – a success- taxation on to the shoulders People or the Peers?’ Of the Lords ful political career which will of the poor. (Hear, hear). I themselves he questioned: I desire to do honour to this constitu- resent those attacks and I think ency before all the country and that I am justified in doing so. Why then were they there? see a Second will strengthen the great hold (Applause).27 They were not there by choice which the cause of Free Trade or approval of their fellow Chamber and liberalism and national He rejected the offer of a govern- countrymen; they were not performing freedom has made upon the ment whip’s position in 1909, for there from any personal merit, hearts of Cornishmen.33 the reasons, as his party agent C.A. but were there simply by an its proper Millman later explained, that he accident of birth … They had Tommy rallied – ‘This day I am wanted to retain his ‘manly inde- no political death; they had functions of occupying the Chair; on Tuesday pendence as well as his position merely political immortality I shall occupy the seat’. He was near the exit if escape was needed … How could they give con- revising and returned as MP for mid-Corn- from some of the dreary proceed- sent to put an end to their own wall with a 3,087 majority, and in ings’.28 Millman continued: existence? It would be like checking the second election of 1910 was asking a fellow whom one did elected unopposed. His popular- This was an opportunity not to not care about to hang a stone Legislation, I ity was expressed in a letter pub- be despised or lightly treated. around his neck and chuck lished in the St Austell Star: Mr. Robartes was good himself into Dozmary pool.30 am unalter- enough to consult me on the To our Tommy. I sincerely matter and while I advised him To his constituents he wrote: ably opposed wish you a Merry Christmas to please himself I expressed Mr Robartes. All through the the hope that he would see his It is, therefore, with confidence to an inherit- year you have stuck to your way to accept the offer and thus that I appeal to the Electors of post and to your duties in the commence an official career this Constituency to maintain able right House of Commons splendidly. which I felt would sooner or the unbroken privileges of the It has been hard, grinding work later command distinction and House of Commons. Although of rejection too, and most exacting, with a influence. To my surprise and I desire to see a Second Cham- that only tremendous amount of over- chagrin he declined the offer ber performing its proper func- time thrown in. And worse made by the Prime Minister on tions of revising and checking asserts itself luck, and worse still, so much the grounds that if he became Legislation, I am unalterably of the work accomplished by a member of the Government opposed to an inheritable right when a Lib- the People’s House has been he would no longer be able to of rejection that only asserts mutilated, murdered, done to oppose the Undeveloped Land itself when a Liberal Govern- eral Govern- death by the Peers’ House.34 Tax! ment is in office. I am prepared to support the abolition of the ment is in As an industrious independent Tommy’s staunch objection to the Veto of the , backbencher Tommy travelled to introduction of undeveloped land and am also in favour of the office.’ the United States of America in

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1910 and Canada in 1912, taking pains to attend important presi- dential meetings.35 The Somerset Gazette described Tommy as ‘The best dressed man in Parliament but so exquisite was his taste, that he never displayed ostentatious luxury’.36 His colourful appear- ance was matched by his sharp humour; George Croyden Marks (MP for North-East Cornwall) noted that his speeches were ‘extremely well researched … interesting and witty’.37 When he criticised his party’s Irish policy he was scolded, being ‘looked upon as a knave by some, as a fool by others and as both by the rest’.38 He replied:

I well remember that my hon. Friend, if I may call him so, the member for West Belfast (Mr Devlin) was so determined in his opposition to my amend- ment excluding the four coun- ties, that he threatened to sever his head from his body if the amendment was carried, and to sit opposite a truncated Fig. 7: ‘The intention of the Government some consistency in his views corpse, Mr Deputy-Speaker, at Knights of the to accept this Amendment when strongly questioned in his that time I considered that as New Becket’, Pall which has just been moved constituency. the only solution to the Irish Mall Gazette, 25 by my hon. Friend. Indeed, it Publicly Tommy held firm to problem. April 1911. would require a very great deal his personal belief that the Liberal of evidence from Ulster itself Party: During the 1910 campaign Sir Agar: ‘Our to lead to the belief that she Tommy had remained committed, Asquith shows desires to cut herself off from … is to me a vast number of men as had the by now diminished fig- no fury. We must the rest of Ireland. and women all marching for- ure of Lord Rosebery, to oppos- goad him!’ ward – not agreed to how fast ing an independent parliament Sir Wedgwood: Tommy replied: or how far they may go; but for Ireland. He worked long and ‘Aye, for this all inspired and driven by the hard researching the important haughty This Bill makes the mistake same motive power, the desire issues, amassing a cache of Lib- Chancellor must of treating Ireland not as two to march forward with a fixed eral pamphlets, political books, die!’ nations, but as one nation determination.40 brochures and leaflets on the Sir Primrose: ‘He different in sentiment, char- subject – many of which are still must! He shall! acter, history and religion. Yet privately his independence held at Lanhydrock. Articulately Myself will do the I maintain it is absolutely saw him drifting further from stating the cultural and statistical deed!’ impossible to fuse these two the Liberal mainstream.41 He case he moved an amendment to (With apologies incongruous elements together. was already out of line with the Government of Ireland Bill to the Muse of It is impossible to reconcile the Lloyd George’s land tax propos- in 1912 to exclude ‘the counties History.) irreconcilable. als contained in the 1909 budget, of Antrim, Armagh, Down and and the Liberal approach to Londonderry’. The amendment In the hope that the Liberals Home Rule, when, in April 1911, split opinion and sparked fierce would become divided, Tommy’s the Pall Mall Gazette published cross-party debate. Some saw great friend, the Tory James de a cartoon portraying Tommy, it as a declaration of war against Rothschild, moved an amend- Neil Primrose and Josiah Clem- Ulster; others considered the ment to exclude Ulster from the ent Wedgewood as plotters potential Unionist division as bill but then withdrew it in favour against the Liberal Lord Chan- wholly unacceptable. The gov- of Tommy’s four counties pro- cellor, Lord Loreburn (Fig.7). It ernment staunchly opposed the posal.39 With their lack of a major- was these ‘knights’ who drew amendment, the Chief Secretary ity the government needed the attention to the widespread for Ireland, Mr. Birrell, com- Irish vote, and the amendment discontent at the undemocratic menting that: was defeated by 320 votes to 251 methods of appointing mag- with Tommy a teller for the ‘Ayes’. istrates to the county Benches I have no hesitation what- In light of Asquith’s later Irish thereby contributing to his res- ever in saying that it is not the policy Tommy claimed at least ignation the following year.

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Fig. 8: Tommy at Monday. I hope that every one his happiest – of them is assisting by every with his political possible means in the great mentor, Lord struggle that lies before us. I Rosebery, at the have noticed with satisfaction races. Cover from that Liberals and Unionists in The Tatler, 3 June my constituency have worked 1914. together on the same platform with the same object in view, the final triumph of Great Britain and her Allies over the fiendish atrocities of our ene- mies, whose hideous massacres of women and children have left them to claim no right to an inch of the sun. We cannot utter the word peace until they have been repaid the uttermost farthing. The more complete our vic- tory the more assured is peace and prosperity of the civilised world in days to come. Every man can help! Every effort is required, for, although our ultimate victory is certain, I would venture to remind the delegates that it is a long, long way to Berlin. So one and all must help. With kindest regards to yourself and to my many friends in all political parties in mid-Cornwall, believe me, yours sincerely, Thomas Agar-Robartes

By September his battalion had advanced on Loos. The regimen- tal war diary records: Tommy also voted against the as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal government on Edward Carson’s Bucks Hussars.44 Being stationed At about 6am on September Ulster exclusion amendment of in England, he ‘could not bear the the 26th 1915 two Sgt’s, Hop- January 1913 and abstained on thought that others were taking kins and Printer, who were in the guillotine motion on Lloyd risks which he did not share’, so this officers company, went George’s Finance Bill in July in February 1915, after returning out in front of our trenches 1914.42 However, his rebellious to England to perform best man at the chalk-pit almost up nature was soon tempered when duties at Neil Primrose’s wedding, to the Bois Hugo to bring events in Europe shifted the he left for France as an officer in a wounded man. When patriotic young Cornishman’s in the 1st Battalion Coldstream they were about to return focus from confrontational Guards. Three months later he Sgt Hopkins was shot down frontline politics to out-and-out wrote to the St. Austell Liberal by a German sniper. Sgt war. Association a ‘Letter from the Printer continued on with the In the lead-up to war in Trenches’: wounded man and brought Europe, Tommy had passion- him into the lines. Captain ately supported the growth of 1st Coldstream Guards Robertes [sic] who had been the Territorial Army; he was In a dirty ditch somewhere in watching this whole episode, himself an officer in thest 1 Royal France at once went out with Sgt Devon Yeomanry (Territorial May 17, 1915 Printer and brought back Sgt Force) between 1902 and 1911.43 Dear Mr Hancock – I am Hopkins who was severely The enforcement of the military sending you this short note wounded. The whole ground deterrent was in his opinion ‘a to ask you to give my kind- in front of the chalk pit- guarantee for the maintenance of est regards to the Liberal del- was covered in the Enemy’s Peace’. Consequently, in February egates of Mid-Cornwall, who, machine Guns, Captain Rob- 1914, he drew up his will and in I understand, will be meet- ertes was himself severely August took up an appointment ing together as usual on Whit wounded shortly afterwards.45

16 Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 ‘a very english gentleman’

On 28 September Tommy was Mr H.S. Hancock added that ‘on describe him as ‘one of the most unsuccessfully recommended for the last occasion that he had met whimsically incongruous figures a Victoria Cross for conspicu- Captain Robartes at Lanhydrock in the Government ranks … no ous gallantry in the field. He was, before he went to the front, he one took him very seriously’.52 however, to be put forward for conveyed the impression that he A memorial service was held at a high military decoration if he never expected to see England St Margaret’s, Westminster on 13 were to survive his injuries. Two again’. October 1915, where Sir Arthur days later, Tommy, aged 35, died Politically the loss was tragic Quiller-Couch said of Tommy: in the 18th Casualty Clearing Sta- enough but for the family it tion (Fig.9); he was mentioned in proved to be immeasurable. He had in him and he car- despatches on 30 November.46 Being heir to the peerage and ried it eminently, that which I On his death the Cornish 120,000 acres of estate Tommy think, if men could be judged Guardian reported: ‘His Death was set to lead the family for- like thorough-breds in a show, was Grand, The Cause was Just’; ward. He died unmarried despite would make a man an Eng- his mother simply wrote ‘we being ‘known in Paris and Monte lish gentleman, recognisable do not know how to bear our Carlo as in London, and being a from every gentleman in the grief ’.47 At the St Austell Liberal most eligible parti was greatly world. And the mark of it is Club meeting on 8 October 1915 but unsuccessfully courted by that he, the English gentle- a great gratitude was tendered matchmaking mammas’.49 After man, treats life, under God, as from the constituency members. the war the spirit of the family the finest, the gallantest, and The club had: faded and although nine of the the most glorious of all sports Viscount’s ten children survived … That was Mr. Robartes. No … watched his Parliamentary infancy only one produced a man in this adventure of life, at career with great admira- child of their own. any moment, weighed danger tion, and felt confident that After the Second World War it more cheaply against what I his straightforward and firm Fig. 9: Grave was apparent that the heir was not may call the ‘fun of it’ … He adherence to his convictions, of Captain committed to the estate so in 1953 went out in just that way – gal- as well as his statesmanlike The Hon T.C.R. it was bequeathed to the National lantly out to France to the abilities, would secure for him Agar-Robartes Trust. Tommy’s brothers, Gerald trenches just as if he were tak- in the future a high place in at Lapugnoy (1883–1966) and Victor (1887– ing a fence or a hedge … His the administration of national Cemetery, Pas 1974) became successive Viscount fiery spirit like a star went out affairs, and it unfeignedley de Calais, France Clifdens, while two of his sisters, into the night and leapt the regrets that those hopes have (picture by Mr A his twin Everilda (1880–1969) and threshold of another world.53 been so soon cut off.48 Smith). Violet (1888–1965) lived at Lan- hydrock until their deaths. Today Paul Holden is House and Collec- the Lanhydrock estate attracts in tions Manager for the National Trust excess of 200,000 visitors a year. at Lanhydrock House in Cornwall. Personal artefacts of Tommy’s He has published and lectured widely are on display in the house, his on aspects of architectural history and grave markers are in the church- curatorship. yard and a memorial window is in the adjoining church. He also had stained glass windows installed to his memory in Wimpole Parish Acknowledgements. Church and St Wilfred’s Chapel at I am much indebted to Mike Church Norton in Sussex. England for additions, comments Politically Tommy showed and corrections. His book A Vic- great potential yet quite how torian Family at Lanhydrock: Gone his allegiances would have the Happy Dream (Bodmin, 2000) developed in a changing politi- puts into more context Tommy’s cal climate we can only specu- life and times. The National Lib- late. Political epitaphs flowed eral Club, London, set this work thick and fast. The Manchester in motion through commission- Guardian wrote: ‘He revealed ing an exhibition on Tommy’s an unexpected talent for get- political life in 2005. Duncan ting all parties by the ears and Brack and Chris Collins have yet arousing and holding the been helpful with their comments by no means unfriendly atten- as have the anonymous reviewers. tion of the general public’.50 The As always Kathryn and Eleanor London Opinion believed that ‘he have been a pillar of strength. All showed little respect for [House pictures by kind permission of the of Commons] conventions, and National Trust. declined to treat the assembly as seriously as it treated itself’.51 His 1 This article draws on some uncata- flippancy prompted the Irish MP logued resources held at Lanhy- John Redmond to ungraciously drock House (hereafter LHA).

Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010 17 ‘a very english gentleman’

References will include a brief ‘No man in 24 Hansard, 20 October 1909, p. 419. June, 1996, p. 632. description rather than any cata- 25 LHA undated draft speech. 42 The Liberal Magazine, February 1913, logue number. this adven- 26 Cornish Guardian, 13 August 1909. p.49. Manchester Guardian, 8 July 2 , 4 October 27 Cornish Guardian, 12 November 1914. British Weekly, 7 October 1915. 1915. ture of 1909. 43 National Archives, WO 337/42464. 3 For a more detailed history of the 28 Cornish Guardian, 8 October 1909. 44 Whilst in London he resided at 1 house and family see Paul Holden, life, at any 29 ‘To the Electors of the Mid or St Great Stanhope Street, Mayfair, Lanhydrock House-Book of the House Austell Division of the County of Middlesex. He left £3,688 6s 6d. (National Trust, 2007). moment, Cornwall’, election leaflet, 1910. (£158,820 equivalent in 2010) at the 4 ‘Memorial to Captain the Hon. 30 LHA undated draft speech. In time of his death. T.C.R. Agar-Robartes’, Liskeard weighed Arthurian legend Dozmary Pool 45 Thanks to the Regimental Head- Liberal Club, 30 September danger more on Bodmin Moor was where King quarters Coldstream Guards for 1916 – speech made by Sir Arthur Arthur requested Sir Bedivere to this information. The ‘Intelligence Quiller-Couch. cheaply return Excalibur to the Lady of the Summary’ (National Archives, 5 The Sketch, ‘The Primrose Path to Lake. WO95/1219) recorded on 28 Sep- Matrimony’, 14 April 1915. Prim- against what 31 ‘To the Electors of the Mid or St tember 1915 also lists ‘Cpt Hon T. rose died in 1917 during the cam- Austell Division of the County of C. Agar-Robartes MP (wounded)’ paign in Palestine. Both men’s I may call the Cornwall’, election leaflet, 1910. amongst 229 casualties. heraldic crests were originally 32 LHA. 46 National Archives WO 337/42464. mounted in the old Commons “fun of it” … 33 Cornish Guardian, 28 January 1910. London Gazette, 1 January 1916. He Chamber and were reinstalled 34 St Austell Star, 17 December 1910. was posthumously awarded the below the new South Gallery after He went out 35 New York Times, 7 November 1910. 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal enemy bombing in 1941. Tommy was reported as a guest at and the Victory Medal in 1922. 6 Western Daily Mercury, 16 March in just that Tammany Hall with Neil Primrose, 47 Cornish Guardian, 8 October 1915. 1903. Murray Graham, James de Roth- 48 Western Morning News, 11 October 7 Ibid. way – gal- schild and Cecil Grenfell. 1915. 8 Election leaflet: ‘Vote and Work 36 Somerset Gazette, undated cutting in 49 London Opinion, 10 October 1915. for Robartes: The Liberal and lantly out Lanhydrock collection. 50 Manchester Guardian, 18 January Free Trade Candidate’, 1906. Elec- 37 Ibid. 1915. tion leaflet, ‘To the Electors of the to France to 38 Hansard, 2 April 1914, p. 1467. 51 London Opinion, 10 October 1915. Mid or St Austell Division of the 39 Thanks to Chris Collins for draw- 52 Manchester Guardian, 18 January County of Cornwall’, 8 January the trenches ing my attention to this. 1915. 1910. just as if he 40 LHA undated draft speech. 53 ‘Memorial to Captain the Hon. 9 Cambridge Independent Press, 11 41 ‘The Liberal cave and the 1914 T.C.R. Agar-Robartes’, Liskeard August 1905. were taking Budget’, English Historical Review, Liberal Club, 30 September 1916. 10 LHA. Rosebery’s actions have been discussed further in David a fence or a W. Gutzke, ‘Rosebery and Camp- bell-Bannerman: the Conflict over hedge …’ Leadership Reconsidered’, Histori- cal Research 54, 1981, pp. 241–50 and Leo McKinstry, Rosebery, London, 2005, pp. 469–75. 11 Cornish Guardian, 8 October 1915. 12 ‘Lord Rosebery and the Liberal report League: Justification of the Bodmin Speech’, The Times, 12 December 1905. 13 ‘Vote and Work for Robartes: The What’s left of Gladstonian Liberalism in the Liberal and Free Trade Candidate’, Liberal Democrats? election leaflet 1906. 14 LHA undated draft speech. See also Evening meeting, 25 January 2010, with Dr Eugenio Biagini Cornish Guardian, 26 January 1906 and Cornish Times, 26 January 1906. and Chris Huhne MP. Chair: William Wallace (Hon. President, 15 LHA undated newspaper clipping. Liberal Democrat History Group) 16 Cornish Guardian, 26 January 1906. 17 Ibid. Report by Mark Pack 18 Guardian, 24 May 1906. 19 Peter Stephens, ‘Alfred Browning Lyne, a Man of Conviction!’, Cor- nish Guardian, 11 August 2005. illiam Gladstone’s meeting was addressed by both 20 Daily Chronicle, 21 July 1906. legacy for modern Eugenio Biagini, of Cambridge 21 Daily Mail, 21 July 1906. Wpolitical parties was University, and Chris Huhne MP, 22 The Daily News, February Editions the subject for discussion at the the Liberal Democrat Shadow 1906. January meeting of the Liberal Home Secretary and keen collec- 23 Cornish Guardian, 21 July 1906. Democrat History Group. The tor of Gladstone memorabilia.

18 Journal of Liberal History 66 Spring 2010