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david Lloyd George Nonconformity and , c.1890 – 1906

David Lloyd George took a natural place in both radical and nonconformist traditions, on account of his family background and his upbringing in . Ian Machin examines his story from 1890 to 1906. In particular, he traces how Lloyd George’s performance in relation to the Education Bill of 1902 and its aftermath was of pivotal significance in his career, building his political position in time for the Liberals’ lthough born in Man- David and his sister (a brother, return to office in chester, Lloyd George William, was born posthumously) December 1905, which Awas taken to Wales by his were then taken by their mother to Welsh parents when he was two live at , near Cric- in turn enabled him to months old, in 1863. They lived in cieth in south , at , his schoolmaster the home of her brother Richard demonstrate his striking father William’s native county, Lloyd, a lay preacher for the Dis- abilities in subsequent where William took the lease of a ciples of Christ and owner of a smallholding for health reasons, small shoemaking business. ‘Uncle years. but died from tuberculosis in 1864. Lloyd’ acted as a father to his

12 Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 david Lloyd George Nonconformity and Radicalism, c.1890 – 1906

sister’s three children and greatly Nineteenth-century noncon- became in Britain, and one of their influenced them. formity used radical methods and most prominent later members When David was born, modern support to seek the abolition of was Ronald Reagan). Uncle Rich- British radicalism – having a cen- Anglican privilege in regard to ard Lloyd’s chapel at had tral aim of franchise extension and education, payment of church rates previously belonged to the Scotch reform, and further aims, especially and tithes to help maintain parish (founded in Edinburgh in nonconformist ones, to advance churches, the use of parish burial 1765, and owing their establish- equality – was about a hundred grounds, and an established posi- ment in North Wales to a sea jour- years old; and nonconform- tion as a state church. By 1880 these ney from to ity – avowing and demonstrating aims – though not disestablishment by missionaries). Before joining religious separation from the estab- or abolition of tithes – had been the Scotch Baptists the chapel had lished , and to largely attained; and disestablish- belonged to the main British Bap- a lesser extent that of Scotland – ment in general was encouraged by tist denomination, the Particular was about three hundred. The two the passage of that reform for Ire- Baptists. Successive secessions by often formed a natural partnership, land in 1869, though further hopes the chapel from both the Particular though this was by no means an of achieving it were disappointed Baptists and the Scotch Baptists had exclusive one – many were in Parliament in the early 1870s resulted from a search for pure and not Dissenters, and many Dissent- and in the general election of 1885.1 pristine Christianity. The secession ers were not radicals. Wesleyanism had initially provided from the Scotch Baptists and union Radicals never formed an organ- a variation from this radical-non- with the Disciples took place in ised of their own, or conformist connection by inclin- 1841, when Richard Lloyd’s father even an organised section within ing towards Toryism, but by the (David Lloyd George’s grandfa- a party, though radicals who sup- later nineteenth century Wesleyans ther) was minister. The Disciples, ported a particular reform quite were coming to have more political although maintaining the practice often formed an association to work resemblance to the Congregation- of adult baptism, were not at that for it by political means (for exam- alists and Baptists, which (together time Baptist by affiliation, though ple the Anti-Corn Law League, the with the Quakers and Unitarians the Welsh ones became so much Chartists, and the Anti-State Church and some Methodist and Presby- later when they joined the Welsh Association, which was founded in terian denominations) were the Baptist Union in the 1930s. As well 1844 and known as the Liberation strongest radical elements among as holding to adult baptism, the Society from 1853). Radicals had nonconformists. Disciples believed in the literal been loosely attached to the Whig His upbringing seemed to make truth of the Bible, had no formal party before 1830, and generally Lloyd George a radical of the radi- creeds and no ordained and salaried became part of the broadening Lib- cals and a nonconformist of the ministry, and eschewed the ‘elitist’ eral Party, as the Whigs were coming nonconformists, impressive in title of Reverend. to be known by the mid-1830s. How- the pronounced religious separa- Thus David’s early environment ever, there continued to be some tism in which he was reared. His was intensely religious. As a boy, marked differences between Whigs sect, the Disciples of Christ, or he and his family walked two miles and radicals, and between some radi- Campbellites, had been founded in each way to and from his uncle’s cals and other radicals, in the Liberal America by Alexander Campbell chapel at Criccieth, three times Party. This was still the case, to a earlier in the nineteenth century Left: on Sundays and once on Wednes- reduced extent, after the party split (they were much more numer- David Lloyd days. As a fourteen year-old at the over Irish in 1886. ous in the United States than they George in 1903 National (Anglican) elementary

Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 13 david lloyd george, nonconformity and radicalism, c.1890–1906 school at Llanystumdwy he organ- champion, and was shortly followed the National Free Church Coun- ised a refusal to recite the Apos- by his selection as Liberal candidate cil founded in 1896 (representing tle’s Creed on an important formal for Caernarfon Boroughs.5 a great many local Free Church occasion; and this revolt, although In these early years the main councils, mostly commenced in the failing at first, ultimately succeeded thrust of Lloyd George’s radical 1890s). He addressed the assemblies in gaining some local concessions activity was opposition to the privi- of the Congregational and Baptist for Dissenting pupils. It was his first leged position of landowners and Unions, and initiated the formation known , the first of the Established Church, chiefly in a of the Nonconformist Parliamen- his repeated challenges to the Estab- rural context such as his home area. tary Council in 1898.7 He always lished Church, and the first of his But he also looked for the support of retained membership of his family many involvements in disputes over radicals in the large towns. Noncon- chapel at Criccieth, and joined Bap- religious education. It also brought formity was strong in many of these, tist congregations in London (after him his first taste of fame, if only as and whereas questions of tithe, 1890 he seems to have been gener- yet in Llanystumdwy.2 denominational education, and ally regarded as a Baptist). By 1884, when he was twenty- churchyard burials flourished more It appears, however, that one and newly launched as a in a rural environment, disestablish- beneath all this public religious solicitor in Criccieth, David was ment and temperance were at least as commitment and activity he might developing promising powers of strong in the towns as in the coun- not have had a consistent Christian eloquence and organisation as a try. Lloyd George could also hope to faith. During his teenage years he champion of radical causes which ally with urban reformers through had an extended period of doubt, were largely (though not exclu- an interest in the general question of leading him into strong sympa- sively) nonconformist – such as social reform. In a speech of Febru- thy with Positivism, though by disestablishment, temperance, ary 1890 he said of disestablishment, the time he was twenty he had opposition to the levy of tithes, land and drink reform: ‘however returned to Evangelicalism.8 But undenominational education, and drastic and broad they may appear he was restless, critical and indi- the right of non-Anglicans to burial to be, they after all simply touch vidualistic in personality, and prob- in parish churchyards. These causes the fringe of that vast social ques- ably continued to speculate about – though none of them required tion which must be dealt with in his religion, perhaps having fur- any kind of religious commitment the near future’.6 Thus, two months ther periods of doubt – though he from their supporters, and all of before his election to Parliament, did not give posterity many clues them had some radical Anglican he revealed his concern with allevi- about this matter. Some of his biog- support – were notably strong in ating the living and working con- raphers, for example Ffion Hague, Wales because of its nonconformist ditions of society. Later, referring have suggested that he lost his faith majority which, through to his own birth in a major indus- In these early as a youngster and did not get it extension and the introduction of trial city, he proclaimed himself ‘a years the back.9 On the other hand, one of the secret ballot in 1872, enjoyed lad’ to audiences in his his daughters, Lady Olwen Carey rapidly increasing political strength native county. However, the gen- main thrust Evans, tended to present him as a from the general election of 1868 eral reform of living and working consistent believer in adult life.10 onwards.3 The number of noncon- conditions was probably not among of Lloyd The matter might be more com- formists returned for Welsh con- his major concerns before he entered plex and variable than is suggested stituencies rose strikingly, from government in 1905. George’s radi- by either of these opinions. Perhaps none in 1865 to twenty-two (out of Lloyd George’s attachment another biographer in the fam- a total of thirty-four MPs) in 1892.4 to radicalism was not questioned cal activity ily, his estranged elder son Rich- This period coincided with Lloyd before 1906 (when this article’s ard, who succeeded him as Second George’s childhood and youth. In main treatment ends), but there- was opposi- Earl Lloyd-George but was cut out 1892 he was, though now an MP, after it became in time subject to of his will, was accurate in saying still under thirty – an aspiring suspicion and doubt, especially tion to the that ‘my father’s religious beliefs young politician who was strongly when he took to proposing, and fluctuated, and there were peri- identified, as a radical nonconform- later joining and leading, coalition privileged ods in his life when he lost faith’.11 ist, with a very marked contempo- governments with the Conserva- The Baptist Union Assembly was rary trend in Welsh politics. Behind tives. More knowledge about his position of perhaps over-optimistic (and was his return to Westminster in 1890 lay personal life and beliefs might have not quite accurate in regard to his several years of assiduous local radi- produced earlier doubts about his landown- early denominational connection) cal activity on his part. He had been loyalty to nonconformity. In pub- in saying of him just after his death: secretary of the South Caernarfon- lic he always appeared as a sure ers and the ‘They rejoice that in his days of shire Anti-Tithe League and of the and leading Dissenter, a sound Established power and in those of retirement local branch of the United King- and loyal product of the faith, and he never renounced his early faith dom Alliance (the main temperance even perhaps the morality, which Church, but remained loyal to the denomi- organisation). As a solicitor he suc- he had been taught. After his elec- nation in which he first heard and cessfully vindicated nonconform- tion to parliament this image was chiefly in a confessed it’.12 ist claims under the Burials Laws extended from Wales to England. More clearly than over the Amendment Act of 1880 by winning In England he became a commit- rural context uncertain matter of his beliefs, the Llanfrothen burial case in 1888. tee member of the fifty-year-old Lloyd George stood apart (in prac- This highly controversial case made Liberation Society (Society for such as his tice if not in theory) from non- his name widely known in North the Liberation of Religion from conformist moral teaching. The Wales as a radical nonconformist State Patronage and Control) and home area. problem here was his behaviour

14 Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 david lloyd george, nonconformity and radicalism, c.1890–1906 in private life. The difficulty did The division Almost immediately after his mar- The concern over his candidacy not occur over drink, as the ardent riage in 1888 he was seeking social created by the ‘Mrs J’ affair having young temperance campaigner between companionship elsewhere, and been surmounted, Lloyd George seemed to retain his hatred of over- soon became involved with ‘Mrs stood for Caernarfon Boroughs in indulgence in alcohol for the rest Lloyd J’, a young widow living in Caer- a by-election in April 1890. Some of his life. This was one of the rea- narfon who was attached to his local nonconformist ministers were sons for his strained relations with George’s political and social circles. In 1889 prominent among his support- his son Richard, who in his view she gave birth to a son, rumoured to ers. He defeated his Conservative became too fond of drink. He conduct and be Lloyd George’s.15 If David was to opponent by only eighteen votes, denounced in trenchant evangelical keep the parliamentary candidacy but held the seat for fifty-five years terms the Unionists’ mild Licens- the moral for Caernarfon Boroughs for which without a break, until he was made ing Bill of 1904 (which eased finan- injunctions he had been selected the previous an Earl a few months before his cially the situation of publicans), year, it was essential to prevent any death in 1945. saying that ‘the arm of the Most he received proof of the rumour from com- There was a long, largely frus- High is uplifted against it’.13 He also ing out. Another pressing neces- trating period before Lloyd George commented in a letter home on one in youth sity was that no word about the gained a handsome reward for of Asquith’s (when Prime Minis- rumour should reach his recently much striving and struggle as a ter) occasionally rather inebriated occurred married wife. Fortunately, ‘Mrs backbencher by the conferment of entries to the House of Com- J’ had David’s political and fam- a Cabinet post when the Liberals mons: ‘The Prime Minister came over his sig- ily interests at heart. She agreed, in took office in December 1905. Dur- to the House last night in a very return for an annuity, that no docu- ing this period his radical objec- drunken state [to attend a debate nal failure to mentary or photographic evidence tives – whether they had a strong on the Protestant succession to the of her son’s existence should ever nonconformist tinge or not – had throne]. The Tories behaved very fulfil the role reach the public eye. David’s mar- little chance of success. He had to honourably … Lord Hugh Cecil riage and parliamentary candidacy contend with a Conservative gov- said privately to Churchill, “I do of a model were both saved. Probably no other ernment until 1892; a shaky Lib- rather object to settling the fate of entry of a future Prime Minister to eral government from 1892 to 1895, the Protestant Succession with the husband and parliament was preceded by such possessing a majority of only forty aid of a drunken Christian and two fraught circumstances. which was dependent on keeping sober [Herbert Samuel and family man The rumours about Lloyd the support of the Irish Home Rule Rufus Isaacs]”.’14 George’s fatherhood could not end party; and, for ten years thereafter, Rather, the division between which was at this point, however. ‘Mrs J’s’ a strong Conservative and Liberal Lloyd George’s conduct and the expected of a son was born within a few months Unionist coalition which came into moral injunctions he received in of David’s eldest legitimate child, office with an overall majority of youth occurred over his signal fail- leading non- Richard, and as time went on it 152 in 1895. ure to fulfil the role of a model hus- could not fail to be noticed that These were clearly unfavourable band and family man which was conformist. there was a strong physical resem- conditions for the passage of radical expected of a leading nonconform- blance between them. The Lloyd legislation, and Lloyd George saw ist. He was genuinely attached to George children apparently came little success for his efforts in parlia- his first wife, Margaret Owen, to to believe that they had a half- ment. Some of the Conservatives’ whom he was married for fifty- brother living in Caernarfon, and reforms, notably the introduction of three years until she died in 1941, Richard (no doubt David too) was compulsory elementary education and with whom he had five chil- anxious in later years that he and in 1891 and the passage of a Work- dren from 1889 to 1902. But theirs his half-brother should not appear men’s Compensation Bill in 1897, seemed a marriage of opposites. together in public and exhibit the appealed to radicals. So too did two David was restless, gregarious and resemblance.16 measures passed by the Liberal gov- adventurous, probably happier with seems ernment of 1892–95 – a bill of 1894 a varied metropolitan kind of life eventually to have become resigned establishing additional elected local (and with continental holidays with to her husband’s repeated infideli- government councils and Sir Wil- a -MP from the Welsh party) ties, but his behaviour caused frac- liam Harcourt’s budget of that year than with a domesticated exist- tious relations with his children, introducing death duties. But Irish ence in rural Wales. Margaret was notably with Richard and later home rule was defeated in 1893 by comparatively passive and home- with Megan (his youngest child). the , and hopes for loving, seemingly much more These relations worsened after he the passage of Welsh disestablish- interested in life in Criccieth than took a permanent mistress, Frances ment in the two succeeding years life in London. Consequently they Stevenson, in 1913. It is difficult came to nothing.17 The Liberals had lived apart for long periods. Marga- to avoid the conclusion that Lloyd one success in opposing Union- ret spent much of her time in Cric- George was disregarding in pri- ist bills – their defeat of an ill-sup- cieth while David was absorbed in vate the nonconformity, indeed the ported Elementary Education Bill of his parliamentary life in London. In Christianity, which he upheld in 1896, which sought to strengthen the these circumstances it was not alto- public. Perhaps in regard to faith, funding of denominational schools gether surprising that he became and certainly in regard to morality, (which were mostly Anglican or involved in a series of amorous rela- the most prominent and powerful Roman Catholic). As well as the tionships in the capital. Dissenter since Oliver Cromwell resistance of Liberals, there was con- But his tendency to do this (in terms of political influence) was siderable Unionist opposition to this began in Wales, not in London. a weak and wavering Christian. bill. The government was forced to

Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 15 david lloyd george, nonconformity and radicalism, c.1890–1906 withdraw it, and a diluted substitute Lloyd George for Welsh radical issues, including coming to be seen as a potential was passed the following year.18 home rule, but had achieved noth- candidate for high office. This was a tale of consider- had cam- ing. He had become known as ‘the The Boer War brought Lloyd able frustration for Lloyd George. MP for Wales’ on account of all George a valuable increase in fame He had no success, moreover, in paigned his efforts for his country; and he at the price of much unpopularity his efforts to give more weight to might have continued in this role and violent onslaughts on him. He Welsh radical claims, by making assidu- for the rest of his life, had not his was physically attacked at meetings Welsh Liberal MPs more independ- political involvements and pros- in Glasgow, Liskeard (Cornwall), ent of the other Liberal members ously in the pects rather dramatically broad- , and even at Bangor and supporting a Welsh home rule ened at the beginning of the new in his own constituency. The Bir- campaign. In 1894, claiming that 1890s for century. On the other hand, had mingham affray, in , a statement by Harcourt, leader Welsh radi- home rule for Wales been obtained brought him the most notoriety. of the House of Commons, that a he might have become First Min- A crowd of at least 30,000 tried to Welsh disestablishment bill would cal issues, ister in a Welsh Government, and storm the building where he had be introduced that session was not the wider Britain would have been come to address a meeting. Inside a definite pledge, Lloyd George including deprived of his services as outstand- the hall missiles were thrown at began to talk of the need for more ing social and democratic reformer, him on the platform; two deaths independent action by the Welsh home rule, war leader, Prime Minister and occurred in the rioting, and Lloyd radical MPs. They should ‘stand world statesman. George might have been a third on the ground of independency but had Lloyd George’s aims might have mortality if he had not been smug- and tell the Government that they achieved little in the 1890s, but he gled out of the hall disguised as a would not receive Welsh support achieved had spoken and campaigned widely policeman.22 It was a traumatic bap- to break their pledges to Wales’. and the vigour of his comparative tism of fire for the future premier. Two other Welsh MPs (Frank nothing. He youth was seen as a desirable asset. In A few months after this, Lloyd Edwards and D. A. Thomas) sup- 1901 Dr Joseph Parker, Chairman of George’s new fame was reinforced ported Lloyd George, followed by a had become the Congregational Union of Eng- by intense and protracted disputes third (), but no more. land and Wales, said in relation to a over education policy. The Union- The majority of Welsh Liberal known as current need to strengthen the Lib- ist government, having been foiled MPs isolated them by remaining eration Society: ‘a strong infusion in its attempt to pass a substantial loyal to the party whips, and Lloyd ‘the MP for of Lloyd Georgeism would do us a bill in 1896, and having consoli- George’s effort was known some- world of good, and by Lloyd Geor- dated its rule by another decisive what pityingly as ‘the Revolt of Wales’ on geism I simply mean high spirit, election victory in 1900, revived the Four’. It was clearly not an ade- account of all hopeful courage and invincible its effort in the session of 1902 to quate foundation for an independ- determination’.20 ‘A strong infusion carry a major education measure. ent Welsh party, similar to the Irish his efforts for of Lloyd Georgeism’ in the form of Their bill, applying to England and Home Rulers, which Lloyd George Lloyd George himself was what Lib- Wales, sought to ease the financial had said he wanted to create before his country. eralism was about to get. He shortly position of denominational schools the next general election. made a mark in two episodes – in the by allowing (later, after an amend- The Revolt of the Four did first he had a dramatic experience ment, compelling) the education inspire a recently-formed Welsh outside parliament which brought committees of local councils – to Home Rule League, him to widespread notice, in the which local authority for education (Young Wales).19 This was origi- second he engaged in persistent par- would be transferred – to give aid nally inspired by Tom Ellis, MP for liamentary debating on a controver- from the local rates to those schools Merioneth, but Lloyd George led sial issue which considerably raised without requiring that they control it after Ellis became a Liberal whip. expectations of him. them (apart from some supervision The league broke down at a meet- The first episode was the Boer of their secular teaching). Lloyd ing at Newport, Monmouthshire, War, which caused bitter divi- George was initially rather ambiv- in January 1896, through friction sions amongst Liberals, including alent in his view of the bill, and between North and South Wales nonconformists.21 Lloyd George approved of its proposed adminis- delegates. The South Wales Liberal opposed the war, one of a small trative arrangements. But the fact Federation, not wanting to dam- minority in his party. The second that the bill considerably reinforced age its region’s increasingly valu- episode was a long parliamentary the influence of clergy over educa- able economic links with England, conflict over the Education Bill of tion caused him to take his familiar refused to join the North Wales 1902, which he also opposed. He line of strong opposition to such a Liberal Federation in a national succeeded in neither policy. The policy. One of his sentences in the home rule organisation; and, in Boer War continued to be waged parliamentary debates on the ques- consequence, Cymru Fydd col- regardless of his opposition. The tion showed both anti-Ritualism lapsed. Yet a third disappointment Education Bill got through in spite – though he was happy to welcome for Lloyd George in his quest for an of his emphatic condemnation, and the anti-erastianism which was pre- independent party for Wales came in spite of very wide admiration of sent in the current Ritualist trend in 1899, when he failed to persuade his parliamentary performance (if in the Anglican Church – and fears the Welsh Liberal MPs to declare not of his arguments) among MPs. for national security at a time of themselves an autonomous branch Though defeated, he was a much increased foreign hostility to Brit- of the Liberal Party. better known and a more effec- ain on account of the Boer War. At Thus Lloyd George had cam- tive politician after these episodes such a time especially, he indicated, paigned assiduously in the 1890s than before, and after 1902 he was he could only deplore the bill’s

16 Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 david lloyd george, nonconformity and radicalism, c.1890–1906 proposal to advance the influence of Church, but also to give a fresh leg- the 1820s; Disraeli; the of democracy the parson and the priest by means islative sanction to the State Church in Britain from 1830 to 1918; the Lib- of public aid to church schools: ‘For principle.’ Nonconformists were eral governments from 1905 to 1915; and the sake of teaching dogmas to chil- ‘resisting the establishment of a British Churches and social issues in the dren who cannot understand them, State Church School as an annexe twentieth century. we in the midst of our difficul- to the existing State Church’.26 ties and the rocks that surround us The controversy over educa- 1 There is an extensive literature propose to put the chaplain on the tion in 1902–04 greatly helped to on these developments, including bridge … It is a mad proposal’.23 reunify the Liberals after their divi- G.I.T. Machin, The Rise of Democracy In the Commons he was the sions over the Boer War. This made in Britain, 1830–1918 (Basingstoke, leading opponent of Arthur Bal- them a much more effective threat 2001); G.I.T. Machin, Politics and the four, who was in charge of the bill. to the Unionists when the latter Churches in Great Britain, 1832 to 1868 In marathon debates at the com- began, in 1903, to be weakened (Oxford, 1977) and Politics and the mittee stage, which lasted for over by their own divisions over tariff Churches in Great Britain, 1869 to 1921 five months (from June to Decem- reform (a new protectionist pol- (Oxford, 1987); D.W. Bebbington, ber 1902), Lloyd George spoke 160 icy which the Liberals opposed in The : chapel times, and his relentless bulldog defence of ). The Union- and politics, 1870–1914 (London, 1982); determination won an unexpected ist coalition was driven to resign His perfor- K.O. Morgan, Wales in British Poli- tribute from Balfour: though in December 1905, and Campbell- tics, 1868–1922 (, 1963, and later his views were unacceptable, he Bannerman undertook the forma- mance in editions); S. Koss, Nonconformity in was undoubtedly ‘an eminent tion of a Liberal government. Lloyd Modern British Politics (London, 1975); parliamentarian’.24 George then reaped the fruits of his relation to M. R. Watts, The Dissenters, vol. II: Never before, indeed, had Lloyd impressive political activities since The Expansion of Evangelical Nonconfor- George so impressed himself on his first return to parliament in the Educa- mity (Oxford, 1995); J. Munson, The parliament, despite the failure of 1890, and especially those of the last Nonconformists: in search of a lost cul- his attack on the bill, which moved few years, by being advanced to the tion Bill of ture (London, 1991); G.I.T. Machin, rapidly through its later stages and Cabinet. He reached this position ‘Disestablishment and Democracy, became law on 18 December. The not directly through his opposition 1902 and c.1840–1930’, in E.F. Biagini, ed., education dispute rumbled on for to the 1902 Education Bill – which Citizenship and Community: Liberals, many years. Straight after the bill’s the Liberal minority in the Com- its after- Radicals and Collective Identities in the passage, local councils containing mons united in trying to reject but British Isles, 1865–1931 (Cambridge, nonconformist majorities (most of which the Unionist majority suc- math was 1996), pp. 120–47. them were in Wales) began to refuse cessfully passed – but through his 2 K.O. Morgan, ‘Lloyd George and to meet their new obligation to sup- opposition to tariff reform, which of pivotal Welsh ’, in Judith Loades, port denominational schools out of the united Liberals successfully significance ed., The Life and Times of David Lloyd the rates. The government coun- resisted because the Unionists were George (Bangor, 1991), pp. 2–4; G.I.T. tered this ‘Welsh Revolt’ by passing divided over it. in Lloyd Machin, ‘Lloyd George and Noncon- a Default Bill in 1904, providing However, his performance in formity’, ibid., p. 35; W.R.P.George, for reduction of the state grant to relation to the Education Bill of George’s The Making of Lloyd George (London, councils which refused to pay their 1902 and its aftermath was of piv- 1976), pp. 17–20, 26–27, 75–76; P. due to denominational schools. otal significance in Lloyd George’s career, for Rowland, Lloyd George (London, But ‘passive resistance’ – refusal career, for the bill was of direct 1976), pp. 14–15. by individuals to pay their rates – importance to England as well as the bill was 3 K.O. Morgan, Wales in British Politics, continued as a protest against the Wales. He emerged from the edu- 1868–1922 (2nd ed., Cardiff, 1970), pp. 1902 measure. In 1904–05 a remark- cation dispute in a more prominent of direct 1–119. Fifty years after its first edition ably strong, though brief, religious political position. Thereafter, on in 1963, this book remains the fullest revival in Wales (led by the ex- account of the Liberals’ return to importance and most authoritative treatment of miner Evan Roberts, with whom office in December 1905 and their its subject. Lloyd George became acquainted) decisive election victory in the fol- to England 4 Ibid., pp. 18, 119. added 82,000 members to noncon- lowing month, he was able to build 5 On the Llanfrothen case see R. Hat- formist chapels there – strength- on this position to demonstrate his as well as tersley, David Lloyd George, the great ening, as long as it lasted, the will striking abilities through a vari- outsider (London, 2010), pp. 40–42. to resist the new education policy ety of outstanding achievements in Wales. He 6 W.R.P.George, op. cit., p. 166. as well as lending new force to the subsequent years. 7 W.R.P.George, Lloyd George, Back- cause of disestablishment.25 emerged bencher (Llandysul, 1983), pp. 128–30; It was not only in Wales that the Ian Machin is an Emeritus Professor from the D.W. Bebbington, The Nonconformist disestablishment cause was cur- at the University of Dundee, where he Conscience (London, 1982), p. 75. rently enjoying some revival. The taught modern British history from 1964 education 8 G.I.T. Machin, ‘Lloyd George and struggle over educational reform, to 2002. His research and publishing Nonconformity’, in Judith Loades, wrote Guinness Rogers, a leading activities have ranged from the Napole- dispute in a ed., The Life and Times of David Lloyd Congregational minister in Lon- onic Wars to the late twentieth century. George (Bangor, 1991), p. 36; W.R.P. don, ‘has really gathered round the His main publications have been two more promi- George, The Making of Lloyd George, central idea of a State Church. The volumes on politics in relation to Church p. 104ff.; William George,My Brother practical issue of the government questions from 1832 to 1921. His shorter nent political and I (London, 1958), pp. 75–79, policy has been not only to grant books have comprised studies of Catholic 271–72. a new endowment to the State emancipation as an issue in the politics of position. concluded on page 74

Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13 17 reviews

Although the ex-Prime Rudman’s conclusions may be David Lloyd George, Nonconformity and Radicalism Minister’s influence is difficult challenged, her thought-pro- Continued from page 17 to assess, this study shows that voking study identifies more Lloyd George’s support for motives for appeasement and 9 Ffion Hague,The Pain and the Lloyd George to his wife, 3 May Hitler’s disregard for existing is a welcome addition to the Privilege: the women in Lloyd 1894 (Lloyd George Papers, agreements did nothing to halt historiography. George’s life (London, 2008), p. 31. National Library of Wales the Fuhrer’s progress or reduce 10 Lady Olwen Carey Evans, Lloyd 20412C, fo.425); K.O. Morgan, the likelihood of war. Lloyd Dr Chris Cooper was recently George was my Father (Llandysul, Wales in British Politics (second George was an appeaser, not awarded his PhD at the Uni- 1985), pp. 70–71. Cf. F.Owen, ed.,Cardiff, 1970), p. 140ff. ; because he was compelled by versity of Liverpool. His doc- Tempestuous Journey: Lloyd P. Rowland, Lloyd George, pp. Britain’s dwindling resources toral thesis analysed the political George, his life and times (London, 102–11; J. Grigg, The Young combined with the multitude career of Douglas Hogg, 1st Vis- 1954), pp. 30–31. Lloyd George (London, 1973), pp. of threats facing the British count Hailsham (1872–1950). He 11 Richard, Second Earl Lloyd- 146–49. Empire, but through a mis- has published a number of journal George, My Father, Lloyd George 18 Machin, Politics and the Churches, placed faith in German inten- articles on different aspects of mod- (London, 1960), pp. 20–21. 1869–1921, p. 212; D. Cregier, tions, whoever held power ern British history and he teaches 12 Baptist Times, 24 May 1945, p.10. Bounder from Wales: Lloyd George’s in Berlin. While some of history at university. 13 J. Grigg, Lloyd George, the peo- career before the First World War ple’s champion, 1902–11 (London, (Missouri, 1976), pp. 52–54. 1978), p. 71. 19 Machin, Politics and the Churches, 14 Lloyd George to his wife, 21 1869–1921, pp. 225–30. Lloyd George and Leadership Apr. 1911; K.O. Morgan, ed., 20 Machin, ‘Lloyd George and Continued from page 11 Lloyd George Family Letters, 1885– Nonconformity’, in Judith 1936 (Cardiff and London, 1973), Loades, ed., The Life and Times of 25 Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of 31 Ibid. p. 155, including footnote 4. David Lloyd George, pp. 37–38. Rivals. The Political Genius of Abra- 32 Lord Riddell, Intimate Diary, p. 15 Ffion Hague, op.cit., 104–06. 21 D.W. Bebbington, The Non- ham Lincoln (Simon and Schuster, 226 (24 ). 16 Ibid., p. 106. conformist Conscience, pp. 106, New , 2005), p. 669. 33 William D. Jones, Wales in Amer- 17 G.I.T.Machin, Politics and the 122–23; S. Koss, Nonconformity in 26 Lord Riddell’s War Diary, p. 135 (5 ica ( Press, Churches, 1869 to 1921 (Oxford, Modern British Politics, pp. 32–33; Nov. 1915). 1976), pp. 184ff.There is a file on 1987), pp. 210–16; copy of H. McLeod, Class and Religion 27 Keith Middlemas (ed.), Thomas this visit in the Lloyd George memorial drafted by Lloyd in the late Victorian city (London, Jones: Whitehall Diary, Vol. I of Dwyfor Papers (Parliamen- George, dated 26 June 1893, 1974), p. 178. (, 1969), tary Archives, House of Lords, signed by thirty Welsh Liberal 22 S. Constantine, Lloyd George p. 203 (13 June 1922); Lloyd G/165). MPs and sent to Gladstone as (London, 1992), p. 21. George, War Memoirs, Vol. 2, pp. 34 Text of speech, Lloyd George of premier, in S.T. Evans Papers, 23 Machin, Politics and the Churches, 2014–15. Dwyford Papers, G/165. National Library of Wales, p. 1869–1921, p. 263 (and pp. 28 Keith Middlemas (ed.), Thomas 35 , 31 Oct. 1923. 185; Lloyd George to his wife, 260–65). Jones: Whitehall Diary, Vol. III 36 Text of speech in Lloyd George 5 July, 7 Aug. 1893 (K.O. Mor- 24 Ibid., pp. 265–70; Grigg, Lloyd (Oxford University Press, 1971), of Dwyfor Papers, G/165. gan, ed., Lloyd George Family George, the people’s champion, p. 60 (27 April 1921). 37 Drinkwater’s play ‘Abraham Letters, pp. 60–61); Gladstone to 1902–11, pp. 25–30, pp. 32–34; 29 Merrill D. Peterson, Lincoln Lincoln’ was first performed in Stuart Rendel (MP for Mont- Bentley B. Gilbert, David Lloyd in American Memory (Oxford 1918. He followed it up with a gomeryshire), 5 July 1893 (copy George, a Political Life: the archi- University Press, New York, book, Lincoln: the World Emanci- in Gladstone Papers, British tect of change, 1863–1912 (London, 1994), pp. 178–80. For Wilson, pator (Houghton, Miflin, Boston Library Add.Mss.44549, fo.101; 1987), pp. 215–66; D.Cregier, see David W. Blight, Race and and New York, 1920). see also Rendel Papers, National op.cit., pp. 80–85. Reunion: the Civil War in Ameri- 38 Kenneth O. Morgan, Michael Library of Wales); T.E. Ellis to 25 W.R.P. George, Lloyd George, can Memory (Oxford Univer- Foot: the Life (HarperCollins, D.R. Daniel, 3 Sept.1893 (Dan- Backbencher (Llandysul, 1983), p. sity Press, New York, 1994), pp. London, 2007), p. 9. iel Papers, National Library 355. 11–14. 39 John Vincent, The Formation of Wales, 41b); Lloyd George 26 J. Guinness Rogers, An Autobi- 30 David Lloyd George, The Truth of the Liberal Party (Constable, to William George, 24 Nov. ography (London, 1903); quoted about the Peace Treaties (Gollancz, London, 1966), p. 211 on these 1893 (W.R.P. George, Lloyd Machin, Politics and the Churches, 1938), Vol. 1, p. 232. themes. George, Backbencher, p. 122) ; 1869–1921, p. 270.

Lloyd George’s Coalition Proposal of 1910 Continued from page 23

8 ‘Cabinet Memorandum: secret’, October 1910, Balfour papers 1910, Asquith papers, vol 12. 20 Ibid, p. 23. 31 May 1910, Asquith papers, 23. Add Mss.49692. 16 ‘The Criccieth Memorandum’, 21 The National Review, June 1910. 9 The Times, 13 April 1908. 13 ‘The Criccieth Memorandum’, 17 August 1910. 22 Westminster Gazette, 28 October 10 M. V. Brett, Journal and Letters 17 August 1910, in K. O. 17 G. R. Searle, The Quest for 1910. of Reginald Viscount Esher, vol. II Morgan, The Age of Lloyd George National Efficiency (1971), (1934) p. 370. (1971), pp.150–55. pp.188–91. 11 Masterman, C. F. G. Masterman, 14 , Politics from 18 Ibid., pp. 196–97. p.160. Inside (1936), p. 293. 19 D. Lloyd George, War Memoirs, 12 Lloyd George to Balfour, 11 15 Crewe to Asquith, 22 October vol. I (1933), p. 21.

74 Journal of Liberal History 77 Winter 2012–13