The Seventh Earl Beauchamp

The 7 Earl Beauchamp was a prominent figure in English public life in the years 1900-30, but his career ended in scandal. He was barred from English soil, his reputation was destroyed and his papers were withheld from public view. In this book, Peter Raina uses previously unreleased documents to reassess Beauchamp-s life and legacy. Born into the aristocracy, Beauchamp was driven by a sense of noblesse oblige and devoted his life to public service. Though some of this was ceremonial, Beauchamp was keen to involve himself in practical politics, where he showed his independence of mind. He joined the Liberals as they pushed through change against obstruction from his own landowning class. He championed Irish Home Rule. In 1914 he opposed entry into the war and lost any chance of promotion. However, he remained deeply loyal to his party even after its split and decline, and worked tirelessly in its cause. His life touched on great events such as the formation of Australia and, in Britain, the great reforms of 1906-9, the 1911 Parliament Act, the crisis of 1914, the creation of the Irish Free State, the Liberal collapse, the first Labour government and the economic slump. Through all these, he busied himself in party affairs, but one aspect of his private life worked against him and, in a Sophoclean twist, he fell from grace. This book documents the Earl-s involvement in politics, explores his personality and looks carefully at the issues that brought him down. In the light of this analysis, it is hoped that historians will recognize his significant contribution to the events of his day.

Peter Raina is a historian with a long association with the University of Oxford, as Honorary Member of High Table and Senior Common Member, Christ Church, Associate Member of Nuffield College, Honorary Member of the Senior Common Room, Magdalen College and Senior Research Associate at the Graduate Centre, Balliol. He has also been a Visiting Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Studies, London.

Contents: Early Years - A Seat in the House of Lords - Governor of New South Wales - The Governor and the French Consul General: Further Estrangement - A Most Charming Hostess: Lady Mary Lygon - The Governor-s Profile: The Year 1900 - Resignation from the Governorship - Marriage - Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms - Lord Steward of the Household - First Commissioner of Works - Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire - Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports - Advocate of Irish Home Rule - Man of Peace - Lord President of the Council - Maintaining the Liberal Cause in the House of Lords - Liberal Leader in the House - Chancellor of the University of London - Divorce - Exile - Last Will and Testament - The Earl-s Death.