On This Day

13 October 1847

Birth of Arthur Dyke Acland, Liberal MP for Rotherham 1885-99

Born into a prominent Liberal family – his father, son and grandson were MPs, Acland served as Vice-President of the Board of Education from 1892 to 1895. As Vice-President Acland made education compulsory to the age of 11, laid the foundations of adult education and improved the standard of school buildings. His work in government took its toll both mentally and physically and Acland resigned from parliament in 1899. In later years Acland served as President of the National Liberal Federation and played an important role as a behind the scenes mediator during the formation of the 1905 government and was instrumental in persuading Edward Grey to join the cabinet as Foreign Secretary.