England Objects to the Treaty of Versailles, June 1, 1919

Journal of Liberal History

On This Day

22 July 1908

Death of William Randel Cremer, Liberal MP and winner the Nobel Peace Prize

Born into poverty in Fareham, Hampshire Cremer was active in the Trade Union movement campaigning for the nine-hour day and helping to form the Workmen’s Peace Association. He served as Liberal MP for Haggerston 1885-95 and 1900-08. In parliament Cremer campaigned for international arbitration treaties with the USA and France. His work with French MP Frederic Passy led to the formation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union of which Cremer was Vice President. In 1903 his tireless work for peace was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize, the first individual and the first Briton to receive the award.