Alfred Lyttelton

Alfred Lyttelton (7 February 1857 - 5 July 1913) was a British politician and cricketer.

Related Topics:
7 February - 1857 - 5 July - 1913 - Cricketer

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The youngest of twelve children of George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton, and a nephew to William Ewart Gladstone, Alfred studied at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, and proved a great sportsman, particularly in cricket. He played first-class cricket for Cambridge University and Middlesex and was a noted wicket-keeper. He also played four Test matches in the early 1880s.

Related Topics:
George William Lyttelton - Baron - William Ewart Gladstone - Eton College - Trinity College, Cambridge - Cricket - First-class cricket - Cambridge University - Middlesex - Wicket-keeper - Test matches

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He took up the law, and served as legal private secretary to the Attorney General, Sir Henry James. He remained apolitical until his uncle's retirement, but in 1894 entered politics as a Liberal Unionist, and was elected to parliament in 1895. He was President of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1898.

Related Topics:
Attorney General - Sir Henry James - 1894 - Liberal Unionist - 1895 - Marylebone Cricket Club - 1898

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In 1900, he was sent by Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain to South Africa as chairman of the committee planning reconstruction following the Boer War, a position in which he impressed South African High Commissioner Alfred Milner.

Related Topics:
1900 - Colonial Secretary - Joseph Chamberlain - South Africa - Boer War - Alfred Milner

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Upon Chamberlain's resignation, Lyttelton succeeded him as Colonial Secretary, despite his relative political inexperience. His decision to allow Chinese indentured labor into South Africa proved highly controversial and became a major issue for the Liberals in the 1906 election. Lyttelton also attempted ambitious reforms Britain's management of the colonies towards a more decentralized, imperial vision, but these ideas were abandoned by the Liberals who succeeded him.

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After the Conservatives' fall from power, Lyttelton remained active politically, opposing Welsh disestablishment and supporting women's suffrage. In the summer of 1913, he was struck in the stomach during a cricket match, and soon died of an abscess.

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Lyttelton's son, Oliver Lyttelton, would become a Member of Parliament, Secretary of State for the Colonies and 1st Viscount Chandos.

Related Topics:
Oliver Lyttelton - Member of Parliament - Viscount Chandos

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