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Lloyd George's funeral

Part of the funeral procession of David Lloyd George, in 1945 on the banks of the River Dwyfor. Also part of an interview with his widow, Frances on his life

Part of the funeral procession of David Lloyd George, in 1945 on the banks of the River Dwyfor. He died 26 March 1945 aged 83. Also extract from an interview with his second wife and widow, Frances.

Born 17 January 1863 at Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, Lloyd George was a Welsh-speaker and of Welsh descent and upbringing, the first and so far only Welsh politician to hold the office of Prime Minister.

In March 1863 his father William George, who had been a teacher in Manchester and other cities, returned to his native Pembrokeshire because of failing health. He took up farming but died in June 1864 of pneumonia, aged 44. His mother Elizabeth George (1828–96) sold the farm and moved with her children to her native Llanystumdwy, Caernarfonshire, where she lived in Tŷ Newydd with her brother Richard Lloyd (1834–1917)—a shoemaker, minister in the Disciples of Christ, and strong Liberal.

Lloyd George was educated at the local Anglican school Llanystumdwy National School and later under tutors. Lloyd George's uncle was a towering influence on him, encouraging him to take up a career in law and enter politics; his uncle remained influential up until his death.

Lloyd George had a considerable reputation as a womaniser but he remained married to Margaret until her death on 20 January 1941. In October 1943, aged 80, and to the disapproval of his children, he married his secretary and mistress, Frances Stevenson.

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