ARCHIBALD PRIMROSE, 5th Earl of Rosebery, 1st Earl of Midlothian, KG, PC was born on this date (d.1929); Primrose was a British Liberal statesman and Prime Minister. Between the death of his father, in 1851, and the death of his grandfather, the 4th Earl, in 1868, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny.

Primrose was a Liberal Imperialist who favored strong national defence and imperialism abroad and social reform at home, while being solidly anti-socialist. His parents were Scottish and his earldom title was part of the peerage of Scotland. He married Hannah de Rothschild, the heiress of Mayer Amschel de Rothschild.

Primrose was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, from 1865 until 1869. The three Prime Ministers from 1880 to 1902 – Gladstone, Salisbury and Primrose/Rosebery – all went to both Eton and Christ Church. A prominent figure on the turf for 40 years, Primrose bought a horse, Ladas, in 1868, though a rule banned undergraduates from owning horses. When he was found out, he was offered a choice: sell the horse or give up his studies. He chose the latter.

Primrose/Rosebery is reputed to have said that he had three aims in life: to win the Derby, to marry an heiress, and to become Prime Minister. He managed all three.

It was also speculated that he was bisexual. Like Oscar Wilde, he was hounded by John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry for his association with one of Queensberry’s sons — Francis Douglas, Viscount Drumlanrig, who was his private secretary.

And if you’re expecting me to make some kind of reference to his name…