Sir edward grey biography

Sir Edward Grey, third Baronet and first Viscount Grey of Fallodon, was the longest serving Foreign Secretary of the twentieth century, guiding Britain’s foreign policy in 1905-16. In the 1920s, he was a prominent voice on foreign affairs, and a strong supporter of Asquithian Liberalism.

Grey’s importance to British politics as Foreign Secretary lay in his maintenance of good relations with France and Russia at a time when Europe was extremely unstable. In later years, his support for the League of Nations left an important intellectual legacy for Liberal internationalists.

Grey was born in London on 25 April 1862, the eldest child of Colonel George Grey and Harriet Grey (ne Pearson).

His father was an equerry to the Prince of Wales, his grandfather, Sir George Grey, was Home Secretary under Russell and Palmerston, and his great-grandfather was a brother of Charles Grey, the Prime Minister responsible for the Great Reform Act.

Grey was educated at Winchester and Balliol