William Gladstone, four-time PM

Great Lives

BBC

Documentary, History, Society & Culture

4.2 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 19 May 2026

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

"Gladstone became prime minister at 82, and not as a figurehead. That is the Gladstone who has inspired me." Trevor Lyttleton.

Born in 1809, William Gladstone's political life straddled the century - he moved from the tories to the liberal party, was Chancellor of the exchequer and became Prime Minister an unequalled four times. Queen Victoria didn't like him, but campaigner Trevor Lyttleton sees him as a champion for the amazing abilities of older people everywhere. Trevor is the founder of Re-Engage, a long running charity which aims to conquer loneliness among the elderley.

Joining Trevor and Matthew Parris in studio is Dr Ruth Windscheffel from York St John University.

Transcript

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0:00.0	BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts.
0:07.3	On BBC Sounds, there are podcasts to help you look after your body and your mind.
0:12.7	From increasing your immunity to feeling more confident.
0:16.6	Or tips on how to focus.
0:18.5	Sorry, what will you say?
0:19.7	If it matters to you, it matters to us.
0:22.6	Feel good inside of them.
0:24.3	With What's Up Docs.
0:25.9	And Complex with Kimberly Wilson.
0:27.9	Listen on BBC Sounds.
0:31.6	BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts.
0:35.7	This is the story of an elderly man who moved 32,000 books from his home to a library.
0:43.3	The distance over half a mile, he used a wheelbarrow.
0:47.3	The library opened in December 1895, by which time the man was 85.
0:53.9	His name? William Gladstone, also known as the grand old man,
0:59.1	still the only politician to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister four times. I'm amazed no one's
1:05.9	picked him before, but here with us today is Trevor Littleton, MBE, head for 50 years now of a charity dedicated to the care of the elderly.
1:16.1	It's called re-engage.
1:18.2	And boy, did Gladstone re-engage.
1:21.1	Welcome, Trevor, to Great Lives.
1:23.0	Tell us about your love for this man and its connection with your charity.
1:27.6	Well, let me start with a single fact that still astonishes me
	...

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