From his birth in 1863 Austen Chamberlain was groomed for the highest public office by his father Joseph Chamberlain, one of the great figures of Victorian and Edwardian England. But Austen could never escape his father’s shadow; his early promise was never fulfilled. And although he led the Conservative Party, he was Chancellor of the Exchequer twice, and Foreign Secretary, and became the elder statesman of British politics, he never became Prime Minister. Why were those parental expectations unfulfilled? Why was it the unregarded son, Neville, who achieved his father’s heart’s desire, a Birmingham Chamberlain in 10 Downing Street? And why despite ultimate failure, is Austen Chamberlain nevertheless a considerable figure meriting our attention?

Andrew Reekes was educated at King’s School Worcester & Exeter College, Oxford, and has spent a lifetime in education, leading History departments at Tonbridge, Cranleigh & Cheltenham College.

He was headteacher of Arnold Lodge School & then became Sub-Warden of Radley College.He was Chief Examiner for ‘O’ Level History, Oxford & Cambridge Board, an inspector with Independent Schools Inspectorate & for 12 years he led training for senior leaders in HMC & GSA schools.In retirement Andrew has returned to his first love, History, studying for a research degree under Malcolm Dick at the University of Birmingham, & writing for History West Midlands. He has written four books, including Speeches that Changed Britain and a comparative biography on Joseph Chamberlain and George Cadbury.

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