George, William, 1865-1967

Person

George, William, 1865-1967

William George (1865-1967), solicitor, of Criccieth, Caernarfonshire, is best known as the younger brother of David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor (1863-1945). His father died before he was born, and as a child he was profoundly influenced by his uncle, Richard Lloyd ('Uncle Lloyd'). Although he was joined by his brother in the family legal practice, Lloyd George and George, it was William who was responsible for establishing the business, in Criccieth in 1885, and for running it thereafter, devoting many of the profits to his brother's political career. It was this financial backing which made it possible for Lloyd George to sit as a Member of Parliament at Westminster from his election in 1890 until his entry into the Cabinet as President of the Board of Trade in 1905, and it is clear from their correspondence that Lloyd George placed great importance on his brother's judgement. William George was elected to Caernarfon County Council in 1907, becoming chairman in 1911, and he remained a member until his death in 1967, chairing the Education Committee from 1916 to 1948. A committed Baptist, he campaigned for the extension of the use of the Welsh language in legislation and public administration, especially the courts and the education system, and he was the honorary solicitor to the court and council of the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 1937 until 1956. In 1910 he married Anita Williams, who gave birth to twin sons, one of whom died in infancy; Anita died in June 1943. William George collected many papers of and relating to his siblings, ancestors and other relatives, especially David Lloyd George, and his interest in this field was shared and continued by his son, William Richard Philip George.

rda

lcnaf