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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Charles Dilke
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(1843–1911, 2nd bt 1869) Politician on the radical wing of the Liberal party, who served in Gladstone's cabinet (1882–5) and was considered likely to succeed him as leader. In 1886 the Liberal MP for Lanark, Donald Crawford, cited Dilke as co-respondent in a divorce case against his wife. Dilke protested his innocence to the end of his life, and in two trials no evidence was produced other than a highly coloured account of their affair by the 22-year-old Virginia Crawford (much of it proved to be fabrication). But Dilke's reputation was tarnished and he never again held office.
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