Politician and British Prime Minister. Although born in London and educated at Eton and Christ Church College, Oxford, Primrose succeeded his grand-father to the Earldom of Rosebery in 1868 and made his home at Dalmeny House.
A liberal, he managed William Gladstone's famous Midlothian campaign. He served under Gladstone as Under-Secretary in the Home Department (1881-3), with responsibility for Scotland, and Foreign Secretary (1886 and 1892-4). Primrose became Prime Minister for a brief period on Gladstone's retiral. He had a genuine interest in Scottish affairs, which had been neglected for some years, and his lobbying brought about the creation of the Scottish Office.
Primrose's wife was Hannah de Rothschild, the only child of Baron Mayer de Rothschild of the banking family. She inherited her father's spectacular collection of art and furniture, and the couple extended this collection over many years, much of which remains in Dalmeny House.
He served as Rector of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities and was a successful race-horse owner. Primrose died at Epsom (Surrey, England).
