Author: Asa Briggs
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Colleges of Advanced Technology
Colleges Of Advanced Technology (Cats) History Introduced in 1956 by the Government, only 10 colleges were eventually designated as 'making an outstanding contribution to the development of advanced technical education'. These colleges later became Polytechnics and Universities.
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Regional Employment Premiums
Regional Employment Premiums History Introduced in 1967 as a labour subsidy. Initially 30 shillings per adult male per week – less for women and young people – to encourage firms to open manufacturing plants in Development Areas. It was doubled in 1974, then abolished due to policy changes in 1977.
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Patrick Abercrombie
Patrick Abercrombie History An English town planner and architect of international renown, best known for the 'Abercrombie Plan' to redesign post-the Second World War London and led to the New Town Movement. After the war he redesigned Hong Kong and drew up plans for the Ethiopian […]
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John Boyd-Carpenter
John Boyd-Carpenter History Conservative politician, MP for Kingston upon Thames from 1945-1972. Held Ministerial posts between 1951-1964. Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee between 1964-1970, becoming a life peer in 1972. Member of the Parker Committee in 1972, exploring the […]
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Austen Chamberlain
Austen Chamberlain History Conservative politician. Leader of Tariff Reform in the Commons in the early twentieth century. As Foreign Secretary he negotiated the Locarno Treaty in 1925. From 1933 onwards he consistently warned against the Nazi threat.
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Crown Colony
Crown Colony History A colony directly ruled by the Crown, with no local autonomy. Now known as the United Kingdom's overseas territories, crown colonies are what is left of the British Empire.
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Prefabs
Prefabs History Emergency housing, built to replace properties damaged in the Second World War. Constructed in pre-fabricated sections and assembled rapidly on site, their anticipated lifespan was low.
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Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies
Organisation For The Maintenance Of Supplies (Oms) History A Government-based scheme set up to help the British public during the General Strike of 1926. It was created to carry out vital services during the Strike, such as driving buses and trams. It also printed and distributed the British […]
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Rhondda
Lord Rhondda History Liberal MP for Merthyr Tydfil from 1888-1910. Sent to the US by Lloyd George to negotiate supplies of war munitions during the First World War. His success led to a Peerage and a successful appointment as Minister for Rationing between 1917-1918.
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Hugh Gaitskell
Hugh Gaitskell History Labour MP from 1945-1951, holding various government posts, including Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1950-1951. Elected Labour leader, defeating Bevan, in 1955. Opposed Eden over Suez and refused to accept as binding Labour's conference resolution in favour of […]
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Rank and File Membership
Rank And File Membership History Ordinary members of a body, organisation, political party or trade union who have no elected responsibilities.
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William Beveridge
William Beveridge History Academic and civil servant. Advised Lloyd George on Pensions and Insurance. In 1919 became Director of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Served on several government commissions between the wars. In 1940 was asked to investigate existing schemes of social security. […]
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Ruth Ellis
Ruth Ellis History The last woman to receive the death penalty in the United Kingdom. She was convicted of the murder of her lover, David Blakely, and was hanged at Holloway Prison in London in 1955.
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National Nuclear Corporation
National Nuclear Corporation History Set up in 1973 to consolidate the nuclear design and construction industry, especially to oversee the introduction of the new range of fast reactors, designed to provide cheap electricity following the Oil Crisis of 1973.
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Cromwell Code
Cromwell Code History Cromwell was the code word to be issued in 1940 by General HQ Home Forces to army field units when invasion was imminent.