Coningsby Disraeli

Coningsby Ralph Disraeli (25 February 1867 – 30 September 1936), was a British Conservative politician, and MP for Altrincham. Early life and education Disraeli was born in Kensington, London, in February 1867, to Ralph Disraeli (1809–1898) and Katherine (née Trevor) (1837–1930), His father was the third son of the writer Isaac D'Israeli, and his paternal uncle was future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, whose 1844 novel, Coningsby, he was named after. Benjamin was noted to have been close to Coningsby, and named him as the heir to his estate, including Hughenden Manor, in 1875, reportedly remarking "That boy will come to the front. I will, when the time comes, give him a start". Benjamin consequently oversaw and directed his education, with Coningsby studying first at Charterhouse School and later New College, Oxford, before moving to Charsley's Hall, owing to a dispute with examiners. Following his uncle's death in April 1881, Coningsby, then 14, became the subject of intense press coverage, with many noting his attendance at Disraeli's funeral, where he reportedly wept at the head of the coffin for some time. The following month he was presented to Queen Victoria by Lord Rowton at Windsor Castle. Due to his age, Coningsby was unable to legally inherit his uncle's estate until his 21st birthday, so trustees managed the inheritance until 1888. Early career In the years after the death of his uncle, Disraeli gradually became more publicly involved in politics. He regularly attended Conservative gatherings and events, and he was a member of the short-lived Beaconsfield Club and The Primrose League. Through his family connections, he was acquainted with a number of notable political figures, including Sir George Elliot, through whom he was presented to the Prince of Wales in Newcastle in 1884.