Gladstone & Armenia: A legacy of friendship born from adversity
Join us for this unique event honouring one of the most profound and impactful moments of Prime Minister William Gladstone's career.
This special event, in collaboration with the National Liberal Club and Gladstone’s Library, celebrates the Armenian nation and Gladstone's support for its people. Get a rare opportunity to see artefacts gifted to Gladstone by the Armenian nation in gratitude for his support. Hear expert talks from historians and readings from Francis Gladstone (Great-Grandson of William Gladstone) and experience the beauty of Armenian classical music at our three-course dinner.
Gladstone's legacy in Armenia
In the face of the Hamidian Massacres, when the Armenian people were subjected to horrific atrocities under the Ottoman Empire, Gladstone’s moral compass and dedication to human rights led him to act. Responding to a heartfelt appeal from the Armenian community, Gladstone—despite ill health and advanced age—emerged from retirement to deliver a rousing speech in Chesterton Town Hall, condemning the atrocities. His words, fueled by his Liberal values and Christian faith, reverberated across the globe, culminating in his timeless declaration:
“To serve Armenia is to serve civilisation.”
Gladstone’s advocacy extended to a rally in Liverpool, where he addressed over 6,000 people, further galvanising international attention to the plight of Armenians. His courageous stand not only offered hope to a persecuted people but also brought light to the atrocities across the globe.
Experience one of the UK’s finest private members’ clubs
This special event will be held in the National Liberal Club, located in the heart of Whitehall. The National Liberal Club was founded in 1882 by William Gladstone as a place of socialising and political campaigning for the membership of the Liberal party of the day. It continues this tradition as a place of politics, arts and culture and is the international home of Liberalism. The National Liberal Club welcomes people from the Armenian Community and beyond to experience the exquisite surroundings of the Club throughout the evening, including the NLC Terrace, London’s largest private terrace!
Discover gifts that were given to Gladstone by the Armenian people in gratitude for his support and friendship
In 1896 an Armenian delegation visited Gladstone in his ancestral home of Hawarden Castle to bring him gifts from the Armenian people as thanks for his support and friendship. We are honoured to be able to see and learn more about these gifts in the pre-event reception where the Gladstone’s Library will have some of these special artefacts on display.
Learn more about Gladstone’s legacy in Armenia
Talks will be held under the large portrait of Gladstone in the Club’s grand Smoking Room. Hear from expert historians and key speakers discussing Gladstone’s legacy and work to support the Armenian people. Speakers include:
Patrick Derham OBE - Chair of the Trustees of Gladstone’s Library
Professor Micheal Wheeler - cultural historian of the Victorian age and a Visiting Professor of English at the University of Southampton
Tatiana Der Avedissian - Chair of the Armenian Institute and Head of Business Development at The Economist Group
Francis Gladstone - Great-Grandson of William Gladstone
Three-course dinner with interlude of Armenian classical music
Following the talks there will be a three-course meal expertly crafted by the National Liberal Club Kitchen Team, where we will be joined by classical pianist Sipan Olah (Artistic Director and Conductor of KCCA), who will be playing two unique Armenian piano pieces by Komitas and Arno Babajanyan.
Event details:
Date: Monday, 19th May 2025
Event timings:
Reception and artefacts: 6:00 - 7:00pm
Talks: 7:00 - 8:00pm
Dinner and classical music: 8:00pm - 10pm
Tickets:
Non-members: £84
What’s included with your ticket:
Access to the National Liberal Club and its suite of rooms and London’s largest private terrace
See and learn about historical artefacts gifted to Gladstone by the Armenian people
Talks from expert speakers and readings from Francis Gladstone (Great-Grandson of William Gladstone)
A three-course dinner with a half bottle of wine
A welcome drink on arrival
Armenian classical music
Tickets can be bought by registering as a guest on the National Liberal Club events portal, and purchasing your ticket on the event listing. Make sure to book early, as tickets are going fast.