William Ewart Gladstone was a British statesman who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom four times in the 19th century. Because of his significant contributions to British politics, he is also known as the Grand Old Man of English Politics. Gladstone was a progressive and a reformist, and his political philosophy was characterized by his strong belief in individual liberty, democracy, and social justice. Some synonyms for Gladstone include statesman, politician, reformer, liberal, and democrat. His name is also often associated with important political events of his time, including the Irish Home Rule, the Reform Act of 1867, and the establishment of the University of London.