What was John Grigg's full birth name?

John Grigg's full birth name was John Edward Poynder Grigg.

When and where was John Grigg born?

John Grigg was born on April 15, 1924, in London, England.

When did John Grigg die, and at what age?

John Grigg died on December 31, 2001, at the age of 77, in London, England.

What title did John Grigg hold, and for how long?

John Grigg held the title of the 2nd Baron Altrincham from 1955 until 1963.

Under which act did John Grigg disclaim his peerage?

John Grigg disclaimed his peerage under the Peerage Act 1963, which allowed peers to renounce their titles.

What were John Grigg's primary occupations throughout his career?

John Grigg was primarily known as a writer, historian, and politician.

What was John Grigg's political affiliation as described in the text?

John Grigg was described as a liberal Tory, and later became a supporter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and left the Conservative Party for the SDP in 1982.

Which publication did John Grigg edit, continuing his father's work?

John Grigg edited the National and English Review, a role previously held by his father, Edward Grigg.

What was the subject of John Grigg's controversial article published in August 1957?

In August 1957, John Grigg published an article titled "The Monarchy Today" in the National and English Review, which criticized Queen Elizabeth II's court for being too upper-class and advocated for a more 'classless' and Commonwealth-oriented court.

Who were John Grigg's parents?

John Grigg's parents were Edward Grigg, the 1st Baron Altrincham, and Joan Grigg.

What was John Grigg's paternal grandfather's name and title?

John Grigg's paternal grandfather was John Dickson-Poynder, who held the title of the 1st Baron Islington.

Where did John Grigg receive his secondary education?

John Grigg received his secondary education at Eton College.

In which military branch did John Grigg serve, and during what conflict?

John Grigg served in the British Army from 1943 to 1950, during the latter part of World War II and the immediate post-war period.

What was John Grigg's rank and service number in the British Army?

John Grigg held the rank of Lieutenant with service number 302263 in the Grenadier Guards.

What specific roles did John Grigg fulfill during his military service?

During his military service, John Grigg served as an officer of the Guard at St James's Palace and Windsor Castle, saw action as a platoon commander on the Western Front in France and Belgium, and later worked as an intelligence officer.

Where did John Grigg study Modern History after the war?

After the war, John Grigg studied Modern History at New College, Oxford.

What academic prize did John Grigg win at Oxford University?

While at Oxford, John Grigg won the University Gladstone Memorial Prize in 1948.

Which publication did John Grigg join after graduating from Oxford?

After graduating from Oxford, John Grigg joined the National Review, which was owned and edited by his father.

For which constituency did John Grigg attempt to get elected to the House of Commons?

John Grigg attempted to get elected to the House of Commons for the constituency of Oldham West.

In which general elections did John Grigg stand for election but was unsuccessful?

John Grigg stood for election in the 1951 and 1955 United Kingdom general elections but was defeated on both occasions.

Why did inheriting the title of Baron Altrincham seemingly end John Grigg's parliamentary ambitions?

Inheriting the title of Baron Altrincham in December 1955 meant he would be eligible for a seat in the House of Lords, which conflicted with his ambition to be elected to the House of Commons, and he refused to apply for a writ of summons to the Lords.

Did John Grigg ever take his seat in the House of Lords after inheriting the title?

No, John Grigg refused to apply for a writ of summons to exercise his right to a seat in the House of Lords after inheriting the title of Baron Altrincham.

Why did John Grigg disclaim his peerage under the Peerage Act 1963?

John Grigg disclaimed his peerage under the Peerage Act 1963 because he was entirely opposed to hereditary seats in Parliament and felt honor-bound to do so.

Which political party did John Grigg leave in 1982?

In 1982, John Grigg left the Conservative Party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

How did John Grigg become the editor of the National and English Review?

As his father's health declined in the early 1950s, John Grigg assumed most of the managerial and editorial duties of the National and English Review, formally taking over the editorship upon his father's death in December 1955.

What stance did John Grigg take regarding the Suez Crisis?

In 1956, John Grigg attacked Anthony Eden's government for its handling of the Suez Crisis and advocated for an immediate withdrawal of British forces from Port Said.

Besides reform, what did John Grigg suggest as an alternative for the House of Lords?

John Grigg suggested that abolition might be the only alternative if the House of Lords could not be reformed.

How did John Grigg describe his relationship with the monarchy?

John Grigg described himself as a committed monarchist, stating, 'I love the monarchy. Constitutional monarchy is Britain's greatest invention,' and compared his criticism to that of an art critic who loves art.

According to Grigg's 1957 article, what difficult task does the Royal Family face?

Grigg stated that the Royal Family faces the seemingly impossible task of being 'at once ordinary and extraordinary'.

What did Grigg suggest about the Queen's personality and future reputation in his 1957 article?

Grigg suggested that when Queen Elizabeth II lost the 'bloom of youth,' her reputation would depend far more on her personality, requiring her to act on her own initiative and say memorable things, noting that there was little sign of such a personality emerging yet.

What criticism did Grigg level against the Royal Family's education and social circle?

Grigg criticized the Royal Family's conventional upper-class education and suggested that the Queen and Princess Margaret still bore the 'debutante stamp,' implying it was inadequate training for their roles and that Prince Charles should be equipped with more knowledge and mix with a wider variety of people.

How did Grigg describe the 'Debutante Parties' and their connection to the monarchy?

Grigg called the Debutante Parties a 'grotesque survival from the Monarchy's 'hierarchical' past,' arguing they pandered to snobbery and gave the Crown the appearance of presiding over an aristocratic and plutocratic pyramid, suggesting the Crown's blessing should be reserved for those who qualified through public service.

What was Grigg's view on the composition of the Queen's personal staff and court?

Grigg believed the Queen's court was socially lopsided, with her personal staff almost exclusively being of the 'tweedy' sort. He advocated for a more classless and Commonwealth court, surrounded by advisers and companions with diverse backgrounds to provide a variety of personalities and viewpoints.

How did Grigg characterize the Queen's public speaking style?

John Grigg characterized the Queen's public speaking style as 'frankly a pain in the neck,' noting her apparent inability to string sentences together without a written text and suggesting that even prepared speeches could be delivered with more spontaneity.

What specific criticism did Grigg make about the Queen's speeches sounding 'hollow'?

Grigg felt that phrases like 'I am deeply moved' sounded hollow when read from a typescript, implying a lack of genuine emotion or spontaneity in the Queen's delivery.

What was the immediate public reaction to John Grigg's article 'The Monarchy Today'?

John Grigg's article caused an international furore, with widespread criticism from the press and public, although a minority, including the New Statesman and The Spectator, agreed with some of his points.

Who was the Archbishop of Canterbury that criticized Grigg's article?

Geoffrey Fisher, the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time, was among those who criticized John Grigg's article.

How did the Altrincham Town Council react to Lord Altrincham's article?

The Altrincham Town Council strongly deplored the article, issuing a statement to disassociate the borough from its comments and reaffirming their loyalty to the Queen.

What was the outcome of the physical assault on John Grigg by Philip Kinghorn Burbidge?

Philip Kinghorn Burbidge, a member of the League of Empire Loyalists, slapped John Grigg's face. Burbidge later pleaded guilty to a charge of using insulting behaviour and was fined 20 shillings.

What did the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate say about Philip Kinghorn Burbidge's actions?

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate stated that Burbidge's action only made the episode 'more squalid' and that the 'weapon to be used is the weight of public opinion and not to make it the excuse for a gutter brawl'.

How did Robert Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia, react to Grigg's article?

Robert Menzies publicly criticized Grigg's article as 'shocking criticism' and suggested that the Queen performed her duties with perfection, implying that criticism of her speech delivery was unwarranted.

How did John Grigg respond to Robert Menzies's criticism?

John Grigg responded by calling Menzies 'stuffily subservient' and accusing him of blindly worshipping the Sovereign, arguing that such an attitude did the Queen a disservice and endangered the monarchy.

What specific advice did Menzies give the Queen regarding polio risk during her Australian tour, and what was the consequence?

Following Menzies' advice due to a mild polio outbreak, the Queen did not shake hands with anyone during her visit to Western Australia, despite the minute risk to her compared to the public.

What was Grigg's belief about the strength of the British monarchy in relation to criticism?

John Grigg believed that the strength of the British monarchy was precisely because it was subject to comment and criticism, rather than being worshipped in a quasi-religious way.

How did Grigg describe the 1950s royal coverage in the press?

John Grigg described the 1950s royal coverage as characterized by 'blandness and servility,' fearing a drift towards a Japanese Shintoism where the monarchy was worshipped rather than loved and cherished, with criticism being completely out of the question.

When did the National and English Review cease publication?

The National and English Review ceased publication in June 1960.

What was the title of the column John Grigg wrote for The Guardian?

For the rest of the 1960s, John Grigg wrote a column for The Guardian titled 'A Word in Edgeways', which he shared with Tony Benn.

What was the main biographical project John Grigg dedicated the remainder of his life to?

John Grigg dedicated the remainder of his life to writing a multi-volume biography of the British Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Which volume of the David Lloyd George biography won the Whitbread Award?

The second volume of the biography, 'Lloyd George: The People's Champion', covering the years 1902 to 1911, won the Whitbread Award for biography.

John Grigg Wiki: The Royal Scrutineer: John Grigg's Candid Critique

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John Grigg: An Overview

Identity and Titles

John Edward Poynder Grigg (15 April 1924 – 31 December 2001) was a prominent British writer, historian, and journalist. He held the title of 2nd Baron Altrincham from 1955 until 1963, when he formally disclaimed it under the Peerage Act, asserting his opposition to hereditary parliamentary seats.

Education and Early Life

Born in London, Grigg was the son of Edward Grigg, 1st Baron Altrincham, a former MP and Governor of Kenya, and Joan Grigg. He received his education at Eton College before pursuing Modern History at New College, Oxford, where he graduated with second-class honours and received the Gladstone Memorial Prize in 1948.

Military Service

During World War II, Grigg served as an officer in the Grenadier Guards (1943–1950). He saw action on the Western Front in France and Belgium and later served as an intelligence officer. His service included ceremonial duties as an officer of the Guard at St James's Palace and Windsor Castle.

Political Engagements

Parliamentary Ambitions

A self-described "liberal Tory," Grigg sought election to the House of Commons, standing twice for the Oldham West constituency in the 1951 and 1955 general elections. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in both attempts.

Peerage and Disclaimer

Upon his father's death in 1955, Grigg inherited the title Baron Altrincham. However, he refused to take his seat in the House of Lords. In 1963, he was among the first to disclaim his peerage under the Peerage Act, stating his fundamental opposition to hereditary seats in Parliament. This decision necessitated a name change, which he found to be a "bore." Later in his career, he supported the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Journalistic Acumen

The National and English Review

Grigg assumed editorial duties of the National and English Review from his father in the 1950s. He transformed it into a platform reflecting his own views, often challenging the political establishment. He notably criticized Anthony Eden's government over the Suez Crisis, advocating for an immediate withdrawal of British forces.

Advocating Change

Beyond political commentary, Grigg championed social reforms. He advocated for the introduction of women priests into the Anglican Church and supported reform of the House of Lords, even suggesting abolition as an alternative if reform proved impossible.

Critiquing the Crown

"The Monarchy Today" (1957)

In a seminal 1957 article, Grigg offered a candid assessment of Queen Elizabeth II and her court. While affirming his commitment to the monarchy as an institution, he argued that its survival depended on adaptation and a more dynamic approach from its members. He expressed concern that the monarchy's hold on public allegiance was not as secure as complacency might suggest.

Grigg's critique highlighted the need for the Royal Family to evolve:

“The Monarchy will not survive, let alone thrive, unless its leading figures exert themselves to the full and with all the imagination they and their advisers can command.”

“If it is vital that the Monarchy should transcend race, it is hardly less necessary that it should transcend 'class'. The relatively 'class-less' character of George V has been mentioned; unfortunately it is not to be seen in his grand-daughters.”

“The Queen and Princess Margaret still bear the debutante stamp. Why is this? The most likely reason is that they were given a conventional upper-class education.”

“The Queen's speeches... her own natural self is not allowed to come through. It's a sort of synthetic creature that speaks. Not the Queen as she really is.”

Controversy and Defense

The article ignited a national and international furore. Grigg faced public condemnation, including a physical assault, and criticism from figures like the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, he stood firm, asserting his loyalty and belief that constructive criticism was vital for the monarchy's health. Notably, Martin Charteris, the Queen's assistant private secretary, later acknowledged the article's service to the monarchy.

Grigg defended his stance in interviews and writings:

On his motives: "I'm a journalist. I'm a subject of the Queen. I care very much for her future and I want her reign to be as successful as it possibly can be."
On criticism: "I'm quite sure that this needed saying, and from the letters that I'm getting in enormous numbers, I am convinced that a majority of the people in this country, and in other countries of the Commonwealth, are on my side in this matter."
On the Court: "The trouble about the Court is that it's all drawn from one small section of this country. It should be drawn from every country of the Commonwealth, and from every section of the community."
On Menzies' criticism: He countered Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies' praise for the Queen's "perfection," calling Menzies "stuffily subservient" and arguing that blind worship was a disservice to the monarchy.

The controversy highlighted a tension between deference and critical engagement regarding the Royal Family.

Historical Scholarship

Biography of David Lloyd George

Grigg dedicated a significant portion of his career to a comprehensive, multi-volume biography of Prime Minister David Lloyd George. His work was lauded for its depth, clarity, and impartiality. The first volume, The Young Lloyd George, was published in 1973. Subsequent volumes, including Lloyd George: The People's Champion (1978) and Lloyd George, From Peace To War 1912–1916 (1985), received prestigious awards such as the Whitbread Award and the Wolfson History Prize.

Other Notable Works

Beyond his magnum opus, Grigg authored several other significant books:

Two Anglican Essays (1958): Explored Anglicanism and changes within the Church of England.
Is the Monarchy Perfect? (1958): A compilation of his writings on the monarchy.
Nancy Astor: Portrait of a Pioneer (1980): A biography of the influential Viscountess Astor.
The History of the Times: Volume VI The Thomson Years 1966–1981 (1993): Chronicled a period of the newspaper's history.
1943: The Victory That Never Was (1980): Argued that the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944 unnecessarily prolonged World War II.

Cultural Resonance

Portrayal in "The Crown"

John Grigg's controversial 1957 article and its impact were notably depicted in the Netflix series The Crown, where he was portrayed by actor John Heffernan. The show's historical consultant, Robert Lacey, acknowledged Grigg's significant role, stating, "You did a great service to the monarchy." This portrayal brought Grigg's critical perspective to a wider global audience.

Personal Life

Family

John Grigg married Patricia Campbell, who worked at the National and English Review, on 3 December 1958. Together, they adopted two sons. His parents were Edward Grigg, 1st Baron Altrincham, and Joan Grigg. His maternal grandfather was John Dickson-Poynder, 1st Baron Islington.

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References

Geoffrey Wheatcroft, 'Grigg, John Edward Poynder, second Baron Altrincham (1924â2001)â, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Jan 2005; online edn, January 2011.

"2nd Baron Altrincham weds Patricia Campbell" alamy.com retrieved 27 April 2017

"Altrincham, Baron (UK, 1945)" Cracroft's Peerage retrieved 27 April 2017

A full list of references for this article are available at the John Grigg Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on John Grigg, and may not be entirely comprehensive, up-to-date, or reflect the nuances of historical interpretation.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for scholarly research, historical consultation, or expert analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, the creators are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

John Grigg: A Life of Intellectual Courage

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John Grigg: An Overview ℹ️

👤 Identity and Titles

🎓 Education and Early Life

🎖️ Military Service

Political Engagements 🏛️

🗳️ Parliamentary Ambitions

⚖️ Peerage and Disclaimer

Journalistic Acumen 📰

✍️ The National and English Review

⛪ Advocating Change

Critiquing the Crown 👑

🧐 "The Monarchy Today" (1957)

🔥 Controversy and Defense

Historical Scholarship 📜

👑 Biography of David Lloyd George

📖 Other Notable Works

Cultural Resonance 🎭

📺 Portrayal in "The Crown"

Personal Life ❤️

💍 Family

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

John Grigg: An Overview

Identity and Titles

Education and Early Life

Military Service

Political Engagements

Parliamentary Ambitions

Peerage and Disclaimer

Journalistic Acumen

The National and English Review

Advocating Change

Critiquing the Crown

"The Monarchy Today" (1957)

Controversy and Defense

Historical Scholarship

Biography of David Lloyd George

Other Notable Works

Cultural Resonance

Portrayal in "The Crown"

Personal Life

Family

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice