born , Feb. 3, 1830, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Eng.
died Aug. 22, 1903, Hatfield
British prime minister (1885–86, 1886–92, 1895–1902).
He served in Berlin . He led the Conservative Party opposition in the House of Lords, then became prime minister on three occasions beginning in 1885, usually serving concurrently as foreign secretary. He opposed alliances, maintained strong national interests, and presided over an expansion of Britain's colonial empire, especially in Africa. He retired in 1902 in favour of his nephew, {{link=Balfour of Whittingehame, Arthur James, 1st Earl">Arthur James Balfour .