TOWCESTER FAMILIES

Alfred Deakin                                                                   Home

Three times Prime Minister of Australia for a period in total of almost five years, Alfred Deakin was a gifted writer and orator. He entered Victorian State Parliament in 1879. He championed federation and was the Victorian delegate when the Australian Colonies Government Bill was presented to the Imperial Parliament.

A founder member of the Australian parliament he became prime minister in 1903. Nicknamed 'Affable Alfred', Deakin's ideal was a just and progressive Australia with equal rights for all citizens regardless of wealth or standing. His vision saw Australia as an Anglo-Celtic nation, separate but true to the traditions of Empire.

Alfred Deakin was born on August 3, 1856 in Fitzroy, Australia. His parents had migrated from England in 1849 and joined the rush to the gold fields, but not finding their fortune settled for a modest living in Melbourne.  His father, William Deakin, was born in Towcester, and baptised in the Independent Chapel in 1820, the son of an Exciseman, John Deakin.